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 Address

Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC): 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale (inside the Performing Arts Center)
Classes take place in two locations in the Performing Arts Center:
Dance Studio — PAC 105
Black Box Studio — PAC 147

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

Students at this level take 1 class per week.
Must be 3 years old by September 1st
Classes Run August 7, 2023 – May 19, 2024

Schedule

Tuesday 12:30 – 1:15 PM
Ballet (Dance Studio)
Tuesday 4:00 – 4:45 PM
Ballet (Dance Studio)
Friday 4:15 – 5:00 PM
Ballet (Black Box Studio)

Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment.

Additional Information

Monthly Tuition: $65
Registration Fee: $20
Trial Class: $18 (applied to tuition if dancer enrolls the same day)
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

Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month.

Dress Code: click here
The dress code for leveled classes is strictly enforced. A dress code allows our dancers to develop the spirit of the corps de ballet. Corps de ballet is a French phrase for “body of the ballet” which refers to the ensemble of dancers moving in unison. This sense of unity begins in the classroom and continues on the stage.

Pre-primary for 4's

Students at this level take 1 class per week.
Must be 4 years old by December 1st
Classes Run August 7, 2023 – May 19, 2024

Schedule

Tuesday 12:30 – 1:15 PM
Ballet (Dance Studio)
Tuesday 4:00 – 4:45 PM
Ballet (Dance Studio)
Friday 4:15 – 5:00 PM
Ballet (Black Box Studio)

Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment.

Additional Information

Monthly Tuition: $65
Registration Fee: $20
Trial Class: $18 (applied to tuition if dancer enrolls the same day)
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

Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month.

Dress Code: click here
The dress code for leveled classes is strictly enforced. A dress code allows our dancers to develop the spirit of the corps de ballet. Corps de ballet is a French phrase for “body of the ballet” which refers to the ensemble of dancers moving in unison. This sense of unity begins in the classroom and continues on the stage.

Primary A (5 years old)

Must be 5 years old by December 1st
Classes Run August 7, 2023 – May 19, 2024

Schedule

Friday 5:00 – 5:45 PM
Ballet (Black Box Studio)

Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment.

Additional Information

Monthly Tuition: $65
Registration Fee: $20
Trial Class: $18 (applied to tuition if dancer enrolls the same day)
Showcase: No fee (Dancers are required to participate in the Southwest Showcase at the end of the season)
Nutcracker: $85 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)
Spring Performance: $85 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)

Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling

Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month.

Dress Code: click here
The dress code for leveled classes is strictly enforced. A dress code allows our dancers to develop the spirit of the corps de ballet. Corps de ballet is a French phrase for “body of the ballet” which refers to the ensemble of dancers moving in unison. This sense of unity begins in the classroom and continues on the stage.

 

Primary B (6 years old)

Must be 6 years old by December 1st
Classes Run August 7, 2023 – May 19, 2024

Schedule

Thursday 4:00 ‐ 5:00 PM
Ballet (Dance Studio)

Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment.

Additional Information

Monthly Tuition: $75
Registration Fee: $20
Trial Class: $20 (applied to tuition if dancer enrolls the same day)
Showcase: No fee (Dancers are required to participate in the Southwest Showcase at the end of the season)
Nutcracker: $85 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)
Spring Performance: $85 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)

Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling

Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month.

Dress Code: click here
The dress code for leveled classes is strictly enforced. A dress code allows our dancers to develop the spirit of the corps de ballet. Corps de ballet is a French phrase for “body of the ballet” which refers to the ensemble of dancers moving in unison. This sense of unity begins in the classroom and continues on the stage.

Primary C (ages 7+)

Students at this level take two classes per week.
Must be 7 years old by December 1st

Classes Run August 7, 2023 – May 19, 2024

Schedule

Thursday 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Ballet (Dance Studio)
Friday 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Ballet (Dance Studio)

Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment.

Additional Information

Monthly Tuition: Based on hours per week; see Tuition Schedule
Registration Fee: $20
Trial Class: $20 (applied to tuition if dancer enrolls the same day)
Showcase: No fee (Dancers are required to participate in the Southwest Showcase at the end of the season)
Nutcracker: $85 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)
Spring Performance: $85 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)

Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling

Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month.

Dress Code: click here
The dress code for leveled classes is strictly enforced. A dress code allows our dancers to develop the spirit of the corps de ballet. Corps de ballet is a French phrase for “body of the ballet” which refers to the ensemble of dancers moving in unison. This sense of unity begins in the classroom and continues on the stage.

