20 Best Acting Programs In Rochester, NY (2022 Updated)

My son recently graduated from this college. He transferred in from a 2 year college so he was only there for 5 semesters. Things started okay but went downhill. Communication quickly became a problem. We had issues from professors, finance and counseling. It became so bad that to get anything done we had to cc the Dean in any messages that we sent. I also know of someone else who had to do the same thing. The last semester was the worst. He was enrolled as a full time student but when the bill came through it was in correct. We got loans for the first amount but had to get additional loans after the semester ended. No one sent an email we had to check the account because my son never received an email or his diploma. When we were notified by the finance department they told us we had to fix it. Numerous emails were sent to many different people but nothing was ever fixed. We finally resent the emails and cc’d the Dean and it finally got fixed. The college also changed the advisor without notifying us that it had changed. My son had to find his own internship and figure his classes out on his own. My daughter had the same issues with communication. She was signed up to go but never heard back. She then got a call from the advisor asking why she never showed up. The advisor had enrolled her in classes but never told her. She ended up not going. If you choose this college they will take your money but you will have to do a lot of work to make sure they are on top of things.Todd Crossett

I graduated from Roberts last year and I had a great experience. I do agree with some reviews that communication is not always great, but as long as you are proactive and take an active approach to your education here, you'll do wonderfully. The staff and students are very respectful and the professors seem to really care about you and your overall success. It is a nice size campus, not too busy and not too small. Finding a parking spot during busy times was a challenge. Food is AMAZINGstephanie g

I went to undergrad here and loved it. There were always opportunities to learn outside of class, meet people through activities, and my professors knew who I was. I'm attending for graduate school now and still love it. Staff and faculty genuinely care about you as a human and your learning.Caryn A

A wonderful place to go to school and a great place to visit. The students here are almost all very kind, sweet, accepting, supportive, and open-minded people. They are slightly diverse in terms of demographics, and quite diverse in terms of personality. The college offers a diverse range of majors and excellent classes. It has particularly great music, performing arts, nursing, and physical therapy programs. Class sizes are not very big, with very few lecture hall-style class settings. The teachers are mostly very kind and care greatly about what they do. Tuition is very high, but depending on your program, it can be worth it. The campus is beautiful! It is full of nature and a mix of collegiate gothic and more modern buildings. It is small and dense, but not crowded. It is also very safe. Risk of theft or damage to property is very rare, but the latter is more common among lowerclassmen. There is so much history to uncover. It is located close to good places to shop, eat, and visit in Pittsford. The academic buildings are clean, well-lit, and mostly fitted with modern amenities. Bathrooms in some buildings are very clean, some are quite unclean. The lowerclassmen residence halls can be somewhat loud, are typically slightly unclean, but have many events to attend run by the RAs. There are dorm or suite-style living choices. Upperclassmen residence halls are mostly clean, almost always very quiet, and have dorm, suite, apartment-style living choices. Living arrangements are for full-time students only. The food in the Dining Commons is pretty good. It has a pretty diverse menu with some options tasting decent, some great. Other food locations around campus have a somewhat limited menu range and the food is mediocre. Some alternative dietary accommodations are met, and more will be made if requested. Facilities staff are mostly not friendly, but not unkind. The staff in the Dining Commons are mostly pretty friendly and very kind.Graeme Lechner

I received counseling services from John Aceto at Nazareth College. This man is sexually inappropriate! I met him to work on my shyness, and for the entire session he tried diagnosing me other issues. He told me I drink coffee everyday because I have "Caffeine-use disorder." That rediculous disorder is not even in the DSM! Then he diagnosed my father with Bipolar disorder, based on my childhood memories. He never even met my father in person. After the session, he began rubbing his hand on my back, telling me that he wanted to "help me out." I felt violated. BEWARE of this man! He will rope you in for other issues and try to take advantage of you. I expressed my concerns to the director, Megan Clifford Papponetti, and she black mailed me. She threatened to have me suspended, and that is exactly what she attempted. She shared my confidential assessments and sessions with my Ex and even to my professors. My professors were concerned about me, saying that they received a strange call from Megan "bragging about the information she found out about me." That was PERSONAL information that I trusted with the Nazareth College Counseling Center, and I was humiliated. Nazareth College, you should be ashamed of yourself! Do not receive counseling services at Nazareth College, your confidential information is not safe.Anonymous User

