Bender Performing Arts

For nearly five decades, Bender Performing Arts has been a cornerstone of the performing arts community in Phoenix, Arizona, providing exceptional dance, music, and musical theater education to generations of students. More than just a studio, Bender Performing Arts is a vibrant hub where creativity flourishes, confidence is built, and a lifelong love for the arts is ignited. Whether your child is taking their very first dance steps, aspiring to shine on stage, or you, as an adult, wish to explore a new artistic passion, Bender Performing Arts offers a welcoming and professional environment. This article will delve into what makes Bender Performing Arts a truly cherished and highly recommended institution for local families in the Valley.

The world of performing arts offers immense benefits beyond entertainment. Engaging in dance, music, or theater cultivates discipline, enhances coordination, fosters self-expression, and builds crucial life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience. Bender Performing Arts embraces a "performance-based education model," prioritizing student growth and personal development over solely competition. This philosophy ensures that students focus on honing their skills, creating original work, and experiencing the joy of performance in a supportive and nurturing atmosphere. With a legacy spanning 50 years, many of their dedicated teachers were once students themselves, creating a deep sense of family and genuine care for every individual who walks through their doors. This commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals through the arts is what truly sets Bender Performing Arts apart in the Arizona landscape.

Bender Performing Arts is ideally situated at 3141 E Beardsley Rd #110, Phoenix, AZ 85050, USA. This North Phoenix location makes the studio highly accessible for families residing throughout the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, including nearby communities like Scottsdale, Glendale, and Paradise Valley. The studio is conveniently located about 15 minutes northwest of Kierland Commons and 15 minutes east of Midwestern University, making it easy to integrate into busy schedules. Beardsley Road is a well-trafficked thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation. While some customer feedback has noted occasional parking lot congestion during peak times, the overall accessibility and the prime location within North Phoenix mean that a wide range of local residents can easily access their state-of-the-art facilities for dance, music, and theater education.

• Dance Classes: A diverse range of dance styles are offered for ages 2 ½ years old through adult, catering to various interests and skill levels. These include:

  • Ballet (including pre-pointe and pointe programs)
  • Tap (exploring rhythms and fundamentals with an emphasis on musicality)
  • Jazz Fusion (focusing on kicks, turns, leaps, flexibility, and strength)
  • Contemporary
  • Hip Hop (including "Boys Only Hip Hop")
  • Tumbling (for basic skills of balance, strength, and stretch, from beginning to advanced)
  • Acro
  • Silks
  • Pom & Cheer
  • Kindergarten, 7th Grade, and other age-specific combo classes

• Music Lessons: Private instruction is available for various instruments and voice, held in dedicated private music rooms.

  • Piano Lessons
  • Voice Lessons
  • Guitar Lessons

• Musical Theater Classes: A comprehensive program where students become "triple threats" by combining singing, acting, and dancing. These classes integrate literature and technology for an enriching experience.

• Performance Opportunities: Students are regularly provided opportunities to showcase their talents, including:

  • Annual Recitals
  • Community performances and competitions (for performance teams)
  • Involvement in original, locally produced theatrical productions

• Trial Classes: Easy registration for trial classes allows prospective students to experience the studio's environment and teaching style before committing to a full enrollment.

• Summer Camps and Intensives: Seasonal programs, such as "Performing Arts Camp," "Summer Intensive," and "Prince/Princess Dance Camp," offer concentrated learning and fun during school breaks.

• Special Needs Services: Proudly partners with the nonprofit organization, Moriah Cooperative, to provide funding and services to students with special needs and their families, ensuring inclusivity.

• Adult Classes: Programs are available for adults of all ages who wish to learn or continue their performing arts journey.

• 50-Year Legacy in Phoenix: Bender Performing Arts has been serving the Phoenix area since 1974, making it Metro Phoenix's oldest dance studio. This long-standing history speaks volumes about its quality and community impact.

• State-of-the-Art 14,000 sq. ft. Facility: The studio boasts a modern, expansive facility with:

  • 5 large dance class studios
  • 1 small dance class room
  • 3 private music class rooms
  • Raised sprung floors and specialty dance Marley flooring, designed to provide an optimal and safe environment for dancers.

• Performance-Based Education Model: A key differentiator, the studio focuses on helping students grow in their skills through performance opportunities and creating original, locally produced productions, rather than solely on competition. This encourages a deeper love for performance and artistic creation.

• Family-Oriented Culture and Caring Instructors: Many teachers were once students at Bender, contributing to a "family" atmosphere. Reviews consistently highlight that teachers "show my daughter so much love, kindness, and patience" and genuinely care for every student. This nurturing environment helps students feel comfortable and thrive, even those who are "slow to warm up."

• Inclusive Environment: Bender Performing Arts embraces diversity, actively welcoming all students and partnering with organizations like Moriah Cooperative to support students with special needs. They are also identified as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space.

• Development of Life Skills: Beyond technical training, the studio emphasizes building self-esteem, making lifelong friendships, developing teamwork, problem-solving, joy, and a sense of belonging, aligning with their mission to "create wonderful humans and use dance as the tool."

• Award-Winning Recognition: Bender Performing Arts won "Best Dance Studio" in Phoenix Magazine's "Best of the Valley" award, a testament to their long-standing excellence and community support.

To enroll in a class, schedule a trial, or inquire about their diverse programs, you can reach Bender Performing Arts using the following details:

Address: 3141 E Beardsley Rd #110, Phoenix, AZ 85050, USA

Phone: (602) 971-9170

Mobile Phone: +1 602-971-9170

For the most current class schedules, registration information, and specific program details, it is always recommended to visit their website or contact them directly.

For families and individuals across Phoenix and the wider Arizona region, Bender Performing Arts stands as an unparalleled choice for comprehensive performing arts education. Its remarkable 50-year legacy speaks to a deep-rooted commitment to the community and a consistent standard of excellence. What truly makes Bender special, as echoed by countless local parents, is the profoundly nurturing and family-oriented environment. Testimonials confirm that teachers "show my daughter so much love, kindness, and patience," helping even slow-to-warm-up children to "make so much progress" and become "so much more outgoing." This dedication to fostering personal growth and confidence, rather than just technical skill, resonates deeply with local values.

The state-of-the-art 14,000-square-foot facility, with its specialized dance floors and private music rooms, provides an ideal setting for learning and creativity. The studio's commitment to a performance-based education model means students gain invaluable experience in creating and presenting original work, fostering a genuine passion for the stage. Furthermore, their inclusive approach, welcoming "dancers from all walks of life" and partnering to support students with special needs, truly sets them apart as a community pillar. Despite potential minor parking challenges at peak times, the overwhelming benefits—from top-tier instruction and diverse class offerings to a deeply caring faculty and a strong community spirit—make Bender Performing Arts an outstanding and highly recommended institution for any Arizonan looking to explore dance, music, or theater. It's a place where children and adults alike can truly thrive and develop a lifelong connection to the arts.

Bender Performing Arts

3141 E Beardsley Rd #110, Phoenix, AZ 85050, USA