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Who We Are

Performing Arts Dance Academy is a family-owned and operated business and the premier dance school in Hamburg for over 30 years. We owe much of our success to our professionally-trained staff of friendly, experienced instructors, who are personally invested in each individual dancers’ growth. We offer a strong curriculum of classical ballet, up-to-date hip-hop and modern classes, and facilities that 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.

 

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’re proud to say that many of our students have gone on as dance majors in prominent universities and have opened dance studios across the country.

Other Offerings Include:
  • Four well-equipped classrooms
  • Four to one dancer-to-assistant ratio in our preschool classes
  • Clean air ventilation and air conditioning
  • Open and accessible office and reception area
  • A security system with cameras and a large, well-lit parking lot
  • Attendant present at the front desk until 7:00 pm
  • A lounge, dressing rooms and shower
  • A second-floor mezzanine for monthly observances
  • Family and “pay one price” rates
  • Paid class assisting for dancers
  • Limited work scholarships for parents

Our History

After co-owning Fine Arts Academy for four years, Suzanne (Bernas) Mall officially opened Performing Arts Dance Academy in Hamburg Village in the spring of 1994. After successfully filling all her classes in the first year of business, Suzanne expanded to the adjacent space to open up a second classroom and a small dancewear store, Studio B Dancewear.

Over the years, Performing Arts has experienced astonishing growth, and has had to expand to accommodate. In 2004, Performing Arts underwent a major renovation from scratch—they raised the ceiling to add a mezzanine for viewing classes, added a large dressing room and a lounge and even added a soundproof music room. When news of the dancewear store began to attract students from other studios, they no longer had enough space for inventory, so they re-opened Studio B Dancewear in a beautiful new storefront in December 2008. In 2017, they added a third, smaller classroom space to welcome even more students on their individual dance journeys. Most recently, in the Fall of 2023, they expanded to create a 4th classroom which they call Studio D (pictured).

Today, Performing Arts Dance Academy is truly a family studio. Though Suzanne has retired from teaching to spend more time running her business, her daughters Kristen and Kerri are partners and continue to teach classes and provide coaching to aspiring dancers.

On A Personal Note:

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

And her favorite scripture:

“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