Arizona School of Classical Ballet, now rebranded as ARKA Ballet Academy, first came onto our radar after a mom from the school mentioned how focused their ballet program is. If you want your kid to build a strong foundation, then we highly recommend this studio.

It’s also great that their teaching foundation is based on the Vaganova technique, which is known for developing dancers with strength, control, and clean lines. 

We love their wide-ranging curriculum. Their academic program includes pre-ballet, classical technique, and partnering. These prepare students ages 5 to 7 through the pre-professional track.

Another thing that we love about them is their performance opportunities. We love that the kids get to perform in the school’s winter and spring productions, giving them the chance to experience the big stage twice a year.

These shows involve a full-scale production, featuring professional dancers and beautiful yet age-appropriate costumes.

However, if you prefer a studio with a large adult beginner community, or maybe a more fun ballet class vibe, you might have to skip them for now.

Genuine love and care from ballet teachers

“My daughter has been training with Ms Irina and Mr K for almost 3 years now. Ms Irina treats every student like they are her own children. She is so loving and genuinely caring. On top of this, Ms Irina and Mr K are both extremely talented experienced Vaganova practitioners. Very high quality and focused ballet program.”

Jennifer Arnold Sensakovic, Google Review

Energetic manner of teaching

“We ADORE this school! My 5 year old is gaining so much technical knowledge from her teacher. I am so impressed with how far she has come in her dance in a short amount of time. They are professional and energetic about teaching. It has made such a difference in a little one being motivated to attend regularly!”

Jeanine Lewis, Google Review

For those of you who are looking for a ballet studio that can cater to both kids and adults, then Master Ballet Academy (MBA) is worth checking out. The academy is under the artistic direction of Slawomir Wozniak.

This studio trains students using the Vaganova-based ballet technique, ensuring strong foundations in classical ballet. MBA offers ballet classes for students aged three to adults, including flamenco and musical theater.

For more intensive training, though, you may want to explore their Grand Prix Intensive (GPI) four-day program or audition for their pre-professional program. Just take note that the duration might feel a bit short for students who prefer immersive training.

We first learned about this ballet studio after seeing multiple videos of their classes and performances on various social media platforms. 

What we loved most about this ballet studio is its sense of community. Students support one another, making it a perfect space if you want your kids to build new friendships outside their regular school.

Students are also given an opportunity to perform in real productions alongside company members from Phoenix Ballet. Even better, some students may even take classes directly with these professional company members.

Students support one another

“Our family loves our home away from home at Master Ballet Academy (MBA). All three of my daughters have danced and received superb instruction from all of the teachers. The other families are kind, warm and helpful! The students truly support one another and create a very special learning environment for dance! In addition, I take the adult classes which are some of my favorite ways to exercise. We are truly happy here!”

Maricarmen Lopez, Google Review

High-quality training routine

“I trained with Slawomir & Irena for 2 1/2 years. I am now a professional ballerina with Colorado Ballet. I wouldn’t be where I am without them. They have the highest quality ballet training, and if you are looking for the best of the best, Master Ballet Academy is the place to go.”

Kenzie Thomas, Google Review

We checked out Ballet Theatre of Phoenix upon hearing how welcoming it is for adult dancers of all backgrounds and body types. 

The academy trains using the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) National Training Curriculum, ensuring a structured teaching approach.

Here, classes are offered for kids as young as three, letting them explore creative movement. We love that they also partner with local elementary schools, running PLIÉS (Providing Leaps in Elementary School). 

Additionally, this studio offers an open ‘dance for all’ program for ages 12 and up, covering theater, jazz, and advanced ballet techniques.

If you’re completely new to ballet, it’s worth noting that the beginner classes here are quite challenging. Because of this, we usually don’t recommend it for first-timers.

Meanwhile, retired ballet dancers or those with previous ballet experience will really benefit from their advanced classes. 

We also love how the teachers break these techniques down into developmentally appropriate lessons. And while they set high expectations, you can still appreciate their nurturing, encouraging environment in class.

Just a heads up, though: you’re not allowed to watch your kids during practice. The lobby has limited seating too.

