Dance Theater West

Dance Theater West offers creative dance training and classical dance training. The program includes a Spring Recital, “Alice in Wonderland,” on May 17, 2026, at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Winter break begins December 14. Spring Semester begins January 5.

Dance Theater West was established in 1987 by Frances Smith Cohen and Susie Silverman. Its credo is, “It is not what your child can do for dance; it is what dance can do for your child.” Susan Silverman is the director of the DTW Classical Ballet Program and the artistic director of Story Book Ballet Theater, serves as Dance Chair for the Greater Arizona Chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters, and is a board member of Center Dance Ensemble. Susan Silverman received her Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and completed a graduate program in dance and literature at the University of Arizona. Kelly Scovel received her BFA in Choreography from Arizona State University, along with her certification in Secondary Education. Lisa Gray Young received a BFA in Choreography/Performance from Arizona State University, graduating with honors, and has received numerous ariZoni Theater Awards of Excellence nominations for her choreography, winning twice for her work in “The Orphan Train” and “The Jungal Book” with MesaYoutheatre. Story Book Ballet Theater collaborates in performance with Free Arts of AZ, Detour Company, and Scottsdale Center for the Arts.

Last updated January 16, 2026.