When you choose to put your child in dance class, you'll see their self-confidence, joy, and sense of belonging flourish. At BPA, our students not only receive quality training and professional performing experiences but also learn to develop important life skills as well. Learning to be respectful, confident, and conscientious youth who share their gifts and talents with the community. We want BPA to become your second home. From your child's first class to their final bow on stage their senior year, BPA has a class for everyone!
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Bender Performing Arts (BPA) began as Betty Johnson School of Dance, a Phoenix dance studio fixture since 1974. The modern 14,000 square foot facility of BPA became home in 2006. BPA offers Ballet, Tap, Jazz Fusion, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Musical Theater, Tumbling, Silks, Pom & Cheer, Voice, & Piano for all ages 2 1/2 years old through adult.
3 We reserve the right not to allow rentals that we deem are a conflict of interest with what our school offers in the way of technique and classes. You MUST book your private/rehearsal in advance and no further out than 45 days in advance. A teacher or parent MUST be present and in the room for all students under 18 years of age.
A creative movement class designed to enhance gross motor development, listening skills, musicality, and nurture the creative spirit. Our Fabulous 4's Program offers two exciting styles of dance! Our Ballet class introduces the young dancer to the steps and grace of ballet. The Tap/Jazz combo class gives an opportunity to experience the fun of tap and will develop balance, musicality and coordination while learning basic jazz movements. These 45 minute classes includes instruction in BALLET, TAP/JAZZ combo class, HIPPITY HOP, MUSICAL THEATER, TUMBLING and SPARKLETTES.
Reviews (9)
Manish Shekhar
Mar 28, 2022
Big Sky Developer
Feb 06, 2022
Our 12-yer old daughter has been going to Bender Performing Arts (BPA) for several years now. We cannot be happier with our experience with BPA. Meri and Kevin Bender are not only attentive business owners, but wonderful people. They treat every student and their family as their family. All the instructors project that care and attention as well. Not only is the Bender team devoted to teaching the arts but focus even more on their students being good citizens.
The recent pandemic was a challenge for everyone, yet Meri & Kevin found a way to keep their studio open which was particularly important when the schools were closed to in-person learning. They have also facilitated combined travel and dance opportunities that our daughter has taken advantage of, i.e. dancing at Disneyland, and going to a summer dance camp in Colorado. We highly recommend BPA for anyone who wants to introduce their child to the arts. Yvonne & Mike B., Phoenix
The recent pandemic was a challenge for everyone, yet Meri & Kevin found a way to keep their studio open which was particularly important when the schools were closed to in-person learning. They have also facilitated combined travel and dance opportunities that our daughter has taken advantage of, i.e. dancing at Disneyland, and going to a summer dance camp in Colorado. We highly recommend BPA for anyone who wants to introduce their child to the arts. Yvonne & Mike B., Phoenix
Tim Southern
Aug 29, 2021
Zoe Rosenthal
May 18, 2020
Actual material was fine but some instructors were snotty nightmares straight out of Mean Girls. The instructor who claims to be Miss Arizona kicked me out within the first ten minutes of the first day of class because a hair pin fell out of my bun, and I bent down to pick it up. She scolded me for being "unprofessional". I was literally a 9 year old.
She wouldn't let me continue in her class because of this. No other class I wanted was available at that time, so that was my last day at bender after being there for 6 years. I experienced a lot of snotty behavior from other students as well.
She wouldn't let me continue in her class because of this. No other class I wanted was available at that time, so that was my last day at bender after being there for 6 years. I experienced a lot of snotty behavior from other students as well.
Jennifer Boyle
Mar 25, 2020
I can't say enough about what a wonderful place Bender is a a what a blessing it has been to our family. Everyone from the owners to the teachers to the front desk staff are so caring and helpful. Our daughter has received a fantastic dance education in a caring, supportive environment - we couldn't ask for anything better!
Elizabeth Kelley
Dec 21, 2019
This review is coming in a few parts. 1. Cost. I signed my 7 year old up here because they have musical theater. She decided on 2 classes. Musical and Jazz. Total was $107 a month. Ok, not bad. But what you don't see is there are 4 payments of almost $70 due for the Musical performance. She doesn't have a lead part (or any part either). She's in 1 dance.