Caters to all dance backgrounds and body types

“I absolutely love taking the adult classes with Lainie, she is an incredible teacher! Lainie creates an accepting and welcoming environment for adult dancers of all backgrounds and body types, she provides gentle instruction that helps you learn how to dance in a way that is safe and strengthening for your body. I have danced throughout my life and have never met a teacher who is as attentive and supportive of all her students. I would not have returned to dance without her diligent instruction and I would recommend her tutelage to students of all ages.”

Dillon Mathew-Gilmore, Google Review

Basic ballet classes are challenging enough

“This is such a lovely, welcoming studio! I’ve been taking the adult open classes for a few months, and have been so impressed by the skill and kindness of the instructors. Classes — even beginner ones — are the perfect balance of accessible while also challenging (if you want them to be). Instructors offer helpful corrections and clear explanations. The studio spaces are nicely-maintained. What a great resource for the Phoenix community!”

Elyse T, Google Review

For parents looking to prepare their kids ages 10 to 18 for the professional world of ballet, Ballet Etudes Academy should be at the top of your list. This studio has been known for hosting professional-level productions for over 35 years. 

Upon walking in, you’ll love how spacious and bright the studio is, which we think is thoughtfully designed for serious training. What we really appreciate is how clean the mirrors and barres are, and the wooden floors are polished but not slippery at all.

What we love most about them is that they have community partners who provide lecture demonstrations for their students, a unique way for young ballet dancers to experience performing beyond the dance studio.

We also love that the studio publishes a handbook for the school year that outlines policies, the dress code, and holidays.

Sadly, students are allowed to enter and leave the room freely during class, which can be very distracting when you’re focused on learning.

Meanwhile, we love that students in advanced classes are given the opportunity to teach beginners or younger ballet students.

It’s also worth highlighting that the alumni of Ballet Etudes Academy have gone on to professional careers, like Malorie Lundgren, who danced with the New York City Ballet.

Beautiful studio space

“Ballet Etudes provides incredible training and performance opportunities for young dancers. The studio space is beautiful and the staff is experienced and nurturing. We are so thankful to have found such an amazing place to fuel our daughter’s passion.”

Rakelle Springmeyer, Google Review

Takes time to teach quality techniques

“Ballet Etudes has the best training in the Valley. They are professional and nurturing. They have instructors of the highest quality who really care about each of the students. They take the time to teach quality technique and focus on all the details that are so important in ballet. Anyone who wants quality ballet training, you need to go to Ballet Etudes. Highly recommend!!!”

Ashley Bauer-Webb, Google Review

If your kid is too shy to join group ballet classes, or you just want them to have a more personalized ballet training, then you’ll love the private classes offered here at The Studance Lab. 

One of the best parts? The studio uses a single, all-inclusive monthly tuition model, so you can expect no hidden membership or recital fees.

Plus, for those who can’t always make it in person, this ballet studio supports virtual dance classes, allowing students to join from home. 

While their limited weekend schedule can make securing a spot a little tricky, the welcoming community vibe more than makes up for it. 

We also love that this dance studio offers other dance styles, such as hip-hop and jazz, making it an ideal place to explore moves beyond ballet.

You also shouldn’t miss out on their annual recitals. But if you’re bringing the whole family, make sure to secure those tickets early, as they really sell out fast.

And for anyone interested in hosting classes, the studio has three spaces available for rental too, so you may want to check it out. Just to give you an idea, a 1,000-square-foot studio can be rented for just $50 per hour.

Affordable rates

“My daughter loves going to dance class every week. She loves to get all dressed up in her ballet uniform & take her dance bag with her. The class is very fun for her & I love that Studance offers face to face classes. It’s very affordable for our one income family. The studance lab has given my tiny tot a boost of confidence since starting here in Aug. she loves her teacher. The dance studio is very clean, colorful & just a great environment. I hope they open a location in Buckeye someday!”

T Garcia, Google Review

Welcoming co-parents

“My daughter and I love this place. The instructors are amazing, very clean and hip facility and well organized classes. My daughter is have a great time learning new dance techniques and having a blast. The other parents are great company too as we all watch our kiddos.”

Kristen, Google Review