Ballet classes in Buffalo, NY
Every dancer starts with a first class.
Your first class at the American Academy of Ballet is free. From a child’s first steps to an adult’s new beginning, we’ll help you find a place to start.
Williamsville, NY · Teaching Buffalo since 1964
Find your class
Where does your dancer begin?
A first class, a next step, or a return to ballet. Placement takes age and experience into account; we can help you choose.
Age 3
Fairy Tale Dance
An imaginative introduction to movement, music and the foundations of dance.
Explore children’s classes →Ages 4–5
Pre-Ballet I & II
Age-appropriate ballet foundations, with an emphasis on musicality and coordination.
Explore pre-ballet →Beginning around ages 5–6
Ballet 1 & beyond
Structured classical training, with a progression through Ballet A–E, Intermediate, Advanced and Pre-Professional.
Explore ballet levels →Adults, all levels
Adult Ballet & Tap
A welcoming place for complete beginners and returning dancers. Explore the current ballet and tap schedule.
Explore adult classes →Starting as a teen, or unsure of a level? Ask us about placement.
Your first class
One step at a time
Tell us about your dancer
Use the trial form below to share your dancer’s age, experience and contact information.
Find the right class
Ask us about placement and confirm the class day, time and what to bring before you visit.
Come to the studio
You’ll find us at 491 W Klein Road in Williamsville. Leave a little time to get settled.
Try a first class
Get a feel for the school, then talk with us about the next step and any questions you have.
What to wear
Ready to move
Fairy Tale Dance and Pre-Ballet I & II students wear a pink tank leotard. The ballet attire guide specifies pink tights, pink ballet shoes with elastic, and hair in a bun.
Adults have no required uniform. Traditional ballet attire is welcome but not mandatory.
Before a trial, check with us about what to bring. Please label your dancer’s dancewear.
Read the full attire guide →Why AAB
A classical tradition. A place to begin.
1964
Rooted in Buffalo
More than six decades of dance education in Western New York.
SAB
The Balanchine tradition
Director Donatella Oppenheimer trained at the School of American Ballet.
Meet our faculty →A place to grow
Training at every stage
From Fairy Tale Dance through Pre-Professional training, with classes for adults too.
A few helpful answers
Before you begin
Is the first class free?
Yes. Use the free-trial form below to request a class. Check with us about placement, availability and what to bring before your visit.
My child has never danced. Where do we start?
Fairy Tale Dance begins at age three, followed by Pre-Ballet I & II for ages four and five. Share your child’s age and experience so we can help identify an appropriate class.
Which class is right for my child?
Ballet 1 begins around ages five to six, with further levels for continuing dancers. Placement depends on age, experience and development. Ask us about the right starting point, including options for teens.
Can I begin ballet as an adult?
Yes. Adult classes welcome complete beginners and returning dancers. There’s no required uniform. View adult classes and current pricing.
Can we join during the year?
Adult classes welcome new students throughout the Fall/Spring season. For children’s classes, contact us about current availability and placement.
What should we bring to a trial?
Check with us before your visit about attire and what to bring. If you have questions about where parents can wait or watch, include them in your request.
Your next step
Ready for the first class?
Request a free trial, or get in touch. We’re happy to help you find a starting point.
491 W Klein Road, Williamsville, NY 14221
Get directions · Already know your class? Parent Portal