Relentless support from faculty and staff. Incredible variety of undergrad majors and minors. Convenient scheduling for some business and leadership and some education grad programs. Friendly, beautiful campus. Big emphasis on hands-on learning and community engagement. Lots of study abroad options. Impressive students seeking to make a difference in the world.Chris Farnum

My experience at the Barrow Group has truly helped me not to give up as an actor. After moving to NYC in 2009, my very talented friend recommended that I take classes at The Barrow Group. I trusted his recommendation because he was very knowledgable about the class options in the city. I am so thankful that I found the Barrow Group!! I really missed my theatre community from Graduate School and the Barrow Group became my NYC home base. I have taken four classes with Lee Brock and I have learned so much from her. She helped me go back to the beginning…back to those years before all of the training…Lee helped me go back to the 'Story.' She helped me to focus on what truly matters…telling the story! The teaching style of the Barrow Group is extremely accessible to actors. You can get a feel for the teachings style by reading Seth Barrish's book "An Actor's Companion: 99 Bit of Craft." It is so wonderful!! -BrandyBrandy Caldwell

I am starting my fourth class tomorrow. Obviously, I love this place. The teachers are friendly, down to earth, and REALLY know their stuff. It really is amazing, the learning curve, and how much you do learn during just one class, let alone three. The teaching methods are so great, it makes you almost feel like what you have learned should have been common sense. I've attended one of their shows (so far), and it was really an inspiring experience, with just superb acting. Whenever people ask me about my experience here, I cannot recommend The Barrow Group enough.Tomo Lovric

An extraordinary theatre company and school. I had studied for many years with some of the best and most highly regarded teachers in the acting community but it wasn't until I found the Barrow Group that I felt I became a good actor. Seth Barrish has created an astoundingly simple approach to the work that makes acting fun again. And truthful and real. He and his co-artistic director Lee Brock have created a wonderful home for some of the most passionate and talented artists I have ever had the privilege of working with. I couldn't recommend them more highly!Peter Lewis

I absolutely love Hochstein. I studied there from 2000-2002, in 2008-2009 and now from 2013 to present. I have studied with three different piano teachers and they have all been amazing! I lived in Boston, MA for a while while I went to Berklee College of Music for Piano Performance and Music Composition and then when I moved back to Rochester, NY I continued my private Piano lessons at Hochstein. I am becoming more advanced on the piano every day. I plan to study with my teacher at Hochstein for a very long time. I love that Hochstein has the "All School Recitals." I have performed in so many of them. They also have "Open Mic" which is open to Music and Dance students. I have also participated in this. And I have participated in other performance opportunities at Hochstein. Hochstein is a great Music and Dance School and is perfect for the beginning student all the way up to Concert Musician level and very advanced/serious Dancer. I also have taken Music Composition lessons and Voice, been in an Ensemble, and have taken a Dance class at Hochstein. I am very thankful that Hochstein is helping me with financial aid and would like to give back to Hochstein one day if I make money from publishing music in the future. I recommend Hochstein for everyone at any age.Hochstein student

While I can say that this particular school has produced many fine musicians, I have to say that their location, in particular the theater area, is without a doubt an awful venue. It is just not a welcome feeling as it wasn't intended to be a performance hall. The acoustics are not the best either. Sightlines are also sometimes not great here. All in all, the space feels a bit outdated for Hochstein. I can see where it was nice in the beginning, but it's time to spread their wings and find a new home, or perhaps, build a new home theirselves.Ian Scheil

Fantastic tap dance instructor – Cheryl Johnson. Builds on the student's strengths. My 8 yr old son actually likes dancing! The theater is beautiful and students perform as a crowning achievement of the semester. The administration also has been responsive and helpful with my questions, and I appreciate that the academic calendar is readily available online.Clara Kielkopf

