South Mountain Performing Arts
South Mountain Performing Arts, 3253 W Baseline Road, Laveen, AZ 85339
About
South Mountain Performing Arts offers dance classes that include summer dance camps, themed summer camps, SMPA Crew, and Company. Dancers participate in events such as the Summer Showcase and The Christmas Spectacular Show.
• Ages: 2–18 years old
Since 2007, first as Tempe Dance West and now as South Mountain Performing Arts, the school has provided award-winning dance training and outstanding technical training in a positive and fun environment to the Phoenix metro community. The program uses a specialized curriculum that develops, challenges, and inspires dancers at every level, from recreational beginners to pre-professional artists preparing for the stage. South Mountain Performing Arts describes its environment as safe and empowering for any dancer, with a focus on positivity so every dancer does not feel left behind and is always growing as a dancer, and on growing the skills of a dancer to elevate their game and make them an overall better dancer.
South Mountain Performing Arts operates in a 9,500-square-foot facility that includes a Studio Theater, three additional theater-scale studios, dressing rooms, and a student lounge. The program is led by founder, owner, and artistic director Michael J. Cook and is supported by one of Arizona’s most experienced and accomplished teaching faculties. Its mission states that kids have a great time while the faculty focuses on developing important life skills like positive self-image, dependability, responsibility, respect, and teamwork.
South Mountain Performing Arts has been recognized as the 2017 Cox Small Business Award Winner and describes itself as Arizona’s new state-of-the-art facility, a state-of-the-art cultural venue, and a cutting-edge dance center at the heart of growing Laveen. It states that it has been proudly serving the vibrant communities of South Phoenix and Laveen since 2007.
Parent testimonials describe the studio as a place where dancers shine and thrive in dance and as a second home that is safe and supportive. Parents report that staff are welcoming, instructors are patient and gentle with students, and the establishment is clean and spacious. One parent notes that Mr. Michael is excellent with young children in dance class and describes how he keeps their attention and redirects wiggly kids without a harsh tone.
Last updated January 10, 2026.
• Ages: 2–18 years old
Since 2007, first as Tempe Dance West and now as South Mountain Performing Arts, the school has provided award-winning dance training and outstanding technical training in a positive and fun environment to the Phoenix metro community. The program uses a specialized curriculum that develops, challenges, and inspires dancers at every level, from recreational beginners to pre-professional artists preparing for the stage. South Mountain Performing Arts describes its environment as safe and empowering for any dancer, with a focus on positivity so every dancer does not feel left behind and is always growing as a dancer, and on growing the skills of a dancer to elevate their game and make them an overall better dancer.
South Mountain Performing Arts operates in a 9,500-square-foot facility that includes a Studio Theater, three additional theater-scale studios, dressing rooms, and a student lounge. The program is led by founder, owner, and artistic director Michael J. Cook and is supported by one of Arizona’s most experienced and accomplished teaching faculties. Its mission states that kids have a great time while the faculty focuses on developing important life skills like positive self-image, dependability, responsibility, respect, and teamwork.
South Mountain Performing Arts has been recognized as the 2017 Cox Small Business Award Winner and describes itself as Arizona’s new state-of-the-art facility, a state-of-the-art cultural venue, and a cutting-edge dance center at the heart of growing Laveen. It states that it has been proudly serving the vibrant communities of South Phoenix and Laveen since 2007.
Parent testimonials describe the studio as a place where dancers shine and thrive in dance and as a second home that is safe and supportive. Parents report that staff are welcoming, instructors are patient and gentle with students, and the establishment is clean and spacious. One parent notes that Mr. Michael is excellent with young children in dance class and describes how he keeps their attention and redirects wiggly kids without a harsh tone.
Last updated January 10, 2026.
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