South Buffalo Dance Academy
Family dance studio in South Buffalo since 1976, teaching tap, jazz, ballet…
South Buffalo Dance Academy was founded in 1976 by Eleanor Donovan Gilson, a South Buffalo native who opened the studio as a junior at Mount Mercy Academy.
Photo: South Buffalo Dance Academy via Google
Before your first class
The studio welcomes dancers of all ages and levels, from preschoolers through adults, and actively recruits new students through open-house events.
My Grown-Up & Me program: $120 per 6-week session (child only), $25 drop-in per class.
About this studio
South Buffalo Dance Academy was founded in 1976 by Eleanor Donovan Gilson, a South Buffalo native who opened the studio as a junior at Mount Mercy Academy. What started as a small studio with just a couple of students has grown into a family business serving the Buffalo community for nearly five decades. Eleanor remains the owner and director, now working alongside her daughter and co-director Alanna Gilson, who is a recent graduate with a bachelor's in Dance and Arts for Children.
The studio offers classes across a wide age and skill range. For the youngest learners, there's a Preschool Combo Class for ages 3–5. Children aged 6 and up can take Tap, Jazz, Acrobatics, and Ballet & Pointe. Hip-Hop is available for ages 9 and up. Adults can join Tap classes, and advanced-level dancers have access to Modern/Contemporary and Technique classes. Private lessons are also available.
A standout offering is the My Grown-Up & Me program, a special class designed for adults and toddlers together. Classes run for six weeks and combine songs and exercises based on dance and gymnastics fundamentals, designed to build coordination skills and rhythm while letting toddlers socialise and expend energy.
The studio welcomes new dancers and holds regular open houses for prospective students to meet staff and ask questions. They maintain an active social media presence and publish photos and videos of their work. Summer camps are part of their annual schedule.
What to expect
Your first visit
New students are encouraged to attend an open house to meet the staff, see the studio, and get their questions answered before joining. The studio operates a straightforward registration process for both new and returning students.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Owner and director Eleanor Donovan Gilson founded the studio in 1976 and remains actively involved. Her daughter Alanna Gilson, who holds a bachelor's degree in Dance and Arts for Children, serves as co-director and is currently teaching and learning the business.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The studio welcomes dancers of all ages and levels, from preschoolers through adults, and actively recruits new students through open-house events.
Studio history
Eleanor Donovan Gilson, a South Buffalo native, founded South Buffalo Dance Academy in 1976 while still a junior at Mount Mercy Academy. The studio grew from a small operation with just a couple of students into the established family business it is today.
Styles offered
8 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
South Buffalo Dance Academyhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own South Buffalo Dance Academy, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about South Buffalo Dance Academy
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does South Buffalo Dance Academy teach?
South Buffalo Dance Academy teaches General, Tap, Jazz, Acro Dance, Ballet & Pointe, Hip-Hop and 2 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is South Buffalo Dance Academy located?
South Buffalo Dance Academy is located in Buffalo, NY. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does South Buffalo Dance Academy offer private lessons?
Contact South Buffalo Dance Academy directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does South Buffalo Dance Academy teach kids and adults?
South Buffalo Dance Academy welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at South Buffalo Dance Academy?
The fastest path is to visit South Buffalo Dance Academy via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.