I absolutely love everything about my experience at this studio! The staff and instructors are amazing in that they are always friendly, lively, so encouraging and of course very knowledgeable. There are so many opportunities to set personal goals. It could be as simple as learning some basics to feel confident at an upcoming wedding, which is what my husband and I did multiple times. It makes for a unique date night! Or, if you have more time to invest, the instructors will take you to the next level. In a million years I never thought I could take lessons and be instructed to the point of feeling confident enough to participate in a competition like Flamingo Dance-O-Rama in Orlando. It was an amazing experience I will never ever forget! The year leading up to the competition I had days where I'd leave work on a lunch break and just want to dance the stress of the day away and not work on particular elements of a routine. My instructor was sensitive to those times and we'd do just that…dance. Another thing that I really appreciate about Arthur Murray Rochester is that there is such a diverse group of students. It's such a great opportunity to get to know people and sharpen your skills with others who are more skilled or encourage others who have recently started. I also love that there are people of all ages taking lessons, from the very young students to those in their 80's and all generations represented in between. Overall, the energy and atmosphere of the studio is always positive, which is obviously a high priority of the staff and instructors. I would encourage anyone looking to rekindle an old dream or looking to just try something new in 2022 to check out this place! It has been such a gift to me and I'm so thankful to the owners, instructors and staff for their professionalism, level of excellence and genuine care for their students.Paula Guardalben

This place is run by a married couple who are also great parents. Small enough to be personal, but large enough to be structured. They have other great, very experienced instructors, too, and very diverse types of people all coming to learn how to dance. From salsa to waltz to hustle, from casual to wedding day special dance, from single men to single women, young and old, married couples, young children, many combinations. You can dance one or everything on the menu. I go there by myself once a week for a lesson and join a few group lessons a week (no additional cost), when I can find time. This prepares you to dance with strangers, because that can happen out there in the real world. It's great to be able to move around with music and know how to do it, even just a little? I plan on dancing until I'm 90, for a few more decades …. Because that sounds like a very fun way to live. There are a few party events in a year, if you want to feel a casual, but a bit dressed up dance party, too, which I have not yet tried (due to work).Mohri Hime

As a musician, I have always loved music. I used to go out to dance, but I found that even though I enjoyed myself, I always felt like I had 2 left feet, and really didn’t know what I was doing. I used to go to a club where older people who loved to dance would go. They seemed to know what they were doing on the dance floor, and it was really enjoyable to watch. One of my “bucket list” items was to learn how to dance – for real. A few years ago, I was given an opportunity to try dancing at Arthur Murray Studios here in Rochester. There were four lessons included, so I thought I’d have it all figured out after a month and know what I was doing. What I found out was how much fun learning to really dance would be. I also found some amazing people at the studio, both instructors as well as other students. It’s great exercise too. I would highly recommend dancing to anyone, especially if you find yourself wanting to have fun, learn a new skill, meet some great people, and get the benefits of exercise all in one.Tony the T

We just sent our son to Rock Camp full day for a week. It was his 12th birthday present. He had an amazing time thanks to the amazing staff! He wanted to come back and do another week as soon as we left on Friday. I loved the encouragement and expertise from all of the staff as did my son. Not only was it a great time but he learned quite a bit on the guitar and the whole experience also helped to build his confidence, deepen his love for music and playing the guitar. He said that he really loved the experience of playing with his band as well. We are already thinking about when to come back and how to make individual lessons work. This is such a fun and unique experience and we can't wait to come back again!Beth Marseglia

Very talented instructors and everyone at Bach to Rock are so friendly and helpful. Before a performance, our son was super nervous to get on stage and play, which his instructor knew. He came right over and chatted with our son, which got him excited and increased his confidence so he was able to play with his band. It's attention like that which is so important!Kristy Nudo

My son has been taking lessons at B2R for several years. He enjoys the collaboration that he has with his instructor and peers during lessons and band. My son's musical knowledge has flourished and I enjoy watching his love of music and his confidence in performing grow. B2R has been the best extracurricular activity for him..Judy Raspante

