WALH Performing Arts Studios

Welcome to WALH Performing Arts Studios, a truly exceptional and cherished destination for performing arts education right here in Orchard Park, New York. For over a decade, WALH Studios has been a beloved cornerstone of our community, a place where countless young artists and performers, like your neighbors' children, have developed and mastered their performing abilities. What sets WALH apart is its unique blend of high-quality instruction and a profoundly supportive, family-like environment. Dave and Katie, the driving force behind WALH, are dedicated to fostering a positive atmosphere that encourages growth and creativity, all while keeping the important goal of developing "quality human beings at the forefront."

At WALH Performing Arts Studios, the philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that every child matters, and every student should be empowered to be their best self. The studio approaches each new year with excitement, eager to share their love of dance and musical theatre with the youth of Western New York. The highly qualified faculty, comprised of college-educated master instructors, are passionate about sharing their knowledge and professional experience in a fun and exciting way. From beginner-level classes to intensive pre-professional programs, WALH considers each student and each class equally important. This commitment to nurturing talent in a positive, professional environment ensures that students gain confidence and comfort on stage, becoming "willing to try new and difficult things because of the guidance they receive at Walh." It is truly a place that feels like "home," a sentiment echoed by many loyal families who are "blessed to be a part of" this incredible community in New York.

WALH Performing Arts Studios is conveniently located at 2937 Southwestern Blvd, Orchard Park, NY 14127, USA. Its prime location in Orchard Park makes it easily accessible for families and individuals throughout the Southtowns and Western New York region. The studio is strategically situated between Michael Rd. and Angle Rd., directly across from St. John Vianney R.C. Church, and approximately one mile East of "5 Corners" in Orchard Park. This central and recognizable spot ensures straightforward navigation for parents and students, with ample parking typically available, making drop-offs and pick-ups smooth and efficient. The state-of-the-art facility boasts two expansive dance studios with fully sprung, air-suspended wood floors, providing a professional and safe environment for all types of dance. This accessibility and commitment to high-quality facilities underscore WALH's dedication to providing a premier performing arts experience for the local New York community.

WALH Performing Arts Studios offers a comprehensive and high-quality range of programs designed to cultivate talent in dance, voice, and musical theatre across all ages and skill levels.

• Dance Classes: A wide variety of dance styles are offered, catering to different interests and developmental stages:
  • Dancing Stars (ages 3-5): Combines ballet and tap with weekly end-of-class viewing.
  • Tumble Stars / Tumble Tots (ages 3-5): Preschool introduction combining ballet and tumbling (acrobatics).
  • Ballet: The foundation of all dance technique, teaching posture, body placement, and turnout.
  • Tap: Focuses on percussion with dance movement, building timing, agility, speed, and rhythm clarity.
  • Jazz: Energetic and dynamic, focusing on sharp body lines and accents to express music.
  • Lyrical: Combines techniques of ballet and jazz for expressive and fluid movements.
  • Hip Hop: Fast-paced movement and choreography inspired by current music videos.
  • Acrobatics (Acro): Students learn tumbling skills like cartwheels, handstands, and walkovers, emphasizing flexibility, strength, balance, and technique.
  • Pointe: For the mature dancer, adding the element of dancing on toes to ballet work (requires instructor approval).
  • Technique: Non-performing class required for Level 3 students, focusing on strength, conditioning, flexibility, and honing advanced dance skills.
• Voice Classes: Small group and private lessons that explore singing fundamentals, including breath support, placement, diction, musicality, and performance skills. Audition preparation sessions are available.
• Acting Classes: Focuses on techniques for creating real and truthful moments on stage, exploring improvisation, scene study, and monologues.
• Musical Theatre: A unique and comprehensive program combining dancing, acting, and singing, with students learning choreography, scenes, and music from Broadway shows and movie musicals. WALH is notably "WNY's Only Studio with Complete Musical Theatre Training."
• Summer Camps: A wide array of summer programs, including:
  • Musical Theatre Intensive Camp (e.g., The Lion King Junior): Two-week immersive camp culminating in a free public performance.
  • Summer Skills Camps: Focused on specific techniques like Acro, Tap, Glee, and Turns, Leaps, and Technique.
  • Summer Fun Camps: Themed camps like Princess Camp, Bluey & Friends, Barbie, Swiftie, and Wicked Camps for younger children.
  • Crew Camp: For students interested in creating props, sets, makeup, and stage management.
• Master Classes: Opportunities for advanced training from guest artists or specialized instructors.
• Year-End Recitals: High-quality, well-run, and organized annual recitals that showcase students' hard work and accomplishments, providing a "full production feeling."

