Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Henrietta, NY
Visions Dance Studio has been a cornerstone of dance education in Henrietta, NY for over 27 years, offering comprehensive training in classical ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary dance styles. Founded by Elise Gaudino, our studio prioritizes technical excellence, creative expression, and a supportive environment where students of all ages and skill levels thrive. Our instructors combine professional dance experience with advanced degrees in education, child development, and human development to deliver high-quality, personalized instruction. We foster a community where dancers build confidence, forge friendships, and develop lifelong skills through performance opportunities and a non-competitive atmosphere.Our curriculum, designed to accommodate recreational students and aspiring professionals, includes 8-week sessions, 10-month programs, summer camps, workshops, and private lessons. With a legacy of producing award-winning students and industry professionals, we remain committed to making dance accessible to every body. Our teams dedication to individual growth ensures every student receives the attention needed to achieve their full potential. We take pride in our ability to adapt to challenges, as demonstrated by our founders resilience in continuing to lead the studio despite health obstacles. Our mission is to cultivate a lifelong love of dance while nurturing personal development in a safe, inclusive space.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Dance Instruction
Jazz Dance Programs
Hip Hop Workshops
Lyrical Dance Training
Contemporary Dance
Private Lessons
Summer Camps
Workshops
Preschool Creative Movement
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 27+ years of experience in dance education with certified instructors.
- Our team holds advanced degrees in education and child development.
- We provide performance opportunities at various venues annually.
- Our curriculum emphasizes proper technique and creative artistry.
- We maintain a supportive, non-competitive environment for all skill levels.
Associations and certifications
- Dance Educators of America
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops foundational technique through structured training in classical positions, barre work, and center combinations. Students progress through levels with clear objectives while building strength, flexibility, and artistic expression. Ideal for dancers seeking technical mastery in a traditional style.
Tap Dance Instruction
Tap classes focus on rhythm, precision, and musicality using specialized footwear to create percussive sounds. Our curriculum combines technical drills with choreography to develop coordination and improvisational skills for dancers of all experience levels.
Hip Hop Workshops
These energetic workshops teach street-style dance techniques including breaking, popping, and locking. Classes emphasize freestyle expression and cultural context while improving cardiovascular fitness and body control in a high-energy environment.
Private Lessons
Customized instruction tailored to individual goals, whether preparing for competitions, refining technique, or exploring choreography. Private sessions provide focused attention to accelerate progress and address specific development areas for dedicated dancers.
Summer Camps
Week-long immersive experiences combining multiple dance styles with creative projects and performance preparation. Camps foster artistic growth and social connections through collaborative activities while maintaining technical development during school breaks.
People
Elise Gaudino
Founder
Founder with 35 years of teaching experience, Elise developed our curriculum combining dance expertise and child development knowledge. A cancer survivor, she built the studio's community-focused philosophy before passing leadership to Kate Bissinger in 2022.
Kate Bissinger
Director
Director with 30+ years of professional dance experience, Kate holds DEA certification and advanced degrees in human development. She continues Elise's legacy while bringing her choreographic expertise and educational background to studio leadership.
Shannon Cassidy
Instructor
Instructor with 25+ years of local teaching experience, Shannon combines dance instruction with elder care work. Her unique style and energy create engaging classes that connect with students across multiple generations.
Lisa Tytler
Instructor
Alumni instructor certified in childhood education, Lisa teaches preschool creative movement and ballet. Her dual expertise as a special education teacher enhances her ability to connect with diverse learners in dance education.
Erin Ford
Instructor
Instructor teaching for a decade, Erin combines social work expertise with dance instruction. Her background in medical social work brings unique perspective to fostering confidence and self-expression through dance education.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer classical ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary dance instruction for all skill levels.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, we provide multiple optional performance opportunities annually at various venues for interested students.
Do you teach preschoolers?
Yes, we offer creative movement classes for preschoolers focusing on foundational dance skills and motor development.
Can I take private lessons?
Private lessons are available with our director for personalized instruction and technique refinement.
What qualifications do instructors have?
Our instructors hold advanced degrees in education and child development, with certifications from organizations like Dance Educators of America.
Are there summer programs?
We offer immersive week-long summer camps combining multiple dance styles with creative projects and performance preparation.