Our daughter was in 2 productions over this past pandemic year at OFC. They did a fantastic job of following the guidelines, but also allowing the children to have fun and not feel like they were in a pandemic. Her first performance was recorded and we streamed at home as a big family celebration of her very 1st performance. Although we wished we could have watched in person, it was equally awesome to watch from home! Our daughter looked forward to each rehearsal and would be a non-stop chatter box about her castmates and the new things she was learning. OFC brought a spark out in our child that seemed muted this past year. I would highly recommend enrolling your child, even if they have never been on stage, like our daughter. It's been such a wonderful, educational, and confidence building experience and she has gained so much confidence and so many cherished friendships through this opportunity.jill avila

Our daughter began performing at OFC fall of 2020. It was the only place planning for youth theatre performances, and although we were hesitant to send our daughter to a new place during a pandemic, it ended up being a wonderful bright spot. Their attention to safety protocols, while offering extensive programming is wonderful. I would say that during this hard time, our daughter has found her joy again here – doing what she loves to do most and making new friends. She now takes part in both musical theater programs and their new dance offerings. We love OFC!Sheila Lecce

My youngest son started with OFC this spring and loved every minute! We had heard from friends that OFC was taking every precaution to provide a clean, safe place for performers and staff during the pandemic. We’re relieved that it’s exactly what we experienced! The program was fun, age appropriate and the performers were so proud of their performance after all of their hard work. My son is already registered for a summer program and cannot wait!Jessica Izzo

My daughter has been with Mary Therese and Kent Friel for the last 2 years. I can't say enough about how amazing they are to work with. Mary Therese and Kent are involved in every aspect of their agency. You will only deal with them directly for everything!! They have high expectations of their models and expect professionalism and class in everything they do. They work with each model individually on what their goals are. My daughter wanted to model and be in pageants. They are helping her to achieve both of these dreams!! She is working for them all the time! My daughter entered their agency 2 years ago as a quiet, unsure, and anxiety ridden teen. She is now a confident, polished, and strong young lady. They are the only ones that we would trust our daughter to!! They are the best!!!tricia polchowski

My seven-year-old daughter cannot believe one day she will become a model. Mrs. Friel and Mr. Kent found her at National American Miss Competition in Rochester last year. I cannot believe I am writing a review for Mrs. Friel and Mr. Kent now since I read every single google review before my daughter became their model last year. One year passed, being with Mrs. Friel and Mr. Kent became one of the most unforgettable moment in her life. Because of Mrs. Friel, my daughter feels more confident! Because of Mrs. Friel, my daughter loves donation! Because of Mrs. Friel, my daughter learns hard work and perseverance! As a mother, I truly appreciate my daughter's role model Mrs. Friel-a beautiful, elegant and wise lady and Mr. Kent-a handsome and caring gentleman to be part of our life!Wenping Vazquez

My daughter has been working with Mary Therese Friel, LLC. for two years and she has truly loved her experiences there. Both Mary Therese and Kent are professional, personal and caring. My daughter has enjoyed participating in many community charitable events including the Causewave Annual Fundraising Campaign and the Lollipop Farm Annual Telethon. In addition, the training program has given her a chance to learn and practice skills that are not only useful on the runway, but also important life skills. We have always felt that she was in good hands with Mary Therese and look forward to many more years of working with the her!Susan Thoen

My girls have been a part of the DK Dance family since 2008 and we absolutely love this studio. There are classes for every age and skill level with many day/time options to fit your schedule. Dena and the DK staff are amazing teachers and role models who have a real passion and love for dance that they truly enjoy passing along to their students. Dance provides a creative outlet for these kids to express themselves in a safe and welcoming environment. In addition to learning the art of dance, your child will gain essential life skills such as the value of teamwork, responsibilities, self-discipline and the importance of community. It builds confidence and a positive self image that's so important to maintain a healthy mindset and attitude. All around great place to call our second home!Roseann Trovato

WE LOVE DK DANCE!! Our family moved to the Webster area two years ago and we were looking for a new studio for our daughter! Miss Dena welcomed us with open arms and we’ve been nothing but please since! DK Dance offers a variety of classes during the year …has the cutest mid year performance…Recitals have been adorable and it’s clear how much each child LOVES doing what they do 🙂 Also, the summer camps offered are amazing!! Our daughter tried a musical theater camp this past summer and raved about it every day! Dk Dance offers adult classes that I’ve personally tried. It’s fun to step back into your youth while getting a good workout at the same time! Point blank…Dk Dance is family. We are so honored to be apart of this studio.Stacy Elizabeth

