About SMAPA
Our Mission
Sharron Miller’s Academy for the Performing Arts (SMAPA) provides comprehensive, inclusive developmental training in dance and related theater arts to students at every stage of life.
Our holistic philosophy inspires students to believe they can achieve, nurturing the potential within each student by encouraging creativity, building skills, fostering self-discipline, and bolstering self-esteem.
Our Programs
In-School Dance Residencies
Since 1997, SMAPA has provided an annual series of in-school dance residencies that spark the imagination and enthusiasm of children and faculty alike.
These residencies take place in Paterson Public Schools (Passaic County), Newark Public Schools (Essex County), and Union City Public Schools (Hudson County), teaching 650+ classes benefiting more than 1,600 students each year.
Funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, the NJ State Arts Council, and other funders, SMAPA is increasingly recognized in the New Jersey public education community for the success of these partnerships in providing high-quality dance and arts programming in classrooms.
Paterson Public Schools
SMAPA provides interdisciplinary instruction in dance in six public schools in Paterson, NJ.
KIPP Life Academy, Newark, NJ
This artist-in-residence program provides 2 classes a week throughout the entire school year.
Performance Workshop Ensemble
The Performance Workshop Ensemble (PWE) is a fully funded program for the serious young dancer between the age of 12 and 18, where performance experience is the next vital step in their development. Not only do these students receive free tuition for all their training, but also have the opportunity to work with professional choreographers and teachers who help nurture and develop their skills.
The support for PWE comes directly from our donors and grantors who recognize the value in supporting these talented young people who, in many cases, are the future of Dance. PWE members offer arts in education performances in Montclair and neighboring communities.
Prime Time & Preschool Summer Arts
Prime Time Summer Arts is 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.
Preschool Summer Arts is a half-day summer program for children ages 3-5. Each 1-week session includes dance, music, art, and pretend play with changing themes (like super heroes, fairy tales & more).
Senior Exercise Programs
Free Boys Ballet
Scholarships & Tuition Assistance
The Joyce Copeland Scholarship is a full scholarship awarded to a deserving student between the ages of 10 and 12 who demonstrates a keen interest and ability in dance, yet financial support is essential. Awardees are announced at the annual Celebrate Dance! Concert in the spring.
SMAPA provides needs-based tuition assistance for students who qualify as participants in the Free or Reduced Lunch Program OR New Jersey Families First Program. A qualified student pays only what they can afford.
Help us make a difference
SMAPA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
If you are able, please consider donating to our general scholarship fund.
