Bender Performing Arts

Bender Performing Arts (BPA) is an incredible dance studio. As the mother of 3 dancers, I appreciate the positive family atmosphere created by the owners, Kevin and Meri Bender, and all the amazing teachers. The fees are straight forward and completely transparent. All information regarding the fees and the recital are provided at the beginning of the year. There are no surprise fees and you will never wonder what you are paying for. The office staff is extremely helpful and is always there to answer all questions with a smile. Recital week is run with complete professionalism. Each dance runs seamlessly into the next. The recital is always held at a Paradise Valley School District High School. There are no bad seats in the auditorium and tickets are extremely reasonably priced. There is even the opportunity to see the recital for free with general seating at the dress rehearsal. The dress rehearsal is run identical to the two other performances, with complete professionalism. The recitals are very organized and have a consistent length of 2 1/2 hours, beginning and ending on time. As a Phoenix native, I began dancing at this studio in 1977. There was no doubt in my mind as to where I would send my 3 daughters to receive a high quality dance education in a caring, family atmosphere. more

Bender Performing Arts (BFA) is an incredible studio - impressive from the moment you walk in the door and the friendly office staff welcomes you. When I moved to Phoenix 4 years ago, I researched numerous studios and decided on Bender Performing Arts because of their dance class choices - times and variety of types of dance, theater class, music classes. I came from another state, another studio and they could learn a lot from BFA. You receive the recital information packet in December with all the dates you need to know - rehearsal times, recital times, etc. Their organization is bar none. I was able to notify my out of state family of my kid's dance recital in December, plenty of time to book flights. The fees are right there in black and white - no surprises. Any other add ons (trophies, flowers, program ads, etc) are completely optional with absolutely no pressure to buy. The volunteer options are endless and the more you volunteer, you get placed in a category on when you can buy your tickets. Brilliant! I am not able to volunteer in these higher categories and I have never had a problem getting tickets or have never gotten a bad seat. In fact, this year, I bought 2 tickets the day of the Saturday night show and got fine seats. The recital is always at Horizon High School and there isn't a bad seat. And then at the recital, there are flowers sales, concession and water sales - and all at reasonable prices. I got a bouquet for under $10, a water for $1 and a beautiful program for a $1. Again, very impressed and can fit any budget. The owners, Meri and Kevin Bender are always present and very welcoming. The office staff gladly answers all questions and concerns with respect and I'm sure they've heard every question a hundred times and they have always answered mine with a smile. I give Bender Performing Arts an excellent rating and recommend it to anyone looking for an established, solid, reputable dance studio. more

I took my daughter to see a performance and it was completely disorganized. The children lacked guidance from the teacher and nothing started on time. Very disappointing! I would not recommend sending your child to dance classes here. more