Absolutely love being a part of the DK fam! The new studio space is a dance teacher’s/dancer’s dream! Huge dance rooms, spacious waiting rooms, and friendly staff. Dena really cares about her students and teachers like they’re her own family! Dena is extremely informative when it comes to emailing information out to staff and families. Her recital rehearsals run fast and organized! All the staff cares about their students and focuses on each one’s needs. The staff also had many years of teaching experience. If you live in the Webster or surrounding areas, I highly recommend DK Dance!Brianna DeLorenzo

We had our daughter's first birthday party at The Circle Play Cafe. I was worried with finding a comfortable space in January that would accommodate both adults and children ranging from 1 – 11 years old. This was the perfect place! The owners let me come in during the morning to set up so I didn't have to worry about rushing to get everything ready right before the party. Ashley hosted our party and she was absolutely amazing. We ordered through them and it was delivered hot and delicious. Our guests couldn't stop talking about it. The party room was clean and spacious. Our older guests were able to sit comfortably on the couch in the cafe area. The kids were able to run out their energy and parents didn't have to worry about where they were. It ran so smoothy. I was able to enjoy my daughter's birthday which most know, is not something that can be said often. It was an amazing experience and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for their next birthday party spot as well as a place to go for a play date!Nicole Guse

Absolutely loved this place! Ashley one of the owners met us at the door and explained everything to us (shoes, coats, parent area, ect) and then informed us that they even had a craft today. A super cute Star of David (that Ashley made herself!) that the kids could decorate with tissue paper dots ✡️ Everything was super clean and put this first time mom at ease! They had a huge variety of toys for the kids to play with (including a mini vet hospital! Big plus for this vet tech mom🧡) and bigger play equipment too. I will definitely be going back more often!Kiki D

We had the pleasure of celebrating our sons 3rd birthday at Circle Play Cafe! Everything was absolutely perfect. The facility was spotless and very clean. Everything is completely kid friendly and safe allowing for pure fun to be had! My son loved being able to place his hand on the wall to join the others who celebrated their birthdays their too! Such a special & memorable touch! Thank you ladies for creating such a safe, fun and exciting place for the kids to play & celebrate!! We highly recommend!Kathryn William Pratt Prince

If you're looking for a cozy, family owned small business to spend your money at for any kind of musical instrument/device you can think of, make sure to stop at Music Lovers Shoppe first. For a small store the variety is impressive. So far I've bought four guitars (an acoustic, classical, electric, and bass), a few mics, a Cajon, and other small miscellaneous instruments/accessories in a little over a year. Before I first visited Music Lovers Shoppe I was a minimalist when it came to instruments and accessories, I only had/wanted the bare minimum, but once you see how well the staff takes care of their instruments/supplies, how knowledgeable they are on all the products, and how they make you feel like a friend or family once you walk through the door, you won't be able to resist filling your studio with new gear. I've also been taking guitar lessons with Matt for about 6 months after being self-taught for five years. I had never considered taking lessons because they always seemed overpriced and unnecessary to learn things I could figure out on my own, but the price for lessons here is super reasonable considering the teachers are all very experienced and professional. Matt especially has been an amazing teacher who has taught me a bunch of new things in such a short time. If you're looking for stringed instruments, brass, woodwinds, keys, pro-audio, percussion, pedals, etc. They'll probably have what you're looking for.DanGarlockMusic

Had a set of humbuckers and a full set-up done on a Fender Telecaster. I had a terrific experience, fair pricing and the delivery of one “HOT” Tele. Jimmie was a pleasure to deal with… knowledgeable and friendly. Love their selection of products and some great PRS guitars (my next purchase). Going to take what I’ve learned on the guitar and add some lessons the shop offers. This will be my go to dealer for a long time to come. Simply the best!John Dunn

I called to make an inquiry about harmonica lessons. The pompous person who picked up the phone said, “that my choice of instrument (harmonica) is something that people choose from watching YouTube because of self gratification”. What I took from that interaction is that they don’t offer lessons because it isn’t respected. That attitude isn’t going to stop me from my goal and I suggest you put a different person on the phoneTimothy Bastian

