School Information: Curriculum, Schedule, Tuition, Dress Code
Southwest Ballet Theatre’s goal is to encourage learning in a positive, nurturing, and developmentally sound environment while building on the principles of ballet technique for students of all levels, recreational through pre-professional. The SWBT community promotes excellence, encourages personal responsibility, and emphasizes integrity.
Studio Addresses
Old Town Avondale (OTA):
725 N. Central Avenue, Suite 111, Avondale
Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC):
3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale (inside the Performing Arts Center)
Dance Studio — PAC 105
Primary Division
The Pre-Primary classes focus on creative movement and the magic of ballet. They provide a nurturing environment which fosters the child’s imagination; cultivates musicality, coordination, balance, strength, attention skills, and basic movement vocabulary; and develops early ballet technique.
The Primary levels are designed to introduce or continue the study of creative movement concepts and early ballet technique. Classes offer a nurturing environment and feature engaging music and movement exercises. Primary level students will develop the focus and listening skills needed to thrive in a classroom setting. The barre will not be utilized during this phase of development to aid the dancer in cultivating balance, strength, coordination, and proprioceptive skills.
Pre-primary for 3's
Must be 3 years old by September 1st
Classes Run August 10, 2026 – May 15, 2027
ScheduleTuesday 4:45 – 5:30 PM Thursday 11:00 – 11:45 AM Saturday 9:30 – 10:15 AM Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment. |
Additional InformationMonthly Tuition: $70 Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling Military Discount: 10% off tuition Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month. Dress Code: click here |
Pre-primary for 4's
Must be 4 years old by September 1st
Classes Run August 10, 2026 – May 15, 2027
ScheduleTuesday 4:45 – 5:30 PM Thursday 11:00 – 11:45 AM Saturday 9:30 – 10:15 AM Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment. |
Additional InformationMonthly Tuition: $70 Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling Military Discount: 10% off tuition Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month. Dress Code: click here |
Primary A (5 years old)
Must be 5 years old by September 1st
Classes Run August 10, 2026 – May 15, 2027
ScheduleMonday 9:00 – 9:45 AM Wednesday 4:45 – 5:30 PM Thursday 4:30 – 5:15 PM |
Additional InformationMonthly Tuition: $70 Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling Military Discount: 10% off tuition Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month. Dress Code: click here |
Primary B (6 years old)
Must be 6 years old by September 1st
Classes Run August 10, 2026 – May 15, 2027
ScheduleMonday 9:45 – 10:45 AM Thursday 5:15 – 6:15 PM Friday 4:45 – 5:45 PM |
Additional InformationMonthly Tuition: $75 Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling Military Discount: 10% off tuition Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month. Dress Code: click here |
Primary C (ages 7+)
Must be 7 years old by September 1st
Read about class requirements for performances here.
Classes Run August 10, 2026 – May 15, 2027
ScheduleBallet ClassesMonday 9:45 – 10:45 AM Enrichment ClassThursday 6:15 – 7:15 PM Enrichment classes begin with Jazz. This basic foundation allows students to build coordination, strength, flexibility, and musicality needed to enhance their ballet technique. Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment. |
Additional InformationMonthly Tuition: Based on hours per week; see Tuition Schedule Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling Military Discount: 10% off tuition Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month. Dress Code: click here |
Lower Division
The School of Southwest Ballet Theatre’s Lower Division builds upon the knowledge of the Primary Division and is a formal introduction to classical ballet technique. The Lower Division welcomes students aged 8+, including those with no prior dance experience. Students engage in ballet vocabulary, theory, and kinesthetic principles; learn to use their bodies correctly to prevent injury; and build strength, stamina, coordination, discipline, and grace. The Lower Division creates a strong foundation in classical ballet technique. Please read our “About Level Placement and Pointe” page at this link for more info.
Level 1 / 1B
Students at this level can take 3 classes per week: two ballet and one enrichment
Read about class requirements for performances here.
Classes Run August 10, 2026 – May 15, 2027
ScheduleBallet ClassesMonday 4:15 – 5:15 PM Level 1B by invitation only – choose one ballet class above, plus the following class: Enrichment ClassesThursday 10:00 – 11:00 AM Enrichment classes begin with Jazz. This basic foundation allows students to build coordination, strength, flexibility, and musicality needed to enhance their ballet technique.Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment. |
Additional InformationMonthly Tuition: Based on hours per week; see Tuition Schedule Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling Military Discount: 10% off tuition Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month. Dress Code: click here |
Level 2 / 2B
Students at this level can take four classes per week: two ballet, Progressing Ballet Technique, and one enrichment
Read about class requirements for performances here.
Classes Run August 10, 2026 – May 15, 2027
ScheduleBallet ClassesMonday 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM Level 2B by invitation only – choose one ballet class above plus the following class: Enrichment Classes*Placement Required Enrichment classes begin with Jazz. This basic foundation allows students to build coordination, strength, flexibility, and musicality needed to enhance their ballet technique. Enrichment 2 students will also have Master Class opportunities, with the intent to provide dance education in different genres to enhance the students’ learning and adaptability to different styles of movement, while always keeping the focus on strengthening their overall technique.Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment. |
Additional InformationMonthly Tuition: Based on hours per week; see Tuition Schedule Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling Military Discount: 10% off tuition Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month. Dress Code: click here |
Level 3 / 3B
Students at this level can take six classes per week: three ballet, Progressing Ballet Technique, and two enrichment
Read about class requirements for performances here.
