Susan paino
dancer ~ teacher ~ costume designer
Susan Paino
Hello! My name is Susan Paino. I'm a child-focused dance-arts educator, and I've designed and led child/family dance classes and creative arts events for over 25 years.
After living in the Boston area most of my life, I moved with my
family to North Carolina in 2020, working as a first- and second-grade
public school teacher. With a move back to the Boston area in 2024,
I'm excited to resume my love of dance and design.
When I'm not teaching dance classes, you'll find me sewing, designing, writing, walking, biking, and exploring museums and libraries with my family.
My interest and flair for costume design is rooted in my early dance studies with the founder of Boston Ballet, E. Virginia Williams. At her home studio, I was surrounded by talented seamstresses who hand-built tutus and tiaras. I danced in the studios downstairs and watched the costume-making upstairs.
And how can I not mention my mother, who often had her sewing machine set up in the dining room, where she made clothes for me and my sisters. Thanks to her, I learned much. Lesson number one...sewing rooms are much more useful than dining rooms!
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As a designer, I enjoy creating imaginative fashions for dance and theatre - especially when I find ways to use recycled and up-cycled clothing, fabric, and other materials.
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My most recent project was The Squirrels by Robert Askins with Apollinaire Theatre Co., April 18-May 18, 2025.​
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Inquiries to discuss costume project ideas are always welcome.
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Click here for my costume design page.
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Apollinaire Theatre Co. 2018 at Port Park, Chelsea, MA; photo by Danielle Fauteux Jacques