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.

Level 1

Ages 8 and above
Students at this level take 3 classes per week: two ballet classes and one supplemental class
Classes Run August 7, 2023 – May 19, 2024

Schedule

Wednesday 4:15 – 5:15 PM
Ballet (Dance Studio)
Thursday 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Ballet (Dance Studio)

Tuesday 4:45 – 5:45 PM
Enrichment 1 (Dance Studio)

Enrichment class subjects will change each quarter, with the intent to provide dance education in different genres to enhance the students’ learning and adaptability to various styles of movement. This will include Jazz, Contemporary, and Broadway Theater.

Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment.

Additional Information

Monthly Tuition: Based on hours per week; see Tuition Schedule
Registration Fee: $20
Trial Class: $18 (applied to tuition if dancer enrolls the same day)
Showcase: No fee (Dancers are required to participate in the Southwest Showcase at the end of the season)
Nutcracker: $120 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)
Spring Performance: $120 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)

Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling

Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month.

Dress Code: click here
The dress code for leveled classes is strictly enforced. A dress code allows our dancers to develop the spirit of the corps de ballet. Corps de ballet is a French phrase for “body of the ballet” which refers to the ensemble of dancers moving in unison. This sense of unity begins in the classroom and continues on the stage.

Level 2

Ages 9 and above; audition required
Students at this level take three classes per week: two ballet classes and one supplemental class
Classes Run August 7, 2023 – May 19, 2024

Schedule

Monday 4:30 – 6:00 PM
Ballet (Dance Studio)
Friday 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Ballet (Dance Studio)

* Placement required
Tuesday 4:45 – 5:45 PM
* Enrichment 1 (Dance Studio)
Thursday 6:00 – 7:00 PM
* Enrichment 2 (Dance Studio)

Enrichment class subjects will change each quarter, with the intent to provide dance education in different genres to enhance the students’ learning and adaptability to various styles of movement. This will include Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, and Broadway Theater.

Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment.

Additional Information

Monthly Tuition: Based on hours per week; see Tuition Schedule
Registration Fee: $20
Trial Class: $18 (applied to tuition if dancer enrolls the same day)
Showcase: No fee (Dancers are required to participate in the Southwest Showcase at the end of the season)
Nutcracker: $120 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)
Spring Performance: $120 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)

Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling

Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month.

Dress Code: click here
The dress code for leveled classes is strictly enforced. A dress code allows our dancers to develop the spirit of the corps de ballet. Corps de ballet is a French phrase for “body of the ballet” which refers to the ensemble of dancers moving in unison. This sense of unity begins in the classroom and continues on the stage.

Level 3

Ages 10+; audition required
Students at this level take four classes per week: three ballet classes and one supplemental class
Classes Run August 7, 2023 – May 19, 2024

Schedule

Monday 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Ballet (Dance Studio)
Tuesday 5:45 – 7:15 PM
Ballet (Dance Studio)
Friday 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Ballet +Pre-pointe (Dance Studio)

* Placement required
Thursday 6:00 – 7:00 PM
* Enrichment 2 (Dance Studio)
Thursday 7:00 – 8:00 PM
* Enrichment 3 (Dance Studio)

Enrichment class subjects will change each quarter, with the intent to provide dance education in different genres to enhance the students’ learning and adaptability to various styles of movement. This will include Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, and Broadway Theater.

Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment.

Additional Information

Monthly Tuition: Based on hours per week, see Tuition Schedule
Registration Fee: $20
Trial Class: $25 (applied to tuition if dancer enrolls the same day)
Showcase: No fee (Dancers are required to participate in the Southwest Showcase at the end of the season)
Nutcracker: $120 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)
Spring Performance: $120 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)

Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling

Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month.

Dress Code: click here
The dress code for leveled classes is strictly enforced. A dress code allows our dancers to develop the spirit of the corps de ballet. Corps de ballet is a French phrase for “body of the ballet” which refers to the ensemble of dancers moving in unison. This sense of unity begins in the classroom and continues on the stage.

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 11+
  • Are placed into the Upper Division by audition or by the Artistic Director

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.