Classes Run August 10, 2026 – May 15, 2027
ScheduleBallet ClassesMonday 7:00 – 8:30 PM Level 3B by invitation only – choose two ballet classes above plus the following class: Monday 6:15 – 7:00 PM Dancers who take all of the above classes may be allowed to add the following class to accelerate their training. Enrichment Classes* Placement required Enrichment classes begin with Jazz. This basic foundation allows students to build coordination, strength, flexibility, and musicality needed to enhance their ballet technique. Enrichment 3 will include a semester of jazz and a semester of Modern/contemporary. Enrichment 2 and 3 students will also have Master Class opportunities, with the intent to provide dance education in different genres to enhance the students’ learning and adaptability to different styles of movement, while always keeping the focus on strengthening their overall technique. Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment. |
Additional InformationMonthly Tuition: Based on hours per week, see Tuition Schedule Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling Military Discount: 10% off tuition Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month. Dress Code: click here |
Upper Division
The School of Southwest Ballet Theatre’s Upper Division is for dancers who:
- Exhibit a strong foundation in Classical Ballet technique
- Choose to continue their study more than two days per week
- Are aged 12+
- Are placed into the Upper Division by audition or by the School Director and/or Artistic Director
- Have had previous pointe training (dancers may choose to continue ballet training without being on pointe)
Classes focus on building and refining technique, strength, flexibility, and artistry. Performance opportunities enhance the students’ artistic experiences and offer a deeper understanding of the beauty of ballet.
Level 4
Students at this level can take six classes per week: four ballet and two enrichment
Read about class requirements for performances here.
Classes Run August 10, 2026 – May 15, 2027
ScheduleClass schedule subject to change based on enrollment. Ballet ClassesMonday 6:00 – 7:30 PM Dancers who take all of the above classes may be allowed to add the following class to accelerate their training. Enrichment ClassesTuesday 7:30 – 8:30 PM Monthly PBT Drop-InFirst Friday each month 7:15 – 8:15 PM Ballet: Special Topics will include Modern, character, pas de deux, and rehearsals. Enrichment 3 will include a semester of jazz and a semester of Modern/Contemporary. Enrichment 3 students will also have Master Class opportunities, with the intent to provide dance education in different genres to enhance the students’ learning and adaptability to different styles of movement, while always keeping the focus on strengthening their overall technique. |
Additional InformationMonthly Tuition: Based on hours per week, see Tuition Schedule Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling Military Discount: 10% off tuition Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month. Dress Code: click here |
Level 5
Students at this level can take six classes per week: four ballet and two enrichment
Read about class requirements for performances here.
Classes Run August 10, 2026 – May 15, 2027
ScheduleClass schedule subject to change based on enrollment. Ballet ClassesMonday 6:00 – 7:30 PM Dancers who take all of the above classes may be allowed to add the following class to accelerate their training. Enrichment ClassesTuesday 7:30 – 8:30 PM Monthly PBT Drop-InFirst Friday each month 7:15 – 8:15 PM Ballet: Special Topics will include Modern, character, pas de deux, and rehearsals. Enrichment 3 will include a semester of jazz and a semester of Modern/Contemporary. Enrichment 3 students will also have Master Class opportunities, with the intent to provide dance education in different genres to enhance the students’ learning and adaptability to different styles of movement, while always keeping the focus on strengthening their overall technique. |
Additional InformationMonthly Tuition: Based on hours per week, see Tuition Schedule Showcase: No fee (Dancers are required to participate in the Southwest Showcase at the end of the season) Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling Military Discount: 10% off tuition Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month. Dress Code: click here |
Level 6
Students at this level can take six classes per week: four ballet and two enrichment
Read about class requirements for performances here.
Classes Run August 10, 2026 – May 15, 2027
ScheduleClass schedule subject to change based on enrollment. Ballet ClassesMonday 6:00 – 7:30 PM Dancers who take all of the above classes may be allowed to add the following class to accelerate their training. Enrichment ClassesTuesday 7:30 – 8:30 PM Monthly PBT Drop-InFirst Friday each month 7:15 – 8:15 PM Ballet: Special Topics will include Modern, character, pas de deux, and rehearsals. Enrichment 3 will include a semester of jazz and a semester of Modern/Contemporary. Enrichment 3 students will also have Master Class opportunities, with the intent to provide dance education in different genres to enhance the students’ learning and adaptability to different styles of movement, while always keeping the focus on strengthening their overall technique. |
Additional InformationMonthly Tuition: Based on hours per week, see Tuition Schedule Showcase: No fee (Dancers are required to participate in the Southwest Showcase at the end of the season) Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling Military Discount: 10% off tuition Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month. Dress Code: click here |
Level 7
Students at this level can take six classes per week: four ballet and two enrichment
Read about class requirements for performances here.
