Business Details
Premier Dance Classes in Henrietta NY
At Visions Dance Studio, we believe dance is for every body and every aspiration. Since 1996, our technique-based instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary styles has served recreational dancers and future professionals alike. Our faculty combines advanced dance training with degrees in education, psychology, and human development to create a safe, inclusive environment where students build confidence, creativity, and physical fitness. We prioritize proper technique while fostering artistic expression through 10-month programs, summer camps, workshops, and private lessons.As a community hub, we offer multiple performance opportunities annually and maintain affiliations with local institutions like the Henrietta Recreation Center. Our approach integrates decades of combined teaching experience with therapeutic insights, ensuring a supportive space where students of all ages thrive. Whether preparing for competitions or exploring dance for personal growth, our students benefit from individualized attention and a curriculum designed to nurture both skill development and lifelong friendships.
Services
Classical ballet
Tap dancing
Hip hop
Contemporary dance
Summer camps
Private lessons
Adult classes
Performance workshops
Creative movement
Lyrical dance
Highlights and features
- Our instructors hold advanced degrees in education and human development
- We serve students from recreational to competition level
- Certified faculty with 25+ years of collective teaching experience
- Structured curriculum with clear progression objectives
- Multiple annual performance opportunities at regional venues
Associations and certifications
- Dance Educators of America
Services
Classical ballet
Our ballet program develops technical proficiency through structured training in classical technique. Students receive progressive instruction focusing on proper posture, alignment, and movement precision. Classes emphasize musicality, artistry, and performance readiness while maintaining a supportive environment for both recreational and serious dancers pursuing professional careers.
Hip hop
Contemporary hip hop classes teach urban dance styles with emphasis on rhythm, isolations, and personal expression. Our instructors blend commercial and freestyle techniques to develop students' versatility. Classes cater to all skill levels while preparing advanced dancers for competition and performance opportunities in the greater Rochester area.
Summer camps
Week-long dance intensive programs combine technique training with choreography and creative workshops. Camps include themed activities, guest instructors, and showcase performances. Designed for ages 5-18, our summer programs foster artistic growth while providing structured instruction in multiple dance styles within a nurturing environment.
Private lessons
One-on-one training offers personalized attention for technical refinement and performance preparation. Available in all dance styles, lessons accommodate individual goals for competition, auditions, or personal development. Students benefit from customized curriculum plans and direct feedback from our certified faculty members.
Lyrical dance
Lyrical dance combines ballet technique with emotional storytelling through movement. Classes focus on fluid transitions, expressive choreography, and technical control. Our program develops performance quality and artistic interpretation while maintaining strong technical foundations for dance competitions and recital performances.
People
Elise Gaudino
Founder
Founder with 35 years teaching experience, holds psychology degree, teaches dance while overcoming brain cancer challenges, developed curriculum integrating child development principles, and nurtures future dance professionals.
Kate Bissinger
Director
Certified instructor with 30+ years dance expertise, former student of Elise, holds human development master's degree, specializes in choreography and teacher training while maintaining program standards established over 25 years of affiliation.
Shannon Cassidy
Instructor
25-year teaching veteran, nursing student, brings unique energy to classes, former student of studio's predecessor program, connects dance instruction to health and wellness perspectives through combined experience in elder care and education.
Lisa Tytler
Instructor
Special education teacher with master's in literacy, certified in childhood education, teaches preschool creative movement, combines therapeutic crisis intervention training with 10-year dance instruction experience, emphasizing accessibility for diverse learners.
Erin Ford
Instructor
Teaching since 2013 with 21-year studio history, licensed social worker from Nazareth University, integrates mental health perspective into dance instruction, balances marathon training with teaching responsibilities and cat ownership.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We offer classes for children starting at age 4 through adults, with specific programs designed for preschoolers, youth, teens, and adult learners.
Do you offer competitive dance opportunities?
Yes, we provide optional competition participation through workshops and performance teams while maintaining a primarily non-competitive environment for most students.
Are there performance opportunities throughout the year?
We organize multiple performance events annually at various regional venues, including recitals, community showcases, and special themed productions.
What qualifications do your instructors hold?
All instructors have advanced dance training plus academic credentials in education, psychology, or related fields, with many holding teaching certifications and graduate degrees.
Can I try a class before registering?
We offer trial classes for new students. Contact our director for current availability and registration requirements for sample sessions.
Do you teach dance technique separately from choreography?
Yes, our curriculum emphasizes technical skill development through dedicated technique classes, with separate choreography sessions for performance preparation.
Reviews (4)
OliviaLynne Doherty
Oct 05, 2020
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A hidden gem in Henrietta. Found some of the most welcoming people I've ever met. Even thought I took a break from dance I felt like I fit in with everyone. Very fun and worthwhile classes!
Alicia Terenzi
Nov 21, 2019
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My daughter has been going two years and loves it!!! They teach at an appropriate level and make it fun. I can’t wait to see her continue her dance education here!!
Cinthea Kernehan Aceto
Sep 18, 2014
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My daughter danced at Visions for 4 years. Miss Elise is a wonderful Teacher and any questions I had she answered them right away. The last year my daughter switched from the Combination class to a Hip hop class and she really enjoyed that class. Miss Elise was willing to work with me to help put my daughter in a class that she liked. Now my daughter is now continuing her focus in Gymnastics but later in the year she is taking a technique class from Miss Elise to improve her gymnastics. Visions has a great program for a great cost.
Laura Boyce Baker
Jun 05, 2014
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Visions has become our second home over the past 7 years. Elise is a wonderful, caring teacher who is a role model to her students and genuinely cares about each of them. This is not a studio with the drama that often happens in dance studios. This is a place where everyone is accepted and encouraged to develop to their fullest potential.
