Find Your Rhythm
Join a dance community where passion meets purpose, guided by world-renowned artist and mentor, Matthew Clark.
The Art of Becoming
Dance is more than movement. It's a journey of growth.
Build Unshakable Confidence
Through mastering new skills and the thrill of performance, our students discover a powerful sense of self-belief that extends far beyond the studio walls. We create a safe space to try, to fail, and to fly.
Cultivate Lifelong Friendships
Our studio is a second home. In an environment built on mutual respect and shared passion, students forge powerful bonds, learning to support and celebrate one another as a true dance family.
From Our Dance Family
"Matthew literally changed my life... he coached me into a well adaptable dancer and always had the time of day for me. I am now a dance teacher in New Zealand thanks to him!"
- STACEY WITT
A Living Legend
Matthew Clark
An examination of Matthew Clark's career reveals a trajectory marked by early international acclaim, sustained artistic excellence, and validation from the highest echelons of the dance community. This history forms the bedrock of his brand credibility and is a cornerstone of the studio's promise to its students.
"Fabulous footwork and choreography."
— Gregory Hines, Tap Dance Legend
The Architect of Champions
While his personal accomplishments are formidable, his proven ability to cultivate success in others is the core promise of a dance studio. As the coach and choreographer for the US and Canadian National Teams, his students have secured an astounding 21 World Tap Dance Championship titles. This incredible record is undeniable proof of his ability to produce results at the highest level of international competition.
A "Dance Home" Philosophy
Beyond trophies, Matthew's teaching philosophy is focused on mentorship and personal growth. He creates a nurturing "dance home" where students can thrive, using dance as a vehicle to build confidence and unlock a child's potential. He is committed to developing the whole person—a crucial differentiator from studios that may prioritize technical proficiency above all else.
World-Class Mentors
Our instructors are more than just teachers; they are award-winning artists, dedicated mentors, and the heart of our studio.
Meet our incredible team! 💖 Full bios coming soon.
Our Creative Space
A look inside our state-of-the-art facility, designed to inspire creativity and support our dancers' growth.
Our space is getting ready for its close-up! 📸 A full photo tour is coming soon.
Our Classes & Programs
Explore our diverse range of classes designed to inspire artistry and build technique at every level.
Recreational Program
Our Recreational Program offers quality instruction in a nurturing environment, perfect for students who wish to explore the joy of dance, build confidence, and develop valuable life skills.
Competitive Program
For the dedicated dancer, our Competitive Program provides a more intensive training experience. Dancers in this program have specific requirements, including specialized shoes and costumes, to prepare them for the highest levels of performance.
Ballet & Pointe
The foundation of all dance forms, focusing on grace, precision, and technique.
Classes Offered:
Primary Ballet (Ages 4-6), Ballet 1 (Ages 6-9), Ballet 2 (Ages 10-13), Ballet 3 (Int/Adv), Pointe (By Permission)
Required Attire:
- Girls: Black Leotard, Pink Convertible Tights, Pink Canvas Ballet Slippers.
- Boys: White Tee-shirt, Black Dance Pants, Black Canvas Ballet Slippers.
Tap
Create rhythm and sound with intricate footwork and dynamic style.
Classes Offered:
Tiny Tappers (Ages 3-4), Tap 2, Tap/Jazz 2, Int/Adv Tap, Teen/Adult Tap
Required Attire:
- Girls: Black Leotard, Black/Pink Convertible Tights or Capri Pants, Black Oxford-style Tap Shoes.
- Boys: White or Color Tee-shirt, Black Dance Pants, Black Oxford-style Tap Shoes.
Hip Hop
Explore high-energy, popular dance styles in a fun and fast-paced class.
Classes Offered:
Kidz Hip Hop (Ages 8-12), Hip Hop 1, Hip Hop 4, Teen/Adult Hip Hop
Required Attire:
- Comfortable & loose-fitting clothing.
- Sneakers designated for Hip Hop class only (not for everyday use).
Jazz & Contemporary
Focus on expressive movement, technique, and artistic performance.
Classes Offered:
Pre-Teen Jazz, Tap/Jazz 2, Int/Adv Contemporary Jazz
Required Attire:
- Girls: Black Leotard, Black/Pink Convertible Tights or Capri Pants, Bare Feet.
- Boys: White or Color Tee-shirt, Black Dance Pants, Bare Feet.
Acrobatics (Acro)
Combine classical dance technique with precision acrobatic elements.
Classes Offered:
Acro 1 (Beginner), Acro 2
Required Attire:
- Girls: Black Leotard, Black/Pink Convertible Tights or Capri Pants, Bare Feet.
- Boys: White or Color Tee-shirt, Black Dance Pants, Bare Feet.
Young Dancer Program
A playful introduction to dance, developing coordination, social interaction, and a love for movement.
Classes Offered:
Diaper Dance, Isadorables (Ages 2-3), Intro to Dance (Preschool), Combo 1 (Ages 5-7), Combo 2 (Ages 8-10)
Required Attire:
- Girls: Leotard & Tights (your choice of color & style).
- Boys: Tee-shirt & Sweatpants (your choice of color & style).