Returned to this business after trying it during their soft opening. Good customer service and food. My husband and son enjoyed their generous serving of French toast sticks. My bagel toasted with cream cheese was tasty. It is a cute place to go to have a cold or hot beverage and a light meal. Made to order and bottled beverages are available in addition to a small selection of sweet treats from local bakeries. Live music on the weekends and a theater with full productions next door. Will return to try some of their other menu options. Food : 5/5   |   Service : 5/5   |   Atmosphere : 5/5Susan Solomon

Pastries, sandwiches, salads, smoothies, coffees, pizzas, and don’t forget the waffles (works of art). All of this can be found at the incredible OFC Creations Old Farm Café. Designed and executed by the well-known artist and theatre designer, Jack Haldoupis, this café transports the guest into another world – a world of whimsy, creative exciting food, and a true farm experience. Enjoy this ambience as you sit among animated farm animals (children get very excited) and enjoy a unique Rochester experience. As an added bonus, you just might find a Rochester theatre celebrity dinning there.Allan Cuseo

I recently attended the Babes of Broadway at The Old Farm Cafe. What a magical place! The atmosphere takes you away to another place full of sights and sounds of a mystical land! The caliber of talent is absolutely amazing! So professional. So unique to anything I have ever experienced. The staff was so friendly and the custom made drinks were delicious. I would compare it to something like the rainforest cafe in Disney only better. More intimate and relaxed setting. I hope Babes of Broadway is back very soon. It is show I’ve been telling friends and family they cannot miss!!!Amy Marshall

Our son has been dancing with Miss Julie for many years, in fact we followed her to this new studio because we couldn't imagine him dancing anywhere else. We couldn't be happier. Our son has always felt listened to and comfortable. He considers Universal Movement and Dance to be a second home! We have always felt that the support he feels, not only from the instructors, but also from the other students and families, is invaluable. Additionally we have been so impressed by how the studio is making itself safe during this time. This and theater are the only activities that we have felt comfortable having our son participate in during the pandemic. Thanks so much to Julie and all of my son's teachers!Kimberly Farrington

Our girls started dancing with Miss. Julie this year after our old studio suddenly closed. Her passion for dance is contagious! All are made to feel welcome! Miss Julie is responsive and easy to talk to/work with! Having a dance studio open for classes during the pandemic is no small task yet Universal Movement & Dance has done it successfully! All of the teachers here care about their students and make learning dance fun. We love our dance family and would highly recommend this studio to anyone looking 👍❤️🙂Heather Werner

My daughter has been dancing with Universal Movement & Dance for the last 2 years. My daughter loves her teacher as well as the owner. The staff are all respectful and accommodating to families and the girls dancing. They follow all Covid-19 guidelines and regulations the owners have gone above and beyond to make it so the girls can dance with a pandemic going on and a as family I appreciate that. I recommend this dance 100% they are the most reasonable place aroundTheresa DeSantis

A Touch of Dance is not only committed to exceptional dance training while developing a strong technique, but instills and fosters a love for expression, musicality and communication to an audience through the art of Dance. I have been in the audience for countless performances of the companies from A Touch of Dance, and I have experienced such elation, joy and personal healing from just the honor of being in the theatre, experiencing the performance. Judy Brondon holds the hearts of her dancers and embraces every student as family. Judy brings so much joy and self esteem to her dancers, as a parent one can only be thankful that our child is in her wise and caring hands. A Touch of Dance is a family, that celebrates together, cries together, experiences milestones together and the faculty extends their genuine care for every child both in and out of every class. A Touch of Dance is a remarkable training institution of strength, compassion, knowledge, care and will wrap around every single student with great loving care and a life long supportive force of forever uplifting and inspiring from love. I am thankful to Judy and the entire staff of A Touch of Dance for bringing love to my children, love that shows from their eyes and Dance that comes from their heart. I will forever be in this audience.Ava Cuchiarale

