Royal Academy of Ballet and Dance

Royal Academy of Ballet and Dance offers ballet, pre-ballet, pre-pointe, pointe, jazz, modern, and tap. It also offers Tiny Royals for ages 1-5, Young Royals for ages 5-11, RAB Jewels for ages 12-19, Knights of the Studio for boys, and Crown & Grace adult dance classes.

Programs

• Tiny Royals — Ages 1-5 yrs · Joyful, nurturing environment where creativity, coordination, and a love of dance begin to grow.
• Young Royals — Ages 5-11 · Fun, supportive environment where children build confidence, coordination, and foundational technique while developing a love for movement and dance.
• RAB Jewels — Ages 12-19 · Focused, supportive environment where dancers build confidence, strengthen technique, and grow artistically while preparing for more advanced training.
• Knights of the Studio — Boys classes offering a fun, encouraging environment where confidence grows through movement, teamwork, and play.
• Crown & Grace - Adult Dance Classes — Adults · Welcoming environment that encourages growth at your own pace.
• Ballet — Classical and contemporary styles from beginner to advanced.
• Pre-ballet — 3-5 year olds · Introduction to ballet using creative movement and musicality exercises; weight placement and positions of the feet are also introduced.
• Pre-pointe — Physical therapy to strengthen the feet and ankles of dancers preparing for the transition from ballet class to pointe work.
• Pointe — Concentrates on movements performed exclusively on pointe, strengthening students’ technique for performing.
• Jazz — Concentrates on isolated movements and musical rhythms, based on jazz styles from masters across the United States.
• Modern — Contemporary dance style, concentrating on controlled free movement.
• Tap — Classic tap styles based on general music rhythms and timing.

At a glance

• Ages: 1–18 years old

About the provider

Royal Academy of Ballet was founded in 1947. Elizabeth DiStasio-Waddell is the director and owner, and she is also the Artistic Director of the Greater Buffalo Youth Ballet. Ginger Burke is listed as the founder. The school has been teaching dance excellence to WNY since 1947, is the official school of the Greater Buffalo Youth Ballet, and encourages students to audition for the winter and spring performances given by the Greater Buffalo Youth Ballet. All students perform in a spring performance.

What families say

“Great classes , clean studios and great people . Highly recommended for any dancer at any level. The teachers are so welcoming my top pick for a dance studio in WNY.” — Rebecca Durawa

“We are huge fans of RAB and dance!! My daughter has been going there for three years now, and I have taken a few adult ballet and tap classes as well. Their technique is superb, taught by a wonderful and exceptionally talented staff.” — Melissa Levin

Last updated September 7, 2026.