Majorette
A high-energy class featuring baton twirling, marching, and large-group choreography.
Classes Offered:
Majorette (VDHS)
Required Attire:
Attire information will be provided upon registration.
Line Dance
A fun and social class where students learn choreographed dances in a group setting.
Classes Offered:
Line Dance
Required Attire:
Comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear. Specifics provided upon registration.
Private Lessons & Coaching
Individual instruction is available upon request for dedicated students.
Focus Areas:
Solos, Duets, Trios, Small Group Choreography, and specialized coaching.
Availability:
- Inquiries should be addressed to the office.
- All private lessons must be prepaid prior to scheduling.
- Separate fees are applied to ALL private instruction.
Class Schedule
2025 - 2026 Dance Season
Please note: This schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Monday
4:45 - 5:45 PM
Majorette (VDHS)
5:45 - 6:30 PM
Ballet 1
Ages 6-9
6:30 - 7:30 PM
Ballet 2
Ages 10-13
7:30 - 8:30 PM
Ballet 3
Int/Adv
8:30 - 9:15 PM
Pointe
By Permission
Tuesday
4:30 - 5:15 PM
Tap 2
5:15 - 6:00 PM
Tap/Jazz 2
6:15 - 7:00 PM
Hip Hop 1
7:00 - 8:00 PM
Teen/Adult Hip Hop
8:00 - 9:00 PM
Teen/Adult Tap 1
Wednesday
4:30 - 5:15 PM
Intro to Dance
Preschool
6:15 - 7:15 PM
Int/Adv Tap
7:15 - 8:30 PM
Int/Adv Contemporary Jazz
Thursday
4:30 - 4:45 PM
Kidz Hip Hop
5:00 - 7:15 PM
Majorette (VDHS)
5:45 - 6:30 PM
Kidz Hip-Hop
Ages 8-12
6:30 - 7:30 PM
Pre-Teen Jazz
7:30 - 8:30 PM
Line Dance
8:30 - 9:30 PM
Hip Hop 4
Teen/Adult
Friday
By Appointment
Private Consultations
Choreography
Theatre Rehearsals
Company Classes
Saturday
10:15 - 10:45 AM
Diaper Dance
10:45 - 11:30 AM
Primary Ballet
Ages 4-6
10:45 - 11:45 AM
Acro 2
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Tiny Tappers
Ages 3-4
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Acro 1
Beginner
12:15 - 1:15 PM
Combo 1
Ages 5-7
1:15 - 2:15 PM
Combo 2
Ages 8-10
Until 5:00 PM
Private Lessons
Solos, Duets, Trios
Tuition, Fees & Policies
Please keep this information page for your reference for the year.
Registration & Showcase
Registration/Insurance Fee: A non-refundable registration fee is required for all students: $30 for a single child, or $25 per child for families with 2 to 4 students. The maximum registration fee per family is capped at $120 (for 5 or more students).
Showcase Fee: There is a MANDATORY Showcase Fee of $75/child and ($25 each additional child). This is due by your child's February tuition.
Costume Fees
Deposits: A deposit of $80.00 per dance routine is added to your November payment. Competitive Costumes are $125 per deposit.
Balances: If there is a balance it will be due in April before your child receives the costume. **Costume deposits are Non-refundable once they have been ordered.**
Monthly Tuition
| Class Type / Hours Per Week | Rate |
|---|---|
| Diaper Dance | $55 for a 6 week course |
| Isadorables (ages 2-3) | $45 |
| 45 minutes-1 Hour | $55 |
| 1.5 Hours | $70 |
| 2 Hours | $80 |
| 2.5 Hours | $95 |
| 3 Hours | $110 |
| 3.5 Hours | $125 |
| 4 Hours | $140 |
| 4.5 Hours | $155 |
| 5 Hours & up (UNLIMITED) | $225 |
Studio Policies
Payment Schedule: TUITION PAYMENTS are due the first week of every month. A late fee of $10/month will be added to all payments not received by the second week of the pay period. If payment is not received by the following week, students are NOT permitted to participate in class. **Please note: Both May and June Tuition are due with MAY payment.**
Payment Methods: Payments for registration, showcase, and tuition can be made by cash, money order, debit, or credit card. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are accepted.
Tuition Policy: Tuition is based on a flat course fee and remains the same regardless of attendance. Tuition is not affected by school closings due to holidays and inclement weather conditions.
Private Lessons: All private lessons (Solos, Duets and Trios) must be prepaid prior to scheduling. A 24hour cancellation notice due prior to scheduled lesson.
Sibling Discount: Family sibling discounts are available for siblings in the same household!
Referral Bonus: Refer a friend who registers for classes and receive $50.
Class Policies: If a student is tardy, it's at the instructor's discretion whether to allow the student to join the class already in progress. Trial classes may be requested for students interested in new techniques, however, trial classes DO NOT hold a space in the class.
Withdrawal: Please give the office written notice of withdrawal from class(es). Failure to contact the office within 30 days of registering will result in the student being billed for the entire year (including costume and showcase fees).
