FAQs

  • No — Arizona does not require a state license for dance instructors. That makes it even more important for families to choose a reputable dance studio with qualified teachers. At South Mountain Performing Arts in Laveen, AZ, all of our instructors have obtained Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance from the Arizona Department of Public Safety and bring years of professional dance and teaching experience. Parents searching for a safe, trusted, and professional dance school in Phoenix and Laveen can feel confident knowing their children are learning from highly trained, background-checked instructors in a nurturing environment.

  • Many children are ready to begin dance classes around age two, when they have the motor skills to follow directions and fully participate. At South Mountain Performing Arts in Laveen, AZ, we understand that every child develops at their own pace—some are more physical while others are more verbal.

    Our popular Combo Program introduces young dancers to the foundations of ballet, tap, and tumbling:

    • Ballet builds posture, turn-out, and body awareness.

    • Tap develops rhythm, timing, and musicality.

    • Tumbling/acro improves strength, coordination, and flexibility.

    Starting dance at a young age is wonderful, but it’s also when children are most impressionable. Proper, formal dance training during these early years is essential to prevent bad habits and set the foundation for lifelong success. At SMPA, our experienced, background-checked instructors create a fun, safe, and structured environment where young dancers can thrive.

  • Absolutely! Dance is just as valuable for boys as it is for girls. At South Mountain Performing Arts in Laveen, AZ, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience the benefits of dance education.

    For boys, dance develops:

    • Rhythm and timing that carry over into music and athletics.

    • Coordination and body awareness for stronger performance in all sports.

    • Strength and flexibility to build a healthy, injury-resistant body.

    • Focus, discipline, and classroom etiquette that translate to school and future careers.

    • Confidence and appreciation for the performing arts, fostering creativity and self-expression.

    Best of all, thanks to a generous grant, SMPA offers a tuition-free boys dance program—making it easier than ever for families to get their sons started.

  • For most students, group dance classes are the best place to start. Dancing in a class setting teaches children how to work in unison, builds teamwork and classroom etiquette, and provides the healthy motivation of learning alongside peers. Group classes also help form strong work habits, cooperation, and confidence that extend far beyond the studio.

    That said, private dance lessons can be a wonderful supplement in certain situations. At South Mountain Performing Arts in Laveen, AZ, privates are often used for:

    • Competition dancers who need to learn solo or duet choreography.

    • Students transferring from another studio who want to “catch up” on skills.

    • Dancers who miss class and need individualized instruction to stay on track.

    • Focused training to strengthen technique or prepare for auditions.

    Our experienced faculty offers private dance lessons in ballet, tap, jazz, acro, and more, designed to meet each dancer’s goals. Whether in group or private lessons, SMPA provides a nurturing environment where students grow as dancers and as people.

  • Many young dancers are eager to start dancing en pointe, but beginning too early can be harmful. At South Mountain Performing Arts in Laveen, AZ, we carefully evaluate each student’s age, strength, technique, and consistency in ballet training before introducing pointe work.

    Most dancers who have had solid classical ballet training are ready to begin pointe around age 10 or 11, though this varies for each individual. Proper preparation is essential—if a dancer starts pointe before her body is strong enough, it can cause long-term injuries.

    At SMPA, we take pride in providing a safe, structured progression into pointe, ensuring that every dancer develops the strength, alignment, and discipline needed for success. Our faculty includes teachers with extensive professional ballet experience, offering students the highest level of guidance as they begin this exciting milestone in their ballet journey.

  • Ballet is the foundation of all dance forms. Rooted in centuries of tradition, ballet provides the technique, strength, and discipline that carry over into styles like jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, and even acro. At South Mountain Performing Arts in Laveen, AZ, we emphasize ballet because it develops both the body and the mind.

    Through ballet training, dancers learn:

    • Proper posture and alignment to build strong, healthy bodies.

    • French terminology, the universal language of dance, to connect movement with meaning.

    • Discipline, focus, and artistry that foster confidence on stage and in life.

    • Control and precision developed through consistent practice of technique.

    By choosing ballet for your child, you are giving them a foundation that will benefit every form of dance they pursue—and an opportunity to enter into the artistry, beauty, and tradition of the performing arts.

  • Because your child deserves the best! At South Mountain Performing Arts in Laveen, AZ, we believe that every child—whether a preschool beginner or a serious pre-professional—deserves the opportunity to explore the joy of dance in a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment.

    We offer:

    • Award-winning dance instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, acro, and more.

    • A state-of-the-art facility designed specifically for professional dance training.

    • Programs for all ages, from toddler dance classes to advanced company dancers.

    • A tuition-free boys program, thanks to a generous community grant.

    • A nurturing faculty of highly trained, fingerprint-cleared instructors dedicated to building strong dancers and confident kids.

    At SMPA, we know not every child will pursue dance professionally—but every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts. Our families often say SMPA is more than a dance school—it’s a place where kids build friendships, discover their passion, and feel at home.

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