Lisa Taylor Academy of Ballet & Dance Arts

going there for ballet currently as an adult and i love it!! i was worried because I've been to many adult fitness classes where it feels like the instructors look down on you for not being in tip-top shape, but this environment is encouraging, welcoming, and fun! really enjoying my time here and looking forward to growing stronger as a dancer. it's very laid back with no recitals unless you choose to train for one outside of class
Oct 11th, 2022

Sep 20th, 2021

May 12th, 2020

Lisa Taylor Academy is the absolute best ballet school in Buffalo.  Miss Lisa and her staff are incredibly knowledgeable, kind, helpful, and passionate about their art.   They are the only studio in Buffalo certified to teach the brilliant Cecchetti system of ballet. Through studying this method, students learn at a perfectly age and developmentally appropriate pace. All of this is offered in a healthy, nurturing, and inspiring atmosphere. I love this studio and am so blessed to study here!!!
Oct 31st, 2019

I've been an adult student of Lisa's for over 15 years.  My daughter also started dancing at the studio when she became old enough and stayed until she left for college.  Now that she has returned to WNY, she's back in the studio enjoying her lifelong passion for dancing and helping with administrative responsibilities.  Lisa's students often return as adults and many send their children to the studio, too.  Many of Lisa's students have gone on to dance professionally and she trains dance teachers from many of the local surrounding schools.  Lisa has a strong reputation for training students to perform with the most exquisite technique.  She teaches students to avoid the bad habits that can form in early years that will prevent them from advancing in later years.  Students learn to love ballet as an art form and as an expression of oneself, to appreciate the beautiful lines created by body and movement and to develop strong technique which is critical for a professional career or for long-term recreational dance.  The atmosphere within the studio is one of rich values:   Respect for yourself, respect for others, teamwork, and leadership.  Students are encouraged to help each other, for example, by demonstrating or teaching steps or working offline on pieces of choreography together.  Students rise to high expectations and are accountable to be focused, kind, and hard working.  Everyone is respected, supported, included as part of the team and have similar opportunities.    Diversity and inclusion is encouraged, practiced, and expected of everyone.  Contrary to another Yelp recommendation, Lisa does not promote or discuss any particular religion or religious views.  There are families and students of all different faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds. This is exactly the environment where you want your children to learn and understand that each individual is unique and appreciate our individual differences.  Lisa challenges students to strive for personal excellence who are open to growth.  She expects them to be competent, confident, supportive of others, and committed to their study of ballet.  She encourages everyone to set high personal standards in order to achieve their full potential.  We are reminded to be grateful for our abilities and achievements and yet to strive to do and be more.  Through Lisa's Apprentice Program students have the opportunity to develop their own leadership skills and qualities.  Students are taught how to formally assist others in learning ballet, gradually given more responsibility as class assistants and eventually invited to step up and lead class.Through the "Lisa Taylor Dancers" performance group, students have an opportunity to showcase their abilities in a community service-oriented program.  Performances are offered to (among others) schools, nursing homes, and in conjunction with other community groups.  This provides education and exposure to the performing arts in a fun venue to elementary school children, residents of health care facilities and is used as fund raisers for other non-profit organizations.  It helps teach students to give back to the community through themselves.Lisa is a leader, a role model, and a mentor.   She is always going above and beyond for her students by creating curriculum, programs, opportunities, and performance venues for her students.  She creates an expressive, healthful opportunity for all people to explore and enjoy movement through dance.
Oct 18th, 2019