The School Director and instructor will consider the following elements to assess a student’s readiness for pointe, considering the following elements:

  • Age (must be at least 11 years old)
  • Previous training (must have 3-4 years of formal ballet training)
  • Current training (recommended 3+ classes per week)
  • Physical development: strong feet, legs, back and torso
  • Proper placement and technique
  • Emotional and psychological maturity

Level 4

Ages 11+; audition required
Students at this level take seven classes per week: three ballet classes, variations, and three supplemental classes
Classes Run August 7, 2023 – May 19, 2024

Schedule

Monday 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Ballet (Dance Studio)
Wednesday 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Ballet + Pointe + Variations or Rehearsal
(Dance Studio)
Saturday 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Ballet + Pointe (Dance Studio)

Tuesday 7:15 – 8:15 PM
Flamenco (Dance Studio)
Thursday 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Enrichment 3 (Dance Studio)

Elective (additional fee required):
Thursday 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Advanced Tap (Dance Studio)
Fee: $65 per month

Enrichment class subjects will change each quarter, with the intent to provide dance education in different genres to enhance the students’ learning and adaptability to various styles of movement. This will include Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, and Broadway Theater.

Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment.

Additional Information

Monthly Tuition: Based on hours per week, see Tuition Schedule
Registration Fee: $20
Trial Class: $25, or $35 including pointe (applied to tuition if dancer enrolls the same day)
Showcase: No fee (Dancers are required to participate in the Southwest Showcase at the end of the season)
Nutcracker: $120 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)
Spring Performance: $120 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)

Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling

Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month.

Dress Code: click here
The dress code for leveled classes is strictly enforced. A dress code allows our dancers to develop the spirit of the corps de ballet. Corps de ballet is a French phrase for “body of the ballet” which refers to the ensemble of dancers moving in unison. This sense of unity begins in the classroom and continues on the stage.

Level 5

Ages 11+; audition required
Students at this level take seven classes per week: three ballet classes, variations, and three supplemental classes
Classes Run August 7, 2023 – May 19, 2024

Schedule

Monday 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Ballet (Dance Studio)
Wednesday 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Ballet + Pointe + Variations or Rehearsal
(Dance Studio)
Saturday 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Ballet + Pointe (Dance Studio)

Tuesday 7:15 – 8:15 PM
Flamenco (Dance Studio)
Thursday 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Enrichment 3 (Dance Studio)

Elective (additional fee required):
Thursday 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Advanced Tap (Dance Studio)
Fee: $65 per month

Enrichment class subjects will change each quarter, with the intent to provide dance education in different genres to enhance the students’ learning and adaptability to various styles of movement. This will include Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, and Broadway Theater.

Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment.

Additional Information

Monthly Tuition: Based on hours per week, see Tuition Schedule
Registration Fee: $20
Trial Class: $25, or $35 including pointe (applied to tuition if dancer enrolls the same day)
Showcase: No fee (Dancers are required to participate in the Southwest Showcase at the end of the season)
Nutcracker: $120 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)
Spring Performance: $120 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)

Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling

Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month.

Dress Code: click here
The dress code for leveled classes is strictly enforced. A dress code allows our dancers to develop the spirit of the corps de ballet. Corps de ballet is a French phrase for “body of the ballet” which refers to the ensemble of dancers moving in unison. This sense of unity begins in the classroom and continues on the stage.

Level 6

Ages 11+; audition required
Students at this level take seven classes per week: three ballet classes, variations, and three supplemental classes
Classes Run August 7, 2023 – May 19, 2024

Schedule

Monday 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Ballet (Dance Studio)
Wednesday 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Ballet + Pointe + Variations or Rehearsal
(Dance Studio)
Saturday 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Ballet + Pointe (Dance Studio)

Tuesday 7:15 – 8:15 PM
Flamenco (Dance Studio)
Thursday 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Enrichment 3 (Dance Studio)

Elective (additional fee required):
Thursday 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Advanced Tap (Dance Studio)
Fee: $65 per month

Enrichment class subjects will change each quarter, with the intent to provide dance education in different genres to enhance the students’ learning and adaptability to various styles of movement. This will include Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, and Broadway Theater.

Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment.

Additional Information

Monthly Tuition: Based on hours per week, see Tuition Schedule
Registration Fee: $20
Trial Class: $25, or $35 including pointe (applied to tuition if dancer enrolls the same day)
Showcase: No fee (Dancers are required to participate in the Southwest Showcase at the end of the season)
Nutcracker: $120 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)
Spring Performance: $120 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)

Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling

Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month.

Dress Code: click here
The dress code for leveled classes is strictly enforced. A dress code allows our dancers to develop the spirit of the corps de ballet. Corps de ballet is a French phrase for “body of the ballet” which refers to the ensemble of dancers moving in unison. This sense of unity begins in the classroom and continues on the stage.

