Youth Classes begin First Monday after Labor Day in September
Youth Classes usually end the Last week of May
During the school year (September – May) the Conservatory is open and holds classes Monday – Saturday. During the summer months, we host special programs and intensives Monday – Friday. Please call ahead 716-447-0401 for office hours.
All levels of classical ballet from Creative Movement for 3 & 4 year-olds to Adult as well as body conditioning and private classes. Adult Ballet, Floor & Core Barre classes are also offered.
The staff of the Conservatory will initially place your child based on age and previous training. Your child may be moved up or down a level after being evaluated in that class. Sometimes students are moved up or down mid-year.
Students receive a written evaluation at the end of each year which indicates their recommended level for the following year. Unlike academic schools, our ballet students do not automatically progress to the next level each year. Students should not be discouraged if they remain in a particular level for more than a year. It’s not uncommon for students to spend multiple years at a particular level. They will advance when the instructors indicate readiness. This is to help prevent injury, to ensure that the child has mastered the required technique, and that the child is physically, emotionally and socially ready to advance.
Students in Ballet 1 through Pre-Professional receive detailed evaluations which grade categories of mastery on a scale including: Needs Improvement / Satisfactory / Good / Very Good / Excellent. Here’s a handy guide to understanding the various evaluation categories. (Note that younger students are evaluated on fewer elements than experienced students.)
$30 annually per family.
Review our policies (see handbook). Fill out a registration form, sign and mail to us with your registration fee, or register online. Call 716-447-0401 or email info@negliaballet.org with questions.
Conservatory forms, important documents, tuition assistance packets can be found here.
Tuition is paid three times per year (trimesters) Sept 1, Dec 1 and Mar 1. Tuition rates vary depending on class level, please refer to our tuition information link for rates. Please read through the policies carefully for important information on registration, tuition and refund policies. Late fees for tuition are strictly enforced.
We accept checks, money orders & exact cash. Visa, Master Card, American Express, PayPal accepted with a 3.5% service fee. $30 fee charged for all returned checks and $25 fee for late payments. We also accept Independent Health Flex Fit Family and personalbest debit cards for ballet classes.
Girls: All need pink tights (footed) and pink ballet slippers. Pink canvas slippers are preferred and are available at the studio for $20. Please refer to our Dress Code in the Handbook for appropriate leotard for each level. Uniform leotards for Pre-Ballet through Pre-Professional levels MUST be purchased at the studio. Long hair must be in a ballet bun. Short hair must be pulled off of face.
Click here for the WEAR MOI Leotard Sizing Chart.
Boys: All need white fitted t-shirt, black tights and black ballet slippers. Please refer to our Dress Code in the Student Handbook for more specific information and recommendations on where to purchase boys dance attire.
There is no set age for dancing on pointe at Neglia Ballet. Every dancer is unique. We understand students are eager to know exactly when they can buy their first pointe shoes. We ask you to be patient and trust our instructors to let you and your child know when they are ready. Then you’ll be given instructions on where and how to purchase properly fitted pointe shoes and information about foot care.
On days of inclement weather, please call the studio as to the status of classes or check our Facebook page. We will also be listed with the news channels. In general, if Buffalo Public Schools are closed, we will be as well.
Please refer to the annual conservatory calendar for dates we are closed and dates classes are limited.
Students in Choreography, Ballet 3, Ballet 4, Ballet 5 and Pre-Professional levels will be asked to participate in the annual Conservatory performance in June (usually the first Sunday). There is an $100 performance fee due by March 1. This fee covers the cost of costumes and includes 4 tickets to the performance. Extra tickets are available at the door.
Some students will be asked to participate in Neglia Ballet Artists productions. These are professional productions where the students are cast based on who the choreographer feels is best suited for a particular role.
Our Spring Gala has been held annually since 1999. World-class dancers, choreographers, artists and lighting designers come to Buffalo to present an elegant evening of dance. The performance is open to the public and followed by a champagne & dessert reception with dancer meet & greet. Proceeds from the gala help fund Neglia’s CityDance, scholarships, and community outreach. Usually held in mid-May at the Flickinger Performing Arts Center on the Nichols School Campus, 1250 Amherst Street, Buffalo.
Observation Week is usually in January. Parents are not allowed into the studios except during observation week. Parents may either drop off their children or wait in the waiting room during class.
We have a comfortable waiting room with seating and counters with outlets for parents to plug in their laptops while their child is in class. You may bring your own K-cups & mugs and use the Keurig coffee maker. There’s a library of ballet books to peruse and some children’s toys and books to keep siblings occupied. Please take all cell phone calls in the hall as to not disturb other guests.
Please inform us of any medical, physical or emotional problems your child may have. Parent should keep their children out of the studio unless they are in their registered class. Please pick your children up on time after classes end and make sure they are in proper dress code. Check your email regularly for conservatory memos & updates.
Absolutely! Neglia offers Summer Intensive programs for ages 8 and up. Please see our Summer Intensive page for dates and info.
Check out this informative article and video created by a Neglia Alumna.
