Since 1987
About Us
The mission of DanceMotion is to provide superior quality youth dance art that benefits and impacts the community and promotes the total development of all participants.
About Us
DanceMotion, founded in 1987, is a premier youth dance company dedicated to empowering young dancers to excel beyond recreational training while sharing their talent with the community. For almost 40 years, DanceMotion has grown into a thriving organization with over 100 active dancers, ages 7 to 19, and a network of more than 400 alumni. The company is known for its commitment to holistic dancer development, combining exceptional training with a passion for community impact.
Each year, DanceMotion produces three professionally staged performances, primarily at the historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix. These productions provide dancers with opportunities to perform in professional settings while serving greater purposes, such as engaging underprivileged children, raising funds for youth-focused charities, and fostering collaboration with other studios and organizations.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, DanceMotion places outreach at the core of its mission. Programs include free after-school dance classes in underserved schools, scholarships for dancers in financial need, and benefit performances that have raised over $400,000 for local charities. Additionally, DanceMotion stages free matinee performances for over 1,000 underprivileged children annually, ensuring that the arts remain accessible to all.
With ticket sales and membership fees covering only a portion of operational costs, DanceMotion relies on the support of donors and fundraisers to sustain its mission. Through these efforts, DanceMotion continues to inspire young dancers, promote community engagement, and enrich lives through the transformative power of dance.
“Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.”
— Martha Graham, modern dancer and choreographer
styles of dance
Ballet
Tap
Jazz Fusion
Contemporary
Hip Hop
Make a Change
Our Directors
We are so very proud and honored to be the artistic directors of DanceMotion. So many wonderful dancers and their families have inspired and motivated us over the past quarter of a century. Our philosophy has never changed; simply put, we use the art of dance to help create good people. Our students who have grown up with DanceMotion and are now productive members of their communities are a testament to that philosophy. We would like to thank all those who have been a part of DanceMotion throughout the years and those who continue to help this wonderful organization keep the arts alive and mentor the youth of today.
Meri and Kevin Bender – DanceMotion, Executive Directors
FAQ’s
My child wants to join DanceMotion, how…
...does she/he become a member?
To become a member of DanceMotion, dancers must participate in an annual audition. During the audition, students will showcase their skills in ballet, jazz, and tap. It is strongly recommended that students have prior experience in all three styles before auditioning. Participants should arrive 15 minutes early to complete an information form.
Audition results will be shared shortly after the audition, and the names of those invited to the second phase will also be posted on the studio’s front door. The second phase involves mandatory attendance at Bender Performing Arts’ Summer School. Successful completion of both audition phases is required to join the company.
...many classes will she/he be required to take if invited to join?
DanceMotion members take 6-8 hours of class a week with older dancers attending more than younger students. This typically entails being at the studio 3-4 days a week.
...much does it cost?
DanceMotion members attend 6-8 hours of class each week, with tuition currently ranging from $407 to $497 per month for that schedule. DanceMotion presents both a holiday ballet and a spring show each year, and members also participate in three competitions annually. To help manage the costs associated with being a company dancer, costume and competition fees are divided into monthly payments. These fees typically total between $950 and $1,500 per year.
...should we prepare for the audition?
…day of audition.
Plan to wear dance clothes to the audition as no street clothes are allowed. The audition starts with ballet, then jazz and ends with tap. Students are taught short routines which they will perform in small groups before a panel of instructors. The instructors are observing both their technique and their ability to learn and perform dance steps quickly and confidently.
…prior to audition.
Register for the DanceMotion Audition Workshop
FOLLOW US
DMPC
DanceMotion Performing Co.
Contact Us
DanceMotion is powered by
Bender Performing Arts
3141 E. Beardsley Road, #110
Phoenix, AZ 85050
602.971.9170