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East Orange Elementary Schools - SMAPA provides interdisciplinary instruction in dance throughout the school year to all third graders in all ten elementary schools in East Orange, NJ. This artists in residence model has been supported by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.
The Renaissance School - 6th, 7th and 8th graders receive dance and drama classes during school time. Classes include Afro-Haitian, West African, tap, jazz, and sequential drama classes from 6th through 8th grade. This program is supported by the Montclair Board of Education.
Montclair Elementary Schools - 5th Graders in four out of the five elementary schools in Montclair receive five master classes in dance in the second semester of the school year.
Quitman Street Community School, Newark, NJ - SMAPA provides a full K-5 dance program inclusive of creative movement for Kindergartners and 1st graders, Tap for 2nd and 3rd graders and cultural dance for 4th and 5th graders. This artist in residence program continues throughout the entire school year.
The Children’s Institute of Verona, NJ - Inclusive programming is provided for special needs students in Yoga and Musical Theater. Children are bussed to our facility twice weekly throughout the school year.
Seniors Exercise Program - Twice weekly SMAPA provides a year-round fitness program specifically designed for seniors. This program is conducted in the SMAPA studios in association with the Montclair Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Montclair After School Program - SMAPA has provided after school dance programs in Northeast School, Bradford School, Edgement School and Rand School.
PWE - The Performance Workshop Ensemble (PWE) is made up of 10–15 gifted and talented young dancers between the ages of 12 and 20 from Sharron Miller's Academy for the Performing Arts (SMAPA). In return for full tuition scholarships, PWE members give to the community through arts in education concerts.
Prime Time Summer Arts - A full day summer program for children ages 6–14 with daily classes in art, music, dance and drama. Each of the two 3-week sessions culminates in a fully staged, free public performance for family and friends. Prime Time Summer Arts is a joint collaboration in association with the Montclair Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs.
Preschool Prime Time Summer Arts - A half-day weekly theme-based program for children ages 3–5. Classes include dance daily with two art classes, two drama classes and one music class weekly.
Dance Store - SMAPA operates a not for profit retail store for dancewear. Capezio, Danskin, Bunheads, Star Styled and Bal-togs are the major suppliers. Proceeds go toward supporting the SMAPA Scholarship Fund.
SMAPA is grateful for the generous support of the following foundations:
- The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
- The Victoria Foundation
- Turrell Fund
- Hyde & Watson Foundation
- The Stone Foundation
- Helen and William Mazer Foundation
- New Jersey Cultural Trust
- John and Rose Cali Family Foundation
- Robert Mills Foundation
Preschool (ages 2-5)
Dance With Me (2-3)
Creative Movement (3-4)
Predance (4-5)
Tap (4-5)
Pre-Modern and Pre-Ballet (5-6)
Girls Hip Hop (5-7)
Boys Hip Hop (5-7)
Preschool Division classes focus on the joy of moving the body through space, while guiding children toward individual creative expression. Age appropriate skills such as hopping, jumping, leaping and galloping are taught through the use of various teaching tools: scarves, mats, hoops, and rhythm instruments. As children progress from Dance With Me to Creative Movement and on to Predance, body placement, coordination and dance terminology are introduced. Pre-Modern, Pre-Ballet,Tap, and Girls or Boys Hip Hop are more structured classes designed for the older preschooler.
Junior (ages 6-11)
Ballet
Modern
Jazz
Tap
Hip Hop
Musical Theater Workshop
At the junior level, opportunities begin for developmental training in Modern Dance, Ballet and other related art forms including Traditional Modern Jazz and Rhythm Tap. Students develop self-discipline, selfconfidence, self-esteem and self-expression. Class designations are Beginner, Level 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Modern stresses the freedom and versatility of movement. Lester Horton and Martha Graham based techniques are emphasized in the more advanced classes. Ballet focuses on body placement, technique and grace. Tap explores the fundamentals of Rhythm Tap. Traditional Modern Jazz and Hip Hop incorporate a comprehensive warm-up with developmentally appropriate routines. Musical Theater Workshop develops presentational material over the 16-week semester.An informal presentation with invited guests concludes each semester. Percussion Ensemble offers instruction in ensemble drumming (also available in Teen/Adult Division).
Prep Division (ages 12-16)
Pointe
Partnering
Turns Trick & Leaps
Choreography
Contemporary Modern/Jazz
The prep division was launched to offer greater developmental opportunities in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop and Tap to the more mature and/or serious student. At this level students are encouraged to take multiple classes per week.
Registration is on a semester basis.
Adult
Ballet
Modern
Tap
Jazz
West African
Pilates
AM Exercise
Senior Exercise
Floor Barre
Zumba
Just Dance
Classes provide the serious student with opportunities to continue to develop and refine skills. Some students below the age of 12 may be permitted to take these classes with instructor approval. Teen classes continue to provide developmental training. Adult classes are basic level unless otherwise indicated in our schedule.
Sharron Miller's Academy For The Performing Arts ... a delicate balance between dedication, discipline and dance