Tiffany's School of Dance & Performing Arts Center at Syracuse

Tiffany's School of Dance & Performing Arts Center began in summer 2010 as Gazella Dance Studio with founder Tiffany Mayer, 38 students, and 4 disciplines. After five years on Jordan Road, the studio moved to a larger facility and took its current name. Now operating at two locations—Skaneateles and Syracuse—TSDPAC serves students aged 3 to 18 across all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.

The studio offers classes in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, pointe, jazz funk, lyrical, and musical theater. All students begin in the recreational "Studio" track, which focuses on core technique training and unique routines for the Holiday Show and Spring Recital. Students who meet audition requirements can progress to the competition-level classes, where dancers compete and attend conventions throughout the year.

Beyond dance, TSDPAC provides tumbling classes ranging from "My Buddy and Me Tumble" for the youngest students to advanced skills, ninja training in strength, conditioning, and obstacle course work for ages 2–18, and theater programming including musical theater dance, private and group voice and piano lessons, and the Broadway Bound Summer Camp. The faculty includes Tiffany Mayer (Owner/Director), Cara Connolly (ballet), Bradley Benjamin Stone (musical theater and choreography), Kayla Ahrem (jazz, hip-hop, musical theater), Taylor Fraser (tumbling and gymnastics), Cierra Murphy (ninja), Corinne Price-Schmidt (Assistant Director, hip hop and jazz funk), Carlin MacBlane (tap, jazz, contemporary, musical theater), and Emma Pinker (contemporary, lyrical, jazz).

The studio maintains two recently renovated studios within the building. All students participate in community events throughout Syracuse, Skaneateles, and surrounding areas. The studio's stated mission is to enrich students' lives through the performing arts while cultivating a nurturing, confidence-building community. Birthday parties are available at both locations on Saturdays after 12 noon, featuring a 30-minute class followed by a demo performance and access to the waiting area and fourth studio for cake and presents.

Your first visit can be a free trial class in your choice of discipline. Registration is ongoing, and staff are available to help you choose the right class for your family. The studio welcomes visits, offers registration support, and sells shoes, tights, and leotards on-site.

The faculty spans multiple disciplines and experience levels. Tiffany Mayer founded the studio and teaches across several styles. Cara Connolly brings professional ballet credentials including training at Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and the School at Steps, plus professional experience with Hudson Valley Ballet and other companies. Bradley Benjamin Stone is a performer and choreographer with Broadway credits including Oklahoma! and appearances on The Today Show and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade; he is an adjunct professor of dance at Syracuse University. Corinne Price-Schmidt, the Assistant Director, co-founded and led SUNY Cortland's Danceworks dance team and holds Master's degrees in Health Education and Wellness Promotion. Other instructors include Kayla Ahrem, Taylor Fraser (with 20+ years of gymnastics coaching experience), Carlin MacBlane, Emma Pinker, and Cierra Murphy.

All students start in the recreational Studio track, which focuses on foundational technique; the studio describes these classes as the heart of TSDPAC and where all students learn the basics of each discipline.