Last year was a time of growing and expanding for the owner  of Dancing Through the Ages. Rochester ballet teacher Ashley Taylor,

Starting out in the Roots Yoga and Dance Studio, before moving temporarily to the Rochester Lion's Club, Taylor had been looking for a space that would allow enough time for her growing number of classes, when she found The Outlet Youth Center had a space big enough for her business. 

Taylor is starting 2024 at her new place at 491 Apache Drive. Last week was her first official week at the studio. Taylor says the new studio has given her business freedom. It allows her more time with her students. 

Offering everything from ballet, tap dancing, jazz, and more, Taylor says one thing that tends to surprise people is that it's for all ages. In December, Taylor put together her first ever recital for nearly 80 dancers from age ranges of 18 months to adults. 

Research from the National Institute on Aging suggested that participating in dance classes such as ballet, may not only improve the physical well-being of older adults, but mental health, as well. A 21-year study found that people who danced just a few times a week had their risk for dementia lowered by 76%. 

Research also showed participants in ballet classes experienced higher levels of energy, had greater flexibility, improved posture, and held an enhanced sense of achievement.

Taylor says as her students continue to grow in her dance classes, something inside her continues to grow as well.