My family has been affiliated with A Touch of Dance for 35 years. One thing about this dance studio that stands out is that the training students receive not only help students grow as dancers; the training helps students grow to be good people. The staff is very careful about placing students in the right class that meets their needs and abilities. The Spring performances are professionally produced on a professional dance stage with a fantastic tech crew. Even though A Touch of Dance does not offer competitive classes, the studio’s attention to detail, and the attention to the dancer’s technique is exceptional. It is rare to find professional training that A Touch of Dance provides in a recreational environment.Sarah S

My girls followed 2 other family members (one now in his 30s) to join the ATOD family. Judy & her entire staff are great teachers and mentors. I am so glad I trusted both of my daughter's dance years with them. 17 yrs ago I was looking for a non competitive studio that would focus on them learning the art and enjoying every moment of it. They did just that. As they grew in age, confidence & ability, they danced in benefits for great causes, in Disney, in Hersey Park and had some great guest instructors from Broadway, CA and more teaching them. We will never forget out time at ATOD because the dancers & parents are forever family.Kim Bo

ROC Holiday Village has become a fun tradition for our family! We usually go twice per year…once with our kids for a family day and once without kids for a date night! We loved the ice skating rink, and eating inside an igloo! The pop up restaurants had amazing food and drinks along with live music from local musicians. Breakfast and story time with Santa was perfect for our kids! Parking was easy in a nearby parking garage within a few min walking distance. I personally loved the vendor booths to get some Christmas shopping done! I also love how they celebrate all holidays not only Christmas. The wooden floors and tent structures are gorgeous and you can tell a lot of time and hard work went into installation! We can’t wait for RHV 2021!!!Jamie Peskor

If you're looking for that idyllic, magical holiday event you and your entire family can enjoy, look no further! Roc Holiday Village brings a certain sparkle back to downtown Rochester, stirring up nostalgia for so many who fondly remember the past traditions of the Midtown monorail, Christmas shopping, store window gazing, and so much more! Free activities are endless, from ice skating to crafting for kids, and of course visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. 2020 may have kept us from enjoying the Holiday Village's enchantment, but we are looking forward to many memories to be made in years to come!Amanda Antinore

Such a fun holiday event that our family hopes to make a tradition! Visited with the kids during the day for Santa, crafts, and iceskating (all free!) and returned with friends in the evening for drinks and music (free!). It was a beautifully executed event that struck just the right balance between entertainment and simplicity, encouraging the community to gather, relax, and enjoy just being together. Can’t wait for next year!Megan Leary

I have been a student at AAOR since 2016. The owners Will and Jenn are kind and patient teachers. The rest of the teachers are great and folks are very friendly. Over the years they have expanded their class offerings as teachers come and go. I have watched many experienced students start to teach, which is pretty cool. The aerial classes are structered well to help even a total begginer to gain strength and skills concurrently. They have a wide variety of circus and conditioning classes to compliment the aerial skills. Prices for classes and various practice passes are reasonable prices for the location. The have a satellite locationnin Greece and a branch called Up! Aerial Fitness in buffalo. They have 2 student showcases a year and also do choreographed shows. AAOR regularly has special workshops run by out of town performers as well as shorter classes focusing on less popular apparatus like aerial cube and cloud swing. They also have sampler workshops for those interest in trying things out. I have taken: silks, dance trapeze, Lyra, juggling, stretch class, pole, aerial yoga. Quality of classes it very consistent.N Zen

Moving here from CA I was worried I wouldn't be able to find a studio where I could train aerial arts. I have had some bad experiences in the past with unprofessional aerial studios. Taking my first aerial hammock class at Aerial Arts of Rochester, I knew this studio was the right place to train for me. The studio is clean, the instructors are very professional, everyone is so nice, there is structure to the different types of classes you can take. I felt like part of their family after my first class, sometimes it's tough going into aerial classes at a studio you've never been to and no one knows you, but I felt comfortable the minute I walked into the studio. They have a wide range of classes that you can try all different types of apparatuses. Try a class here and I'm positive you won't regret it. I am so happy I tried a class at Aerial Arts of Rochester. 🙂Miranda Bryan

