2333 Niagara Falls Blvd., 2nd Floor
Amherst, NY 14228
(716) 691-2822
Welcome to The Sam Smith School of Dance!
Looking for a fun, yet warm dance studio for your child? Check out the Sam Smith School of Dance. Sam’s studio has that family friendly atmosphere. Sam’s philosophy of “Raising the student’s self-esteem through the ability to dance” has rung true for over fifteen years. The students at the Sam Smith School of Dance carry their learned poise, stage presence, and self-confidence into the other areas of their lives. Many parents have commented on the improvement of their children regarding speaking publicly, performing in plays and concerts, or playing various sports. Parents have attributed this progress to the dance classes that they take at Sam’s studio.
The Sam Smith School of Dance is only 2 minutes from the 290, located on the second floor at 2333 Niagara Falls Blvd. in Amherst (next to Ted’s). The dance school offers classes, in jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, cheer dance, non-competitive Irish dance and most recently, acro, musical theater and jazz technique. Pre-K and combination classes for the younger students consist of ballet, jazz, and tap within a 50 minute class. The adult tap classes show continuous growth as adults from their twenties through their sixties keep signing up. Specials at the Sam Smith School of Dance include getting a fourth class for free when you are enrolled in three classes. Monthly payments are worked into a ten month period with no added recital fees.
The Sam Smith School of Dance holds their annual dance recital at the intimate auditorium at Sweet Home High School in early June. The two hour recital consists of two performances; however, the young children only perform in one of the shows. Holding the recital in the comforts of Sweet Home’s cozy air conditioned auditorium ensures that all families have a good view.
OPEN HOUSE
Open house will be Thursday, August 26 and Thursday September 2 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Come in and see the newly designed studio and learn more about us! Fall classes begin September 10. For more information call Sam at 691-2822.
Fall Zumba Class
Zumba is the serious workout that feels like a party! Join us for the next 8-week session beginning on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 from 8:15 - 9:15 p.m. All you need are your sneakers and workout gear! To register, send in a $10 non-refundable check to Sam Smith School of Dance. Sign up today as space is limited. For more information call Sam at 691-2822.
Fees are as follows:
Sam Smith Students: 8 class pass - $52 4 class pass - $30
Other Students: 8 class pass - $60 4 class pass - $34
Individual Class Admission - $9 for Sam Smith Students; $10 New Students
Curriculum
We teach Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop, and Lyrical dance styles. Combination and Pre-K classes consist of ballet, jazz, and tap. Classes are available from age 3 through adult, from beginner to advanced levels.
Tap
An audible form of dance in which the dancer learns beats, timing, and rhythms while coordinating upper body movement.
Jazz
A style of dance wherein the dancer learns to move his/her body to various forms of music. The basics of jazz will assist dancers with all other forms of dance.
Ballet
Ballet is the foundation of all dance. All other forms of dance can only be improved and mastered by the study of ballet. Ballet teaches proper body alignment, balance, grace, turnout, how to work each aspect of the body and then to unify them. Ballet is a necessity for any student who wishes to advance in dance, desires challenge, someday hopes to teach or assist, or is considering a future in dance.
Lyrical
An expressive form of dance interpreting music through fluid dance movements. Often conveys a message or story. Dancers must be enrolled in intermediate or advanced ballet.
Hip Hop
Hip Hop is a ‘video style’ or ‘street style’ dance. It is a stylistic form of dance that can only be mastered once a student already understands their individual body movement. A student should be aware of his/her body, its capabilities, and how to move it as well as have a natural rhythm in order to comprehend hip hop. The basics of jazz will assist those interested in hip hop.
Combination
A combination class is a class for 5-8 year olds consisting of jazz, tap, and ballet. It is designed so that students will have a basic knowledge of the three basic forms of dance.
Pre-K
A Pre-K class is a combination class for 3-4 year olds. Teachers base their classes on creative movement and analogies as well as learning basic dance steps.
Cheer Dance
A form of dance that incorporates cheerleading movements, style, and formations.
Irish Dance
Acro (New)
Musical Theater (New)
Jazz Technique (New)
A jazz class designed to help students improve stretch, jumps, leaps & turns (non-recital class; no costume).
Now offering Birthday Parties!
• Cost: *$100.00 for students of The Sam Smith School of Dance (Includes up to 8 children)
• Additional children: $11.00 each
• Average age: 4-10 years old
• 2 hour party
• Includes 1 slice of pizza and drink. Dance, games, and fun. Your guests will leave tired but extremely happy.
*Non-students: call for pricing
About Sam Smith
Education: Sam Smith has studied dance for over 30 years. Her training includes studies at S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo, Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in N.Y.C. and many studios across western New York.
Choreography: Teaching dance for over 25 years, Sam has choreographed many recital and competition pieces. In addition, she was the main choreographer for the rock opera “Tommy” and the musical “Working Class Hero” at S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo. She has also received the “Teacher Choreography Award” at the United States Tournament of Dance competition.
Performances: As an original member of Unique Dance Co., Sam has had the opportunity to perform for various business grand openings and anniversaries, fashion, hair, and bridal shows, benefits, festivals, city events and more. She has also appeared in two television commercials.
Philosophy: Sam’s devotion to teaching has resulted in positive feedback from parents, students, and co-workers. Her philosophy is to create challenge, concentrate on technique as well as fun, and promote a constant positive attitude among her students.