That's it. That's a little $$ In my opinion. 2. Customer service. I picked my daughter up after class one night, and in a hurry she forgot her dance bag (with over $100 worth of dance stuff in it). It was too late when we noticed and decided to wait to get it at her class (they have a lost and found). Only to discover the next week it was no where to be found.
Since then I've spoken to a few different people who assure me that if someone took it, they'd bring it back or if it was there it would be in the lost and found. It couldn't possibly have gotten left somewhere eLse and NO ONE would have moved it. Not once when I went in did anyone check cabinets, boxes, storage just to be sure. Then, the lady basically called me a liar and said "I am pretty sure your daughter came and got it from the front".
Unless my 7 year old can drive, she DIDN'T! I get that I am partially responsible for the bag missing, but Jesus. Have some empathy to the plight people. I'm going to talk to her main teacher and email the school. I'm hoping someone can help. Very frustrating
That's it. That's a little $$ In my opinion. 2. Customer service. I picked my daughter up after class one night, and in a hurry she forgot her dance bag (with over $100 worth of dance stuff in it). It was too late when we noticed and decided to wait to get it at her class (they have a lost and found). Only to discover the next week it was no where to be found.
Since then I've spoken to a few different people who assure me that if someone took it, they'd bring it back or if it was there it would be in the lost and found. It couldn't possibly have gotten left somewhere eLse and NO ONE would have moved it. Not once when I went in did anyone check cabinets, boxes, storage just to be sure. Then, the lady basically called me a liar and said "I am pretty sure your daughter came and got it from the front".
Unless my 7 year old can drive, she DIDN'T! I get that I am partially responsible for the bag missing, but Jesus. Have some empathy to the plight people. I'm going to talk to her main teacher and email the school. I'm hoping someone can help. Very frustrating
Burch'S. Karate
Dec 14, 2019
Myriam Munoz
Nov 14, 2018
My daughter has been at Bender for the last 5 years. she started there at 2.5 years old. Every year we have had the best experience. We felt at home since the first day she set foot at the class there. We drive 25 to 30 minutes to get there and we will continue to do so as this studio is different to many in Scottsdale. Great instructors and community.
Top notch dance classes without the awful dance mom attitude that can be found at other places in Scottsdale. Their philosophy is to dance for the joy of dance and to make better people through dance. They are friendly, kind and nurturing. They encourage team work and as a result the recitals and events are amazing. The high energy and great vibe you experience when you get to that studio is hard to find at other dance places. Kevin and Mary Bender the owners are very active and are involved in many community and charity projects as well. If you are on the fence, I suggest you try a class and talk with other parents there. People are very friendly. Your kid will love it.
Top notch dance classes without the awful dance mom attitude that can be found at other places in Scottsdale. Their philosophy is to dance for the joy of dance and to make better people through dance. They are friendly, kind and nurturing. They encourage team work and as a result the recitals and events are amazing. The high energy and great vibe you experience when you get to that studio is hard to find at other dance places. Kevin and Mary Bender the owners are very active and are involved in many community and charity projects as well. If you are on the fence, I suggest you try a class and talk with other parents there. People are very friendly. Your kid will love it.
Tina Ellis
Jan 01, 2014
Bender Performing Arts & it's staff will forever be our love! My daughter has been dancing since she was 4 years old. We started at another studio and found that it wasn't fun nor very friendly. We switched and now sky's the limit with Bender! They offer a great variety of classes. They have very experienced instructors. The staff is so helpful and dedicated!
I walk in and feel right at home. The dances, recital & events are so diverse and absolutely amazing! I cry at the end of every season to see how far all the students have come! To see them graduate is so inspiring to my daughter. We have always been well informed of every change or just general information within the studio. They are very organized! Thank you Kevin, Meri & staff for the last 5 years, here's to 8 more years! By the way, Hannah can't wait to be an instructor! hint hint! Love you all! Keep dancing!
I walk in and feel right at home. The dances, recital & events are so diverse and absolutely amazing! I cry at the end of every season to see how far all the students have come! To see them graduate is so inspiring to my daughter. We have always been well informed of every change or just general information within the studio. They are very organized! Thank you Kevin, Meri & staff for the last 5 years, here's to 8 more years! By the way, Hannah can't wait to be an instructor! hint hint! Love you all! Keep dancing!
