Matthew Clark, Dance Director at Clark Academy of Performing Arts in Buffalo,  provides area students an opportunity to benefit from his highly acclaimed, innovative style of instruction. As coach and choreographer for the Canadian National Tap Team, the US National Tap Team and the US Jazz Team, Clark has repeatedly led the groups to championship titles including North American National Tap Dance Champions, Canadian National Dance Champions, World Jazz Congress, 21 World Tap Dance Championship titles and International Dance Organization’s World Jazz Champions. His teaching, competing and judging have earned him recognition as a viable member of the dance world in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.

A member of National Dance Council of America, Dance Masters of America, Dance Educators of America, World Dance Organization, New York State Dance Association of Higher Education and the International Dance Organization, Clark is also a performer of stage and commercials for Reebok, Toyota and Calvin Klein. The Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Organization recently honored Matthew Clark in their effort to spotlight teachers, instructors and mentors in the community who have demonstrated sincere dedication and compassion in their teaching. He has also been honored by Governor Pataki who presented him with the Living Legend Award “Life as an Artist.” His humanitarian efforts has carried him to Outreach Programs in South Africa, West Indies,  and South America.  A member of "STORM", a not-for profit organization committed to serving charities through a variety of events and venues incorporating the art of DANCE, makes the circle of  comittment to the community complete.

Matthew has received commendations from former President Clinton for his contributions to the arts and was recipient of the Anton German Community of Color Award, presented by KaleidoscopeDance Theater. The Canadian Dance Hall of Fame, and the Dance Teachers Hall of Fame in New York.. His dance company performed for Gregory Hines by invitation at the New York Tap Festivalhonoring Gregory Hines with Savion Glover.. Hines regarded Clark’s work as “Fabulous footwork and choreography”.   

Most recently Matthew was awarded the “Choreographer of the Year Award” by the International Dance Organization for his outstanding choreography in Tap, Showdance and Jazz.  As choreographer of the Canadian National Tap team his expertise has earned them the Gold Medal 7 years in a row, and he was the first choreographer to have a routine score a perfect score at the World Championships.  Matthew is also a certified Judge and Instrctor with the International Dance Organization.

A former world champion, Matthew has led many of his students on to professional careers in the world of arts and entertainment. He has enjoyed nurturing several to the Broadway stage in productions of  FELA, Grease, Ragtime, Footloose, Billy Elliot, My Fair Lady, Chorus Line, Chicago, Music Man, 42^nd Street, Spring Awakenings, and f “The Lion King” . Others have been cast in movies with Gregory Hines, selected as part of Michael Jackson’s dance ensemble, electrified the stage with Prince, Lady Gaga, Janet Jackson, and joined the tour groups of Tap Dogs and Stomp, performed as members of the Rockettes’, entertained with Disney Tokyo, on a variety of cruise lines and even performed by invitation for Prince Charles, all illustrations of Clark’s ability to help students attain exceptional levels in dance talent.

Our staff is an important part of the success of Clark Academy.  It is absolutely important to have a positive environment, positive attitudes, and positive reinforcement!  This enables us to get positive results! 

Behind every successful studio is a great staff: