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Sharron Miller's Academy for the Performing Arts (SMAPA)
4.6 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · Ballet school in Montclair, New Jersey
Plan your first class
- Ages classes for ages 2–19 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
- Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
- Pre-professional a serious, conservatory-style track for committed students aiming high
- Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
- Today see hours ·
- Phone (973) 655-9819
- Website & schedule smapa.org — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8:45 AM–1:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–12:15 PM |
The programs they offer
“I take adult ballet beginner with Adrienne Armstrong on Tuesdays and I love every minute of this class.”
“My son is in his second round of the breakdancing class for kids 5-8 and loves it - the instructors are great and keep the kids really engaged.”
What families & students say
“My son is in his second round of the breakdancing class for kids 5-8 and loves it - the instructors are great and keep the kids really engaged.”
“I take adult ballet beginner with Adrienne Armstrong on Tuesdays and I love every minute of this class.”
“Not only do the teachers have balance of fun and teaching technique (which I’ve found lacking in other studios) to the youngest dancers, they’re also very kind and nurturing!”
“I take adult ballet beginner with Adrienne Armstrong on Tuesdays and I love every minute of this class.”
“They also build confidence through opportunities to dance in front of (and with the support of) their entire class.”
From the reviews
I recently purchased Jazz shoes for my six year old son for Theater Camp. The SMAPA Dance Store was the closet store next to driving to the City to purchase dance shoes on a Sunday at that. Briana was so kind and wonderful on the phone. I called on a Sunday and she pulled the potential sizes ahead of time.
I wanted to take a moment to express how much my daughter and I enjoy the dance classes at Sharron Miller's Academy for the Performing Arts. Sharron's passion for dance is truly inspiring, and it's reflected in the amazing teachers and engaging classes offered.
We have loved every minute of having my child take dance at SMAPA. Not only do the teachers have balance of fun and teaching technique (which I’ve found lacking in other studios) to the youngest dancers, they’re also very kind and nurturing! My child takes Breakdance with Mr. Irv and Mr.
I take adult ballet beginner with Adrienne Armstrong on Tuesdays and I love every minute of this class. She is a wonderful instructor - very patient and always makes sure we learn something new in a fun welcoming environment. Diana
Adult ballet at Sharron Miller's Academy for the Performing Arts (SMAPA)
Sharron Miller's Academy for the Performing Arts (SMAPA) runs classes for grown-ups, going by their listing and students’ reviews. If you've never taken ballet, or you're coming back to it after years away, this is for you — and a good studio genuinely welcomes a nervous first-timer. A few things worth asking before you go. First, which class to start in — look for one labeled "absolute beginner" or "adult beginner" rather than an open or "all levels" class, so you learn the fundamentals at the right pace. Second, drop-in or term — many adult programs let you pay per class to try it, then move to a term or monthly package once you're hooked. Third, what to wear — comfortable clothes you can move in, plus socks or bare feet, are plenty for a first class; you won't need a leotard or ballet shoes to walk in the door. It's never too late for first position.
Your first ballet class at Sharron Miller's Academy for the Performing Arts (SMAPA)
Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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