The Royal Academy of Ballet was founded in 1947, by Ginger Burke, Buffalo's Grand Dame of Ballet. Prior to starting the Royal Academy of Ballet, Ginger Burke danced both nationally and internationally. She danced with the Shea's Ballet Company at Shea's Buffalo Theater. After the ballet company dissolved, Ginger teamed up with another dancer, creating a sister act, known as the Burke Sisters. Ginger also worked with George Balanchine, founder of the New York City Ballet (NYCB). He personally chose Ginger to attend five seminars at the School of American Ballet (sponsored by the Ford Foundation), which were taught by Mr. Balanchine himself.
Miss Burke also produced several ballets for television, including "Three Wishes". Many of Miss Burke's students are teaching and dancing throughout the United States and Europe. As a faculty member of the University of Buffalo's Theatre and Dance Department for fourteen years, she introduced pointe classes to their curriculum. After her retirement, Miss Burke left the Royal Academy of Ballet in the care and trust of Elizabeth DiStasio-Waddell, who is now the Academy's director and owner. After her death in 1996, the Royal Academy of Ballet carries on her tradition of dedication to the art of ballet.
Many professional dancers, choreographers, and teachers have studied with the Royal Academy of Ballet: