Bender Performing Arts

Bender Performing Arts offers Tiny Tots creative movement for 2-year-olds by September 1 who are potty trained, Tip Tappin’ with tap, ballet, and gross motor skill development for 3-year-olds by September 1, and Broadway Babies for 3- and 4-year-olds with singing, acting, and dancing. It also offers Fabulous 4’s with ballet and tap/jazz combo classes, kindergarten classes with Ballet, Tap/Jazz combo, HIPPITY HOP, Musical Theater, Tumbling, and Sparklettes, and classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz Fusion, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Musical Theater for ages 2 1/2 through adult.

Programs

• Tiny Tots – 2–3 Year Olds — 2 years old by September 1; potty trained · A creative movement class designed to enhance gross motor development, listening skills, musicality, and nurture the creative spirit.
• Tip Tappin’ – 3 Year Olds — 3 years old by September 1 · A combination class consisting of tap, ballet, and gross motor skill development. Dancers will experience song and dance routines to fun music.
• Broadway Babies – 3 Year Olds — 3 years old by September 1 · A jump start into the creative world of Musical Theater. Students participate in singing, acting, and dancing.
• Fabulous 4’s – 4 Year Olds — 4 by September 1st · Offers Ballet and Tap/Jazz combo classes.
• Broadway Babies – 4 Year Olds — 4 years old by September 1 · A jump start into the creative world of Musical Theater. Students participate in singing, acting, and dancing.
• Kindergarten classes — Kindergarten · 45 minute classes include Ballet, Tap/Jazz combo, HIPPITY HOP, Musical Theater, Tumbling and Sparklettes.
• Ballet — All ages 2 1/2 years old through adult · Offered by BPA.
• Tap — All ages 2 1/2 years old through adult · Offered by BPA.
• Jazz Fusion — All ages 2 1/2 years old through adult · Offered by BPA.
• Contemporary — All ages 2 1/2 years old through adult · Offered by BPA.
• Hip Hop — All ages 2 1/2 years old through adult · Offered by BPA.
• Musical Theater — All ages 2 1/2 years old through adult · Offered by BPA.

At a glance

• Ages: 2–18 years old
• General schedule: Children aged 2 ½ and older and adults of all ages are invited to take a dance class or music lesson or enroll in musical theater.
• Facility hours: Open six days a week.

About the provider

Bender Performing Arts began as Betty Johnson School of Dance, a Phoenix dance studio fixture since 1974. BPA became home in 2006. The studio says it has served Phoenix for nearly 50 years and has a reputation for excellence that has endured for over 50 years. Students have performance opportunities at recitals and community events, and the studio is available for community use for rehearsal space, children’s birthday parties, and Girl Scout patch and bridge ceremonies.

Students must be 2 years old by September 1 and potty trained for Tiny Tots. Students must be 3 years old by September 1 for Tip Tappin’ and Broadway Babies. Students must be 4 by September 1st for Fabulous 4’s. Monthly costs range between $77 and $420. Class sizes are limited. Registration can be online or by calling (602) 971-9170.

What families say

“The owners, instructors and staff are the best. Their motto of not only raising good dancers, but good people is apparent in all of their communications and performances. We were new to Phoenix, tried a few studios and found our home at Bender PA.” — Amy R.

“We have been with the studio for over 10 years and love it. They want each kid to have fun, express themselves, learn new skills, and most of all be good people. Our family has been enriched by our time with the studio!” — Kimberly S.

Last updated August 31, 2026.