Sam Smith School of Dance

Sam Smith School of Dance opened in 1993 under Miss Sam Smith and has now entered its 33rd season. The studio was purchased in 2014 by Karen Frampton, who had known and worked with Miss Sam for many years prior. Miss Karen is a graduate of Dance Masters of America's Teacher Training School and is certified by written and practical examination to teach all forms of dance. She grew up taking dance at a local Western New York studio from age 5 and began teaching her own classes in high school. She has choreographed for several local high schools' musicals and makes it a point to attend several dance conventions each year to stay current in her technical approach and learn the most recent trends in choreography. Most recently, the studio has established a reputation for its professionalism, age-appropriate material, sportsmanship, and overall technical instruction, as illustrated by numerous awards.

The studio offers an incredibly balanced philosophy to dance instruction where proper dance technique and discipline are taught in a fun, warm, and nurturing atmosphere. Students carry their learned poise, stage presence, and self-confidence into other areas of their lives. The studio's motto is: "A studio where the student gains self-esteem through the ability to dance."

Classes are offered in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, contemporary, musical theatre, and acrobatics. Pre-K classes for ages 3–4 focus on exposure to basic dance steps in tap and ballet with fun creative movement exercises. Combination classes serve ages 4–6. Lyrical students must be enrolled in a ballet class. The studio also offers adult tap classes for all levels, in addition to tap classes for children ages 3–18.

The faculty is wonderfully talented and experienced. Many instructors have professional careers in education and special education, making them knowledgeable in child development, well versed in classroom management, and skilled at interacting with children. The faculty embraces opportunities to attend multiple dance conventions each year to stay up to date on technical teaching and choreography trends. Every member of the faculty believes in fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students. The studio hosts guest speakers at faculty meetings to gain knowledge and sensitivity in helping all dancers thrive.

The studio offers both competitive and recreational dance programs for all ages and levels. Miss Karen also holds a Master's degree in speech-language pathology and is a New York State licensed speech-language pathologist, bringing diverse expertise in child development. Classes begin Monday 9/14/2026. Official class schedules are sent via email in August and upon receipt of a registration form and fee.

When you register, you will receive official class schedules via email in August 2026 and upon receipt of your registration form and fee. Classes begin Monday 9/14/2026. The studio is open Monday to Thursday 4pm–9pm and Saturday 9am–2pm.

The faculty includes many instructors with professional careers in education and special education. Miss Karen Frampton, the studio owner, is a graduate of Dance Masters of America's Teacher Training School, certified to teach all forms of dance, and holds a Master's degree in speech-language pathology. All instructors attend multiple dance conventions each year and are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment.

Pre-K and combination classes introduce basic steps and creative movement for ages 3–6; adult tap is available for all levels.