Dance school in Ithaca, opened in 1994 by Karen Armstrong Gorsky, that runs week-long Dance Arts Camps all summer for children ages 3 to 18. The core camp for ages 5-9 fills each day with ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and hip hop classes plus musical theatre, arts and crafts and camp games, and campers perform a camp show every Friday before pickup that families are invited to attend. Sessions run consecutive weeks from mid-July into August (2025 pricing was $255 per week); daily hours are published on the camp form rather than the website.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Armstrong School of Dance directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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Google Reviews
Powered by GoogleArmstrong dance was unfortunately a terrible experience for our daughter, due to the toxic culture set by the owner. I would recommend looking elsewhere for dance lessons to avoid the negativity and belittlement at Armstrong.
Our 7 year old did a summer dance camp, and she LOVED it. The staff was very friendly, the facility is clean and inviting, and everything felt very well organized. Would happily recommend!
When we moved to Ithaca, we were looking for a studio that was friendly and welcoming, close to our house, offered classes at times of day that fit the schedule of two working parents, introduced different styles of dance, and promoted a positive body image. My daughters joined Armstrong in 2021 in the predance and combo I classes (ages 3 and 5). They have both had a great experience! The classes are a nice combination of proper technique and fun. The girls think “it’s so cool” that each class has several instructors which includes members of the senior dance team - these high school students have been great role models for them. Year-end recital is optional, but the girls have chosen to participate both years. They really enjoyed being on stage at Ithaca College. My older daughter tried a week of dance camp this summer and can’t wait to go back next year. I also started taking the adult tap class, and it’s such a fun and relaxing way to relive my childhood love of dance. Highly recommend!
My middle school aged daughter has been a part of Armstrong School of Dance since kindergarten, and it has been an incredible experience. From a middle schooler, looking back, this dance school creates a supportive environment that, of course, does a terrific job teaching dance skills, but also provides a supportive and empowering space for the dancers to grow as individuals. She continues to enjoy this space that balances an appreciated athletically challenging environment with self growth, responsibility, and teamwork. Love Armstrong School of Dance!
Highly recommend! Staff is always courteous and welcoming. In my 26 years of having interaction with the studio we have always had a positive experience. I have 3 children that have been dancing since they were 3 years old. When the studio closed due to Covid I was so pleased with the communication and effort to continue to provide instruction via zoom. It gave my children some normalcy. My daughter graduated this year and she was devastated that she was not going to have her last performance. Karen found a way for them to still perform by thinking outside the box and staying within guidelines. We are so thankful for our dance family!



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