WALH Performing Arts Studios stands out significantly in the Western New York performing arts scene due to several exceptional features and highlights, consistently praised by its loyal community.

• Family-Centric Environment: A dominant theme in reviews is the profound "family feeling" at WALH. Students and families have "built longtime friendships and community," with many stating it "has truly felt like home." This nurturing atmosphere is crucial for fostering confidence and long-term engagement.
• Focus on Holistic Development: Dave and Katie are lauded for fostering "a positive environment that encourages growth and creativity while keeping the big picture of being quality human beings at the forefront." This commitment extends beyond artistic skill to character development.
• Highly Talented and Supportive Faculty: Reviewers consistently commend the teachers as "amazing and extremely talented," who are "very supportive and encouraging to their students and families." This high level of instruction is key to "unlocking potential" in students.
• Comprehensive Musical Theatre Training: WALH is highlighted as "WNY's Only Studio with Complete Musical Theatre Training," offering a unique and in-depth experience that integrates dance, voice, and acting seamlessly.
• Exceptional Performance Opportunities: The annual recitals are described as "high-quality, and very well-run and organized," showcasing "the hard work the students accomplish." The recitals provide a "full production feeling," indicating a professional and memorable experience for both performers and audience members.
• Building Confidence and Resilience: Due to the guidance received, students become "confident and comfortable on stage and willing to try new and difficult things," a testament to the studio's success in empowering its performers.
• Loyalty and Longevity: Families celebrating their "tenth year with Walh" and expressing no "intent on going anywhere else" underscore the deep satisfaction and enduring trust in the studio's programs and community.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The mention of "two expansive dance studios with fully sprung, air-suspended wood floors" indicates a commitment to providing top-tier facilities essential for safe and effective dance training.
• Age-Appropriate and Inclusive Programming: WALH ensures "age-appropriate choreography, costuming, and music choices are an integral part of what we do," emphasizing a responsible and inclusive approach to performing arts education for all ages and abilities.

For class schedules, registration information, or any other inquiries, please reach out to WALH Performing Arts Studios using the contact details provided below:

Address: 2937 Southwestern Blvd, Orchard Park, NY 14127, USA

Phone: (716) 675-7607

Mobile Phone: +1 716-675-7607

WALH Performing Arts Studios is unequivocally an outstanding choice for locals in Orchard Park and the broader Western New York region, offering a performing arts experience that goes well beyond the ordinary. For parents, the decade-long loyalty of numerous families, coupled with explicit testimonials about children developing confidence, comfort on stage, and a willingness to tackle new challenges, makes WALH an exceptionally trustworthy and enriching environment. The emphasis on fostering "quality human beings" alongside artistic talent resonates deeply with families seeking holistic development for their children. The variety of classes, from diverse dance styles to comprehensive musical theatre and voice training, ensures that every child can find their passion and thrive.

Furthermore, for all ages, the "family feeling" and supportive atmosphere cultivated by Dave, Katie, and their talented teachers create a welcoming space where learning is enjoyable and fulfilling. The high-quality, well-organized annual recitals provide not just performance opportunities but memorable "full production" experiences that celebrate hard work and community. The state-of-the-art facilities further enhance the learning environment, demonstrating a commitment to excellence. By choosing WALH Performing Arts Studios, New York locals are not just enrolling in classes; they are joining a vibrant, nurturing community that inspires creativity, builds lifelong skills, and enriches the lives of every participant, truly making it a home for the performing arts.

WALH Performing Arts Studios

2937 Southwestern Blvd, Orchard Park, NY 14127, USA