Level 7

Ages 11+; audition required
Students at this level take seven classes per week: three ballet classes, variations, and three supplemental classes
Classes Run August 7, 2023 – May 19, 2024

Schedule

Monday 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Ballet (Dance Studio)
Wednesday 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Ballet + Pointe + Variations or Rehearsal
(Dance Studio)
Saturday 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Ballet + Pointe (Dance Studio)

Tuesday 7:15 – 8:15 PM
Flamenco (Dance Studio)
Thursday 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Enrichment 3 (Dance Studio)

Elective (additional fee required):
Thursday 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Advanced Tap (Dance Studio)
Fee: $65 per month

Enrichment class subjects will change each quarter, with the intent to provide dance education in different genres to enhance the students’ learning and adaptability to various styles of movement. This will include Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, and Broadway Theater.

Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment.

Additional Information

Monthly Tuition: Based on hours per week, see Tuition Schedule
Registration Fee: $20
Trial Class: $25, or $35 including pointe (applied to tuition if dancer enrolls the same day)
Showcase: No fee (Dancers are required to participate in the Southwest Showcase at the end of the season)
Nutcracker: $120 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)
Spring Performance: $120 (Dancers are encouraged to audition)

Sibling Discount: 10% off lowest level of tuition for each additional sibling

Proration: Tuition is prorated in December, April, May, and during a student’s first month.

Dress Code: click here
The dress code for leveled classes is strictly enforced. A dress code allows our dancers to develop the spirit of the corps de ballet. Corps de ballet is a French phrase for “body of the ballet” which refers to the ensemble of dancers moving in unison. This sense of unity begins in the classroom and continues on the stage.

Other Classes & Information

Adaptive Dance

Please find our full description of the class and the enrollment link at this page
 

Schedule

Wednesday 5:15 – 6:00 PM
(Dance Studio)

Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment.

Additional Information

Monthly Tuition: $75

Dance for Homeschool Students

Please find our full description of the class and the enrollment link at this page
Students must be enrolled at least 12 hours before their initial class 

Schedule

Tuesday 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Beginning Ballet (Dance Studio)
Thursday 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Jazz (Dance Studio)

Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment.

Additional Information

Drop-In Fee: $15

Monthly Tuition:
Per student — 1 class $50; 2 classes $80.
Maximum of $320 per family per month (before 10% sibling discount).

Registration Fee: $20 per student; $10 for each additional sibling, maximum of $40 per family.

** SWBT is a qualified vendor for the Empowerment Scholarship Account program from the Arizona Department of Education.

Boys' Tuition-Free Ballet

Please find our full description of the class and the enrollment link at this page
Students must be enrolled at least 12 hours before their initial class 

Schedule

Boys take the Saturday class and at least one other co-ed ballet class in Levels 1–3 (placement required).

Saturday 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Boys’ Ballet (Black Box Studio)

Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment.

Additional Information

Registration Fee: $20 for first student; $10 for each additional sibling, maximum of $40 per family.

** SWBT is a qualified vendor for the Empowerment Scholarship Account program from the Arizona Department of Education.

Adult and Teen Classes

All levels of experience are welcome.
Dress for comfort.  Ballet slippers, character shoes, or tap shoes are required.

Schedule

Tuesday 7:15 – 8:15 PM
Flamenco (Dance Studio)
Thursday 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Enrichment (Dance Studio)
Thursday 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Tap (Dance Studio)
Saturday 9:30 – 11:00 AM
Intermediate Ballet (Dance Studio)
Saturday 9:30 – 11:00 AM
Beginner Ballet (Black Box Studio)
Saturday 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Advanced Ballet (Dance Studio)

Enrichment class subjects will change each quarter, with the intent to provide dance education in different genres to enhance the students’ learning and adaptability to various styles of movement. This will include Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, and Broadway Theater.

Class schedule subject to change based on enrollment.

Additional Information

Punchcard: $200 for 10 ballet classes (expires 120 days from purchase)
Rates: Drop-in classes available; see below for rates.
Unlimited: $135 per month, with a $20 registration fee and monthly auto-billing. (Weekly proration in December, April, May, and the first month.)

Performance opportunities available!

Drop-In Classes

Some classes may be open for drop-in students. Contact us for availability.

45-minute class: $18
1-hour class: $20
1.5-hour class: $25
Pointe: $10
Private lessons: Contact admin@swbtballet.org for prices and scheduling.