Bender Performing Arts

Bender Performing Arts offers toddler and preschool dance classes such as Tiny Tots, Princess Ballet, Tip Tappin’ 3s, Broadway Babies, Hip Hop/Tumble Tots, and Fabulous 4s, as well as kindergarten dance classes. Older children and teens can take Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Jazz Fusion, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Musical Theater, Tumbling, Silks, Pom & Cheer, and Pom, along with Sparklettes. The program also offers music lessons including voice and piano through private and group music lessons, plus acting and musical theater classes, and it hosts children’s birthday parties, Girl Scout patch and bridge ceremonies, and studio rentals.

• Ages: 2–18 years old
• Schedule: Open six days a week
• Price: Monthly costs range between $77 and $420.

Bender Performing Arts began as the Betty Johnson School of Dance, which started in 1974, and the program notes that it has served Phoenix for nearly 50 years. In 1992, Meri Bender, a former student, and her husband Kevin took over managing the studio, and the modern 14,000 square foot facility became its home in 2006. The studio states that its focus is on creating wonderful humans and using dance as the tool.

The facility is described as a state-of-the-art dance school with spacious raised sprung dance floors and specialty dance Marley flooring, and it is described as clean and hygienic. It includes five large dance rooms, a sixth smaller dance room, private and group music rooms, large observation windows and lobby monitors for viewing classes, and classrooms equipped with large flat screen TVs. Parents and family members are invited to stay and watch classes from inside the studio, and the facility is available for rental for rehearsals, birthday parties, and Girl Scout ceremonies. The program notes flexible toddler and kids’ dance class scheduling options, performance opportunities at exclusive recitals and community events, and that many teachers were once students at the studio, and it cites a reputation for excellence and dance classes that has endured for over 50 years.

Parent testimonials describe the owners, instructors, and staff as “the best” and say the studio’s motto of raising good dancers and good people is apparent in communications and performances. Families report being with the studio for many years, describe it as a “great school” with a “fun positive environment,” and mention organized staff, encouraging teachers, and creative choreography. One grandparent notes that their granddaughter has been with BPA since age 4 and says the teachers are “the best of the best,” and another parent says their family has been enriched by their time with the studio.

Last updated January 10, 2026.