Communication & Closings: Each child has their own file in the lobby. Please check your family file REGULARLY for newsletters, receipts, and invoices. We also send information via email. To notify us of student's illness or absence, you may email: info@dance4capa.com or call (716) 573-6288. Emergency cancellations/closings due to inclement weather will be announced on local television stations, Channels 2, 4, and 7 in addition to being posted on, www.dance4capa.com, Facebook, and the studio phone, (716) 573-6288.
Studio Handbook
Your guide to a successful 2025-2026 Dance Season!
Welcome to Clark Academy!
We want to take this opportunity to thank you for joining us for the 2025-2026 Dance Season. We know that your child will have an enjoyable, educational and memorable experience here at the Academy. Clark Academy offers quality instruction by skilled professionals in the theatrical performing arts through an extensive variety of performance-oriented programs. Clark Academy cultivates a unique learning environment for the diverse population of children and adults who participate and contribute in the cultural life in the Western New York and Southern Ontario communities.
Classes are available in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theater, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, Modern, African, Contemporary, and Caribbean.
A Message from Matthew: Why Should My Child Dance?
In the early years of a child's life it is important to introduce them to activities that stimulate their development of physical and mental capacities. They are like a "sponge". The ability to emulate what they see, hear and develop their memory embellished by the introduction to dance. It is a necessary progression towards coordination, social interaction, and physical stability. The development of their retention skills are enhanced by learning to dance. Discipline is developed by learning a regiment, repetition of techniques, learning to follow directions, working with others, and confidence building, are all beneficial life skills that contribute to child's self esteem growth. Peaking their interests and creating an outlet for them to explore their creative and conceptual sides of the brain, is the major reason why YOUR child should Dance!
Clark Academy Code of Conduct
At the Clark Academy of Performing Arts we strive to develop not only excellent dancers, but most importantly, exceptional citizens. Once enrolled at the Clark Academy, the dancer and his/her family become members, and as such are asked to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the traditions of the Clark Academy, as well as demonstrate respect for themselves and for others. Therefore, we ask All DANCERS enrolling in the Clark Academy and FAMILY MEMBERS adhere to the following:
- respect your self
- respect others
- behave in a manner that demonstrates the above both in and out of the studio
Anyone who violates this code of conduct will be subject to removal from the Clark Academy of Performing Arts by the Artistic Director. If such removal occurs, no refunds of any type will be given.
Class Attire
All students should be properly dressed with their hair secured up/back away from their face and neckline. Students who do not come to class properly attired will be denied entrance.
Diaper Dance/Isadorables
- Girls: Leotard & Tights (your choice of color & style)
- Boys: Tee-shirt & Sweatpants (your choice of color & style)
- Shoes: Tap and Ballet Shoes (after 2 months)
- Mom's: comfortable clothing that you can easily move/stretch in. (i.e. Sweats and a t-shirt or sweats and a leotard).
Ballet
- Girls: Black Leotard, Pink Convertible Tights, Pink Canvas Ballet Slippers
- Boys: White Tee-shirt, Black Dance Pants, Black Canvas Ballet Slippers
- **Please make sure all Ballet slipper straps are sewn properly**
- **Pointe students should have pink Pointe shoes fitted by a professional**
Tap
- Girls: Black Leotard, Black/Pink Convertible Tights or Capri Pants, Black Oxford-style Tap Shoes
- Boys: White or Color Tee-shirt, Black Dance Pants, Black Oxford-style Tap Shoes
- **Competitive Dancers will be required to also have Bloch Charleston-style Tap Shoes**
Jazz, Contemporary & Acro
- Girls: Black Leotard, Black/Pink Convertible Tights or Capri Pants, Bare Feet
- Boys: White or Color Tee-shirt, Black Dance Pants, Bare Feet
Hip Hop
- All students should have sneakers designated for Hip Hop class only. These sneakers should not be used for everyday use.
- All students should wear either dance attire from the above lists or comfortable & loose-fitting clothing.
Studio Calendar 2025-2026 Season
Any other studio closings will be announced prior to the holiday.
- Indigenous Day: October 14th
- Veteran's Day: November 11th
- Thanksgiving Recess: November 29th
- Winter Recess: December 22nd - January 2nd
- Martin Luther King Jr Day: January 20th
- February Break: February 17th - 21st
- Spring Recess: April 14th - 21st
- Memorial Day: May 26th
- Theater Rehearsal & Showcase 2026: Late May/Early June, TBA
Our Moments
A glimpse into the life of our studio, from the classroom to the stage.
Our new gallery is getting ready! ✨ Check back soon for photos and videos.
Studio Calendar
Stay up-to-date with all our important dates, including holidays, picture day, and performances.
Begin Your Journey
By registering, you're not just signing up for dance classes—you're joining a supportive family dedicated to artistry, growth, and passion. We can't wait to welcome you.
- Expert instruction from a world champion.
- A nurturing and positive environment.
- Opportunities to build lifelong friendships.
Get In Touch
We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message or stop by the studio.
Our Studio
Address
463 Amherst St, Buffalo, NY 14207
info@dance4capa.com
Phone
716-573-6288