At Performing Arts, dancers explore and hone their talents with instructors who foster the skills and confidence each student needs to reach his or her personal goals.
We’ve been a family-owned, premier dance school in Hamburg for over 30 years. We offer a strong curriculum of everything from classical ballet to hip-hop and contemporary classes. Our facilities are clean, secure and accommodating for dancers and parents. Music and costumes are always age-appropriate, and we strive to make our studio a safe, welcoming home-away-from home for our dancers.
As a single mother, Suzanne opened Performing Arts by faith – signing a short 6 year lease, hoping to be able to support her 3 children until the youngest, Kerri (Bernas) Paufler was graduated from high school.
She attributes the success of the school to her love for and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ, and belief in the promises of His Word. To the believer he has promised “never to leave us or forsake us.”
– Hebrews 13:5
“For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.”
– Jeremiah 29:11
Miss Sue began her ballet training under Hella Schmidt and mentor Bernadine DeMike. She received a certificate in the Vaganova Method of teaching on scholarship at Western Michigan University. Miss Sue was a founding member of the Buffalo City Ballet Performing Company and ministered in many women’s ministry groups under Miss Bernadine. She founded Performing Arts in 1990, where the studio has grown from a single classroom to four, as well as opened Studio B Dancewear. Although retired from teaching, Miss Sue is still involved in the operations of the business. She is married to Thomas Mall and is the proud mother of 3 children and 5 grandchildren.
Miss Kiki studied ballet under her mother, Suzanne Mall, whom she credits for instilling in her a love for the art. She received her B.A. in Sociology from the University at Buffalo and was a member of the Zodiaque Dance Company for 3 years. She has been teaching ballet, pointe, and various other styles at Performing Arts since 1996, and is recognized as a gifted contemporary ballet choreographer. Miss Kiki resides in East Aurora with her husband Justin, and children Henry, Leo and Carmen.
Miss Kerri is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC and studied Music Theater on scholarship at Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA. She is proud to have performed in regional theater, as well as in the national tour of CATS. Kerri wrote and produced a Christian album in 2017, Broken to Beautiful and in 2020, Love Letters with Creative Soul Records. She currently serves on the worship team at Revive Wesleyan. Kerri has been teaching jazz, tap, musical theater and theater dance at Performing Arts since 2006. She resides in Hamburg with her husband Joshua and children Gwendolynn and Noah.
Mr. Austin began dancing at age three and received most of his training with Darlene Ceglia’s Dance Project. He was a varsity gymnast for Williamsville South High School for 6 years. National awards include Dance America’s “Most Promising Performer” and runner up “Dancer of the Year”. Austin has worked locally in several commercials, music videos and live performances including the Nutcracker with American Academy of Ballet and Configuration Dance. He is a popular hip hop and jazz teacher, on staff with Performing Arts since 2015. Austin resides in Williamsville with his wife Jen and daughter Mila.
Miss Jen started out as a competitive gymnast at Stumpf’s Gymnastics Center before beginning her dance training at Dancentral. She received her B.F.A. in Dance at the University at Buffalo and was a member of the Zodiaque Dance Company. Upon graduation, Jen spent 2 years in New York City as a work study student at the Broadway Dance Center, and danced and acted in various areas of television and film. She is an acro, lyrical and contemporary teacher on staff at Performing Arts since 2020. Jen resides in Williamsville with her husband Austin and daughter Mila.
Miss Rebekah grew up dancing at Performing Arts beginning in 2001. She is a graduate of Buffalo State University where she earned a degree in Early Childhood and Special Education, as well as her Master’s in Literacy. Rebekah is currently a 3rd grade Special Education teacher in the Frontier School District. She has been on staff at Performing Arts since 2018 and teaches ages 3-5 combo class. Rebekah resides in Hamburg with her husband Justin and son Dominic.
Miss Danielle began her ballet training with Maris Battaglia at the American Academy of Ballet and completed Level 1 of a National Training Certification through American Ballet Theater, affiliated with the JKO School. She earned a degree in Elementary/Special Education with a minor in Dance from Mercyhurst University and holds her Master’s in Special Education from Buffalo State University. In addition, Danielle led a local worship dance ministry for 15 years. She joined the staff at Performing Arts as a ballet teacher in 2023. Danielle resides in Orchard Park with her husband and 3 children.
Miss Nicole grew up dancing at Performing Arts beginning in 2004. She is a graduate of Daemen College where she received a degree in Business Administration specializing in Marketing with a minor in Public Relations and Entrepreneurship. While studying at Daemen, Nicole was a 4-year member of the Daemen Wildcats Cheerleading Squad and is currently employed at Acara Solutions as a Regional Operations Lead. She has been on staff at Performing Arts since 2020, teaching acro, jazz, hip hop and lyrical. Nicole resides in Springville.
