Royal Academy of Ballet and Dance celebrates 60 years of dance excellence

The Royal Academy of Ballet will hold its open house Aug. 28 and 31, and Sept. 9.

Elizabeth DiStasio-Waddell, director of the Royal Academy of Ballet and Dance, is proud to announce the 60-year anniversary of Royal Academy of Ballet, teaching Western New York grace, poise and confidence.

Following in Royal Academy's founder Ginger Burke's footsteps, DiStasio-Waddell is honored to have the opportunity to continue her legacy, and is dedicated to taking RAB and Dance to its centennial celebration.

Royal Academy has produced many professional dancers as well as dance educators who live locally and throughout the United States and Europe.

"We take pride in being one of the longest-standing dance schools, teaching the joy of dance and the wonderful benefits to the mind, body and soul," says DiStasio-Waddell.

Under the direction of DiStasio-Waddell, the Royal Academy of Ballet and Dance has expanded in curriculum and location, moving into a new state-of-the-art facility, located at 949 Englewood Ave.

"This location gives us the opportunity to offer more classes in ballet, as well as pre-pointe, pointe, variations, jazz, tap, modern, musical theater, acro, pre-ballet and music and movement, and stretch and conditioning classes," said DiStasio-Waddell. Classes are offered for ages 3 through professional.

The Royal Academy of Ballet and Dance offers many performance opportunities, which builds confidence and offers an outlet for the dancers to express their artistic accomplishments.

All students will perform in their anniversary celebration at Rockwell Hall in June, as well as the opportunity to audition for the Greater Buffalo Youth Ballet Company's holiday and spring performances.

This year, the Greater Buffalo Youth Ballet Company will be performing "Firebird" at the Center for the Arts, Mainstage Theatre, located at UB, as well as various performances with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

They invite you to join them at their open house and registration from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, and Thursday, Aug. 31, and again from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9.

"This is a great way to meet the teachers, see the facility and experience the tradition in teaching excellence behind the studio," said DiStasio-Waddell.

Register by phone by calling 835-3585 or 876-3717, or on the Web at www.royalacademyofbal let.com.