Classes Run August 10, 2026 – May 15, 2027
ScheduleClass schedule subject to change based on enrollment. Ballet ClassesMonday 6:00 – 7:30 PM Dancers who take all of the above classes may be allowed to add the following class to accelerate their training. Enrichment ClassesTuesday 7:30 – 8:30 PM Monthly PBT Drop-InFirst Friday each month 7:15 – 8:15 PM Ballet: Special Topics will include Modern, character, pas de deux, and rehearsals. Enrichment 3 will include a semester of jazz and a semester of Modern/Contemporary. Enrichment 3 students will also have Master Class opportunities, with the intent to provide dance education in different genres to enhance the students’ learning and adaptability to different styles of movement, while always keeping the focus on strengthening their overall technique. |
Additional InformationMonthly Tuition: Based on hours per week, see Tuition Schedule Showcase: No fee (Dancers are required to participate in the Southwest Showcase at the end of the season) Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling Military Discount: 10% off tuition Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month. Dress Code: click here |
Other Classes & Information
Adaptive Dance
ScheduleMonday 5:15 – 6:00 PM Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment. |
Additional InformationMonthly Tuition: $80 |
Dance for Homeschool Students
** SWBT is a qualified vendor for the Empowerment Scholarship Account program from the Arizona Department of Education.
Boys' Tuition-Free Ballet
Students must be enrolled at least 12 hours before their initial class
ScheduleBoys take the Saturday class and at least one other co-ed ballet class in Levels 1–3 (placement required). Saturday 10:15 – 11:15 AM Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment. |
Additional InformationRegistration Fee: $25 for first student; $10 for each additional sibling, maximum of $45 per family. ** SWBT is a qualified vendor for the Empowerment Scholarship Account program from the Arizona Department of Education. |
Preteen & Young Teen Recreational Classes
Black leotard. Ballet slippers required for ballet class, black leggings required for Enrichment.
ScheduleBallet ClassesTuesday 6:30 – 8:00 PM Enrichment Classes* Placement required Enrichment classes begin with Jazz. This basic foundation allows students to build coordination, strength, flexibility, and musicality needed to enhance their ballet technique. Enrichment 2 students will also have Master Class opportunities, with the intent to provide dance education in different genres to enhance the students’ learning and adaptability to different styles of movement, while always keeping the focus on strengthening their overall technique. Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment. |
Additional InformationMonthly Tuition: Based on hours per week, see Tuition Schedule Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling Military Discount: 10% off tuition Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month. Performance opportunities available! |
Adult and Older Teen Recreational Classes
Dress for comfort. Ballet slippers, character shoes, or tap shoes are required.
ScheduleBallet ClassesTuesday 7:30 – 8:30 PM Enrichment ClassesThursday 7:30 – 8:30 PM Enrichment class subjects will change through the year, with the intent to provide dance education in different genres to enhance the students’ learning and adaptability to different styles of movement. Will include jazz and Modern/Contemporary. Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment. |
Additional InformationPunchcard (Ballet-only): $200, expires in 120 days or 10 Classes Performance opportunities available! |
Drop-In Classes
45-minute class: $18
1-hour class: $20
1.25-hour class: $23
1.5-hour class: $25
Pointe: $10
Private lessons: Contact admin@swbtballet.org for prices and scheduling.
Monthly Tuition Rates
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| Hours | Tuition | Hours | Tuition | |
| 0.75 | $70 | 5.0 | $235 | |
| 1.0 | $75 | 5.5 | $250 | |
| 1.25 | $85 | 6.0 | $265 | |
| 1.5 | $100 | 6.5 | $280 | |
| 2.0 | $125 | 7.0 | $295 | |
| 2.25 | $135 | 7.5 | $305 | |
| 2.5 | $145 | 8.0 | $315 | |
| 3.0 | $165 | 8.5 | $325 | |
| 3.25 | $175 | 9.0 | $335 | |
| 3.5 | $185 | 9.5 | $345 | |
| 3.75 | $195 | 10.0 | $355 | |
| 4.0 | $205 | 10.5 | $365 | |
| 4.5 | $220 | 11.0 | $375 | |
Monthly Tuition Rates
|
|
| Hours | Tuition |
| 0.75 | $70 |
| 1.0 | $75 |
| 1.25 | $85 |
| 1.5 | $100 |
| 2.0 | $125 |
| 2.25 | $135 |
| 2.5 | $145 |
| 3.0 | $165 |
| 3.25 | $175 |
| 3.5 | $185 |
| 3.75 | $195 |
| 4.0 | $205 |
| 4.5 | $220 |
| 5.0 | $235 |
| 5.5 | $250 |
| 6.0 | $265 |
| 6.5 | $280 |
| 7.0 | $295 |
| 7.5 | $305 |
| 8.0 | $315 |
| 8.5 | $325 |
| 9.0 | $335 |
| 9.5 | $345 |
| 10.0 | $355 |
| 10.5 | $365 |
| 11.0 | $375 |