Miss Tammy is an accomplished dancer, educator and choreographer with over 38 years of teaching experience in Western New York. She trained locally under Barb Denny and was privileged to take classes from award winning performer and director Debbie Allen, as well as Broadway tap dancer Charles McGowen. Tammy has worked with children of all ages, both competitive and recreational, as well as with children with special needs. As one of the earliest staff members at Performing Arts, she returned as a jazz, tap and acro teacher in 2024. Tammy resides in West Seneca with her son Frank.
Miss Rachel grew up dancing at Performing Arts beginning in 2004 and as a student, was accepted into the New York State Summer School of the Arts Dance Intensive. She received her B.F.A. in Dance at the University at Buffalo and was a performer with the Zodiaque Dance Company, Emerging Choreographers Showcase and Choreolab. Upon graduation, Rachel studied commercial dance in Orlando and is currently working with ID Dance Company. She has been on staff at Performing Arts since 2021, teaching contemporary, jazz and hip hop. Rachel resides in Orchard Park.
Ms. Sue trained for 18 years as a competitive dancer at Eugenia’s Dance Studio. She was a performer with the Krakiowacy Polish Dancers and competed with various Polish dance groups from around the world. Sue holds her BFA in Graphic Design from Daeman College and is the Associate Director for Creative Services at Niagara University. She has been teaching adult tap at Performing Arts since 2023. Sue resides in Grand Island with her husband Jeff and is the proud mom of Amanda, Rebecca and Ryan.
Miss Amanda trained for 18 years at Darlene Ceglia’s Dance Project studying in the styles of tap, jazz, ballet, and contemporary. She is a graduate of Niagara University where she earned a degree in Early Childhood and Special Education with a minor in dance, as well as her Master’s in Literacy. During undergraduate studies Amanda was a part of Niagara University’s Dance Crew and is currently a 1st grade teacher in the Niagara Wheatfield School District. She has been a staff member at Performing Arts since 2015 teaching tap, jazz & lyrical classes. Amanda resides in Hamburg with her husband Cory.
Miss Rachel began her training at Mary Alice’s Dance Studio and spent summers at Dance Italia and the New York Dance Alliance. She received her B.F.A. in Dance at the University at Buffalo and was a member of the Zodiaque Dance Company for 4 years. Rachel danced professionally in New York City with Mo.vement Contemporary Dance Company and is the current Event Coordinator for the American Dance Awards, traveling throughout the U.S. and South Africa. She has been on staff as a contemporary teacher with Performing Arts since 2020. Rachel resides in Buffalo.
Miss Megan received her dance training with Performing Arts beginning in 1991 at the age of 2. She is a graduate of Bryant and Stratton where she received her degree in Applied Science and currently works as a Certified Medical Assistant and Office Manager for a local Plastic Surgeon. Megan spent many years volunteering backstage for Performing Arts’ recitals and recently became the Volunteer Coordinator. She began teaching ages 3-5 combo classes in 2024. Megan resides in Depew with her husband Tony and daughters Makayla and Natalie.
Miss Christina has been dancing since 2004, receiving most of her training at Performing Arts. She was the recipient of a Jump Dance Convention scholarship and traveled to California for a workshop as a tap student. Christina graduated from Buffalo State University with a degree in Childhood and Special Education and currently works as a Special Education teacher at the Summit Center. She has been on staff at Performing Arts since 2023 teaching tap. Christina resides in Eden.
Miss Michele began her dance training at the age of 10, and was a successful competitive dancer, attending LA Dance Force and Tremaine dance conventions. She studied dance at Arizona State University, and served in the U.S. Navy, later earning her B.S. in Business Marketing from Capella University. Michele is a fitness instructor and choreographer for local high school musicals, as well as a wedding planner and officiant. She has been at Performing Arts since 2023 teaching musical theater, jazz, and adult tap and jazz classes. Michele resides in West Valley with her husband Bill and is the proud mother of 6 children and 2 grandkids.
Miss Julie began her training at Miss Bev’s Dance Studio and studied ballet under the direction of Beverly Feder at the Feder’s School of Classical Ballet, earning her advanced Cecchetti Diploma. She was both a principal dancer and soloist with multiple ballet companies and was the Assistant Artistic Director for the Greater Niagara Ballet Company for many years. Julie received her degree in Elementary Education from Buffalo State University and is a kindergarten aide at a local charter school, as well as an infant & children’s swim instructor. She joined Performing Arts as a Ballet Technique teacher in 2024. Julie resides in Hamburg.
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