I absolutely love it here. After covid closed my old gym I was depressed and stopped working out. Recently I tried finding my new gym home, but everywhere I went the vibe was cold and no one talked to each other. I am so grateful I finally tried a class here. Even though I had zero upper body strength, the teacher and other participants were so kind and encouraging. I felt comfortable coming back and trying again. I knew I’d get stronger, and the environment is positive and supportive. I’ve been coming regularly for a little over a month now and I feel like myself again. I love that I feel accomplished after every single class. Every teacher is absolutely amazing. There’s so many different classes to choose from too. I’ve made new friends, and it’s quite honestly the highlight of my day when I go. Thank you Aerial Arts.Julie Macpherson

I've been to several classes and just hosted my mom's 50th birthday party here. It is fantastic every time I come! Staff are nice, class selections are phenomenal, classes themselves are fun + a good way to connect with people, and it's simply a place that everyone in the Rochester area should know about! The venue is beautiful and modern. I would highly recommend checking this place/their classes out.Lindsay Snyder

Wonderful spot to take a class of any kind! I've taken stamp-making, knitting, cake decorating, … And they even have a local artisan craft sale (& usually some snacks or coffee) every Second Saturday, which is definitely worth checking out. Not only can you take any kind of class here, but if you are great at something, you can even teach here! Definitely worth checking out their calendar!Nicole Clevenger

We had a surprise Birthday/Retirement party for my dad and this venue couldn't have been more perfect! The clean white look was absolutely beautiful and the colors came together so well. Danielle and Elizabeth were amazing and very helpful! I would definitely recommend this location to friends/family for future parties or get togethers. Thank you all!Angie B

This is a tough one to write, because I'm not giving it five stars. Let me first say that everyone I dealt with was very friendly and very helpful. The staff was excellent. The show we saw was funny and it was a good time. But, it's an older place, and frankly the seats are uncomfortable for someone my size, and there's not a lot of leg room between aisles. Also, they were blasting the air conditioning and the place was freezing. That's why it gets 4 instead of 5 stars.Luis G Perez

The Auditorium has a wonderful Front of House staff! Mgr. Brian Bell and staff were very helpful and accommodating to my special needs. "Tootsie" was a great show. Brian and his House staff added to making my family's visit a very special and enjoyable night at the Theater. Will look forward to attending future events on the RBTL's 2022-23 Show Season!Ertha Harris

Have been enjoying season tickets with RBTL for the past 28 years. The recent showing of Hamilton brought out LOTS of people. The staff were available to help those who may not be as familiar with the theater, find their seats. Two thumbs up.James Shaw

We have been with the Dance Connection for the past ten years. Where else could an out of shape 43 year old male go to learn to tap. That’s right, here. My daughter has flourished under the tutelage of the fantastic instructors at DC. Her memory is insane, to the point where she has up to 15 dances in her head that she can perform. She loves the atmosphere and the friends she has made here are amazing. They help each other in and out of classes, This is the life long friendships that you want for your child. I have been dancing for the past 7 years. I will be starting my 8th this September. 50 years old and dancing. It has been a fantastic journey for myself. The instructors are extremely patient people who have helped me to believe in myself. This place is fantastic, Check out our videos. It shows the dynamics of the instructors, the flexibility of the children is amazing although it still causes my back to hurt from watching them. If your interest is there please take the chance and join the DC. It is family friendly and continues to be a part of our families lives even after our recital.Sandy Castle-Rhoads

i have been dancing at dance connection since i was 2 years old and i am now about to turn 18. dancing here has been one of the most influential parts of my life. the teachers are so amazing and i have made life long friends, we have become family. i was taught how to collaborate, to listen, to memorize, to support, to teach, and of course, dance. if your looking for a dance studio that preaches having fun and being yourself, this is the place to be. thank you dance connection for being my home away from home!Hailey Fruin

My daughter and I just LOVE it here! We have been to two other dance studios before we found Dance Connection and this place was exactly what we were looking for. My daughter has made a ton of friends from her dance classes and the instructors are always so welcoming to not only my daughter but myself as well. She loves coming and always leaves with a smile on her face! The recitals are amazing and you can really feel the "family" atmosphere. I highly recommend this dance studio!Sarah Cambo