Business Details
46 Years
experience
Empowering Dance Education for All Ages
Buffa's Dance Studio has been dedicated to the art of dance education since its founding in 1980. Our philosophy centers on the belief that dance is for everyone, fostering strong, disciplined bodies and minds while enriching the creative, physical, mental, and social aspects of each individual. Under the leadership of our experienced team, we combine decades of industry expertise with a nurturing environment to provide students of all ages and skill levels with unparalleled dance instruction.Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our state-of-the-art facility, award-winning performance groups, and a curriculum that balances technical precision with artistic expression. As a trusted community institution, we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of professionalism while making dance accessible and enjoyable for all.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Hip Hop
Lyrical/Contemporary
Acro
Aerial Silks
Musical Theater
Adult Classes
Competition Groups
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- Founded in 1980 with 46 years of dance education expertise
- Award-winning performance groups and competition teams
- Experienced instructors with professional dance backgrounds
- 20,000 sq ft state-of-the-art facility with multiple studios
- Community-focused approach with annual Nutcracker production
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression for ages 8+. Students progress through levels from foundational technique to advanced pointe work and intensive training programs. Classes emphasize correct alignment, terminology, and performance quality while building strength and flexibility through traditional methods.
Hip Hop Dance
Hip hop instruction for ages 7+ combines old school and new school styles with age-appropriate music. Our curriculum focuses on musicality, interpretation, and personal style development while maintaining technical fundamentals. Classes prepare students for both competition and recreational dance experiences.
Competition Groups
Our competitive programs include Rhinestones (grades K-3) through Ensemble (grades 6-12) with specialized training in jazz, lyrical, and contemporary dance. Participants receive advanced instruction while developing teamwork, discipline, and performance skills through competitions and community engagements.
Acro Dance
Acro classes for ages 6+ teach progressions from basic cartwheels to advanced walkovers while emphasizing proper dance technique. Our program balances strength development with artistic execution on sprung floors, preparing dancers to integrate skills seamlessly into performance choreography.
Adult Classes
We offer adult dance classes in tap, ballet, jazz, and hip hop for physical fitness and creative expression. These non-competitive classes cater to all experience levels, focusing on enjoyment, technique improvement, and reconnecting with the joy of dance in a supportive environment.
People
Buffa Hargett
Owner, Director
With over 50 years professional dance experience, Buffa Hargett founded the studio in 1980 and created the Burke Civic Ballet in 1993. She studied under renowned instructors including Alexandra Danilova and David Howard, holding advanced certifications in multiple ballet methods while maintaining a community-focused dance philosophy.
Melissa Hargett
Owner, Director
A graduate of William & Mary with dance honors, Melissa directs the Nutcracker production and coordinates competition activities. With extensive teaching experience and Vaganova ballet certification, she manages daily operations and curriculum development for over 130 weekly classes while maintaining active teaching involvement.
Karlyn Ankrom
Instructor
Starting at age 3, Karlyn progressed through all performance levels before joining the faculty. Her experience includes Lake Braddock Dance Team leadership and James Madison University's Hip Hop Dance Team presidency. She now teaches diverse ages while maintaining a parallel career in digital marketing.
Liesl Rinke Balatsenko
Instructor
A graduate of Lascu School of Ballet and Orlando Ballet performer, Liesl brings professional company experience from Ballet Internationale and Manassas Ballet Theatre. With international touring credits and multiple principal roles, she teaches classical ballet while raising seven children in the Northern Virginia area.
Emma Bradley
Faculty Member
Teaching at Buffas for 9 years, Emma directs the Ensemble program and co-choreographs for the Burke Civic Ballet. With 14 years of NRG Dance Project experience across three continents, her professional background includes Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet and industry-recognized choreography featured in Dance Spirit Magazine.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical/contemporary, acro, aerial silks, and musical theater classes for ages 3 to adult. Specialized programs available for competition and performance groups.
How old must my child be to start classes?
We accept students starting at age 3 with our Dance Movement program. Adult classes are also available for those wishing to continue dancing later in life.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes, we offer multiple performance opportunities including the annual Nutcracker production with our Burke Civic Ballet, June recitals, summer camps, and our Choreographers Showcase.
What makes your studio unique?
With 46 years in operation, we combine technical excellence with a nurturing environment, featuring experienced instructors, a 14,000 sq ft facility, and a philosophy that dance is accessible to everyone.
Are there competition opportunities?
We offer competitive programs at varying levels (Rhinestones through Ensemble) with multiple competition groups that participate in conventions and competitions throughout the season.
How does registration work?
Registration is handled through our Jackrabbit Parent Portal with fall class recommendations provided by instructors. New families can create accounts to enroll in classes and manage billing information online.
