We at American Dance and Drama find the potential in each and every student that walks through our doors. We nurture their ability to its fullest potential in dance, acting and voice.

Whether it’s the exciting challenge of competition, preparing the young actor for the Broadway stage and on to the big silver screen in Hollywood. We have the proven track record, reputation and the “know how” to get the job done, and get that big break. That’s where experience counts, building from the ground up, creating a solid foundation so that student continue to grow and develop their full potential year after year. We build stars in all shapes, sizes and ages. Our track record proves it!

At American Dance and Drama, our students become part of an ever-growing family. Our insights, standards and philosophies gained through years of knowledge and “know how” are what we are able to provide to students. Our staff of loyal and loving teachers follow our philosophy: to allow everyone to grow at American Dance and Drama. We constantly adapt new techniques, styles and trends leading the way – all the way from winning competitions, landing that role on Broadway or getting that fresh young face and name up in lights. It all starts with your first steps through the doors of American Dance and Drama.

Our school is structured with uniquely multifaceted programs that have something for everyone. The young budding talent to the most advanced student, it all happens under one roof called American Dance and Drama.

Wherever your little tapping feet might take you in life, whatever profession, know that you’ll take with you the friendships and warmth, experienced at American Dance and Drama.

At American Dance and Drama we offer a plethora of training and services including; Training for Broadway, theater, T.V., Ballet, films and Dance companies, commercials, industrial – for a cultural background & much, much more! For recreation, we provide a safe and fun environment to grow up in with a warm caring and positive staff.

Leo Bayard, with his wife Betty, founded Bayard’s Dance and Drama Studio in 1973. It was the original neighborhood studio.

Leo was a professional actor who appeared on Broadway, film, TV and radio. The school started in 1973 and very quickly grew into a very special place in the community. Both Betty and Leo taught for many years and nurtured many students.

Fred and JoAnn were their good friends when they were working professionally on Broadway. When Leo & Betty opened the school, they asked Fred and JoAnn to teach. Fred and JoAnn became popular instructors, and Leo & Betty hired very professional teachers from Broadway. Fred and JoAnn Became busy working on Broadway and films and had take a leave from teaching.

But when Betty and Leo were ready to retire, they asked Fred and JoAnn to take over the business and continue what they had started. Fred and JoAnn took over the studio 23 years ago changed the name to American Dance and Drama Studio and continued its tradition as the original neighborhood school, teaching & nurturing many students who later appeared on Broadway and films, in addition to other professional careers.

Fred and JoAnn kept up Leo and Betty’s school - offering family discounts, fostering a warm, nurturing atmosphere and hiring quality teachers. By taking over the old bowling alley downstairs and making other acquisitions, Fred and JoAnn added more space to the studio for more choices in classes and services. Now there are five studios for classes and rehearsals; a black box theatre, and a huge space for gymnastics and birthday parties.

American Dance & Drama has become a very prestigious performing arts center, offering not only all forms of Dance but also Singing, Drama, Musical Theatre, Shows, Companies & Competition.

Leo and Betty’s studio began as a family business with their daughter Michelle and their other children. We are continuing the tradition with Cara, Lauren, Evan and our third generation, Jenna.

We are expanding American Dance and Drama by opening a new location, with 4,000 square feet, in Glendale. American Dance and Drama also is located at Christ the King High School, is on the Board of Charter Schools and is teaching in many New York City public and parochial schools, Jewish schools and Jewish centers.

We also offer party services such as Flying High Entertainment for Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs, Communions, Sweet Sixteens, etc.

We thank Betty and Leo and Michelle and their family for starting this journey, and their presence will always be felt at the school.

We give children a cultured background, find lifetime friends, experience seeing shows. We give the best training and teachers for them to pursue a professional career and guide them to understand their journey to have a professional or non professional career in theatre.

LEO AND BETTY BAYARD SCHOLARSHIP

After Betty and Leo passed away in recent years, their children started a scholarship fund for students in their honor. We thank them for this scholarship.

SHANNON TAVAREZ SCHOLARSHIP

Shannon Tavares danced into our school at 3 years of age. She studied dance, acting and singing, and she was a ray of light, always happy and smiling. Her talents were far advanced for her years. She studied singing with JoAnn, acting with Fred and danced with Cara and our other teachers. Shannon played the leading role of the young Nala in “The Lion King” on Broadway at 11 years old. She was a lovable child and her passing in November 2010 from leukemia was felt by all of American Dance and Drama.

We at American Dance and Drama have started a scholarship fund in her name. She was always kind and helpful to others and would be happy to help others attain their dreams. She will be in our thoughts everyday. We love you, Shannon, and we have great respect for your family.

Any contributions may be sent to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Kids 'N Video - Agents and Managers site. (Agents Call For Booking Of Kids)

American Street Dance Theatre Company - Developing dance and drama projects for stage and screen.

Flying High Entertainment - Parties, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs. (Call For Bookings. Ask For Cara)

American Repertory Theatre Ensemble - New York based Play & Film Company. Call For Bookings. Ask For Angela Rostick)

American Dance Team - Competition. (Call For Bookings)

Dream To Dance - Board Of Ed., Parochial Schools, L.I. Schools. (Call For Bookings. Ask For Cara)