Business Details
36 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance School in Hamburg, NY
Performing Arts Dance Academy has been nurturing dancers and fostering artistic growth in Hamburg, NY for over three decades. As a family-owned institution since 1990, we combine technical excellence with a commitment to creating a safe, welcoming environment for students of all ages and skill levels. Our experienced instructors, many of whom are industry professionals with advanced degrees and performance backgrounds, specialize in classical ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, and other styles while emphasizing age-appropriate choreography and music. With four dedicated classrooms, a 4:1 student-to-assistant ratio in preschool classes, and state-of-the-art facilities featuring security systems and climate control, we provide comprehensive training that extends beyond dance technique to include character development and confidence-building.Our alumni have pursued successful careers in dance education, performance, and related fields, while our community-focused approach ensures every student receives personalized attention. The academy's adjacent Studio B Dancewear store offers convenient access to required attire, and our structured curriculum prepares students for both recreational enjoyment and competitive opportunities. Through recitals, performance coaching, and specialized classes like theater dance and acro, we cultivate both technical proficiency and artistic expression while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety and ethical instruction.
Services
Ballet
Pointe
Hip-Hop
Contemporary
Jazz
Lyrical
Musical Theater
Acro
Tap
Theater Dance
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- Family-owned dance school with 30+ years of local experience
- Experienced instructors with professional performance backgrounds
- Age-appropriate curriculum for students aged 3+
- State-of-the-art facility with four dedicated classrooms
- Adjacent dancewear store for convenient attire access
What people say
Wonderful staff
Technical skills focus
Warm community
Challenging yet fun
Visible improvement
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical proficiency through structured training in barre exercises and center floor work. Students learn classical techniques while progressing at their own pace in a supportive environment that emphasizes proper form and alignment. Classes are available for all levels from beginner to advanced, with specialized instruction for pointe preparation.
Hip-Hop Classes
High-energy hip-hop classes teach fundamental street dance techniques to fast-paced music. Instructors focus on rhythm, coordination, and self-expression while maintaining technical precision. Classes accommodate all skill levels in a dynamic environment that fosters creativity and confidence through contemporary movement styles.
Contemporary Dance
Contemporary dance classes blend ballet foundations with expressive movement techniques. Students develop fluidity and emotional connection to music while exploring improvisation and choreography. The curriculum emphasizes body awareness and artistic interpretation through progressive skill development in a non-competitive setting.
Musical Theater
This program integrates dance, acting, and vocal techniques for stage performance preparation. Students learn Broadway-style choreography and character interpretation while developing audition skills. Classes emphasize storytelling through movement and include training in period-specific dance styles relevant to theatrical productions.
Acro Dance
Acro classes combine dance technique with gymnastic elements in a safe, structured environment. Instructors teach proper warm-up routines and progressive skills that enhance flexibility, strength, and coordination. The curriculum balances technical development with creative expression while maintaining dance performance quality.
People
Suzanne Mall
Founder
Founder of Performing Arts Dance Academy with ballet training from Hella Schmidt and Western Michigan University. Established the school in 1990 and expanded it to four classrooms while maintaining operational leadership.
Kristen Weigel
President & Executive Director
B.A. in Sociology from University at Buffalo with Zodiaque Dance Company experience. Teaching ballet and contemporary since 1996 and recognized for contemporary ballet choreography expertise.
Kerri Paufler
Vice President & Artistic Director
American Musical and Dramatic Academy graduate with theater performance experience including CATS national tour. Teaching jazz and musical theater since 2006 while leading artistic programming.
Austin Aungst
Hip Hop & Jazz Teacher
Award-winning dancer with Dance America recognition and commercial performance experience. Teaching hip hop and jazz since 2015 with a background in competitive gymnastics and dance education.
Jennifer Aungst
Acro & Contemporary Teacher
University at Buffalo dance graduate with Broadway Dance Center training. Teaching acro and contemporary since 2020 with professional experience in television and film performances.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, pointe, hip-hop, contemporary, jazz, lyrical, musical theater, acro, tap, and theater dance classes for students aged 3+.
Are classes available for different skill levels?
Yes, we provide instruction for all levels from beginner to advanced in every dance style we offer.
What are your class size ratios?
Preschool classes maintain a 4:1 dancer-to-assistant ratio, with similarly structured ratios in other age groups.
Do you have performance opportunities?
Yes, we offer annual recitals, competitive group classes, and performance coaching for audition preparation.
Is dance attire required?
Yes, specific dress codes apply by class type. Studio B Dancewear in our building provides all necessary attire.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain security systems with cameras, front desk attendants until 7pm, and age-appropriate choreography/music policies.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Andrijana Kapular
Oct 04, 2021
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Yesterday was my daughter's first class back at PADA and from the second we stepped into the studio we were welcomed back, open arms and Ms.Sue was genuinely happy to see us back! After the class (Street Hip-Hop with Mr James) when I picked up my daughter she was ABSOLUTELY glowing and could not stop saying how much she loved and missed PADA! I had a feeling if she could have she would have hugged and squeezed the building
We LOVE this place! Thank you all for being who you are: amazing, loving Christians!!
#PADAforever
#PADAstrong
We LOVE this place! Thank you all for being who you are: amazing, loving Christians!!
#PADAforever
#PADAstrong
Jessica Sills
Mar 25, 2021
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I danced at the studio when I was a girl, and I loved it then (with Miss Sue and Miss Alanna!) My daughter Olivia is thriving with Miss Rebekah now, and we couldn’t be happier with this program! Keep up the amazing work! 💗
Molly Balbierz
Sep 02, 2020
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Danced at Performing Arts for over 15 years! All of the teachers here are incredible, and the recitals were always very professional. Couldn’t have had a better experience!
Tricia Smith
Sep 02, 2020
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I had two daughters dance at Performing Arts. completely satisfied. Wonderful professional instructors. Family friendly atmosphere.
Emma Kruszka
Sep 11, 2019
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Feels like a family. I think its great for the serious student who wants to go further with dance after graduating:)
Judd Weigel
Jul 26, 2017
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"We are a family based, conservative values non competition dance school. Our base teaching is in Ballet. We are dedicated to teaching our students the finest in traditional, along with the latest in modern and contemporary dance... We believe in a standard of excellence, discipline and cooperation. Our purpose is to inspire you to achieve your goals and dare you to dream... we wish you Joy & Success in ALL that you set your heart and mind to do! ~ Miss Sue, director"
