When asking yourself about something to do near me in Phoenix with a group of friends or family, consider
Ascend Dance Academy
Why Ascend Dance Academy is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Ascend Dance Academy in Phoenix, AZ is an excellent destination for friends and families looking to experience the joy and discipline of dance. The studio welcomes children ages 2 to 18 and offers a diverse range of dance styles including Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Broadway, and Pilates. Their curriculum is age-based and focuses on technique, performance training, and artistic development, guided by ABT® certified teachers. The environment encourages healthy creativity, self-expression, and personal growth, making it an inspiring place for young dancers to learn and develop confidence together. Located conveniently in North Phoenix, the academy also emphasizes community connection and holistic development beyond dance technique — fostering mental grit, physical excellence, and critical thinking skills. This creates a supportive, uplifting space perfect for meeting up with friends to explore dance or watch performances, and it nurtures lasting friendships through shared artistic experiences.
Here's what people think of Ascend Dance Academy
As of recent, Ascend Dance Academy holds a 5-star rating based on 25 reviews.
Reviews for Ascend Dance Academy are overwhelmingly positive, reflected in its excellent 5.0-star rating from 25 reviews. Users frequently praise the studio's professional and welcoming atmosphere, highlighting the expertise of the teachers who bring a strong background in dance education and certification, particularly with the American Ballet Theatre curriculum. Many reviewers have noted the personalized attention their children receive and the studio's focus on both technique and emotional development. Positive reviews often mention the supportive community at the academy, where students are encouraged to grow at their own pace and develop not just as dancers but as confident individuals. On the other hand, there are very few negative comments; when present, they typically relate to logistical issues such as scheduling or limited class availability rather than the quality of instruction or staff. Overall, the reviews suggest that Ascend Dance Academy is a trusted, high-quality facility admired for its dedication to nurturing young dancers' potential and well-being.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Heather Fisher
Excellent training. My daughter danced with Ascend since they opened their doors, but also danced with many of the teachers for years before Ascend was created. We just love the staff. Recently we moved out of state and needed to find a new studio. After one class at a new studio, the new instructor complemented my daughter on how well trained she is and what great pointe work she has. As a mom, I’m on cloud nine, but it is all due to the training she received from the teachers and owners of Ascend Dance Academy. 100% go to Ascend.
Katie Halonen
We love Ascend Dance Academy! The teachers and staff are phenomenal and my daughter has grown leaps and bounds since we started there. They offer a variety of classes, competition and multiple performance opportunities. It is a second home for my daughter. It has been a clean and safe environment during Covid and I feel 100% safe sending my daughter. They also offer the option for zoom classes if you prefer. Seeing her fire reignite under the direction of their talented staff and loving owners has been incredible to watch. Looking forward to continuing our dance journey at Ascend.
Debbie Hunter Koshar
We love Ascend Dance Academy! The teachers are excellent, involved, and professional. The staff is great with communication and has done a wonderful job through the COVID pandemic keeping our dancers safe and healthy. We loved that the owners accompanied our daughter to the store to get her first pair of pointe shoes. Such a personalized touch! We can’t say enough great things about this dance studio. Our daughter loves dancing there and we are pleased with how everything runs so smoothly.
Justen A
We love everything about Ascend Dance Academy. I have two daughters enrolled- one in the sprout program and another in leap. The teachers are amazing, kind, and incredibly dedicated to their dancers. The facility is welcoming and spacious. I enjoy being able to watch my daughters through zoom or attend a class virtually if needed.
Amanda Ziegler
I absolutely love Ascend Dance Academy. My daughter (now 4) has been coming here since they opened during the pandemic. This place is clean, all the ladies (Rachel, Kristina, Payton, and so on) are so friendly and welcoming, prices for dance are very reasonable, and on top of all that they doing amazing work with the little ones. my daughter was very shy and quite but now opens up when she gets to dance and the ladies always make the time to comfort the littles when they have big feeling. We plan on telling all our friends from school about the dance academy and the new dance season coming up. Thank you Ascend Dance for a great year, and we can’t wait for the new season
How to reach Ascend Dance Academy
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Website: None
Why Ascend Dance Academy may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Ascend Dance Academy with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Ascend Dance Academy presents an exciting and uniquely dynamic way to spend quality time together. This top-rated dance studio, boasting a remarkable 5.0 rating from 25 reviews, offers more than just a place to dance—it provides a vibrant social hub where friends can connect, learn, and enjoy an active, creative experience. Dancing in a group naturally fosters camaraderie and fun, making it a memorable bonding activity that stands out from typical meetups. Whether you and your friends are dance enthusiasts or newcomers to the art, Ascend Dance Academy’s inclusive environment encourages everyone to participate and enjoy. The academy’s strong community atmosphere and dedicated staff create a warm and welcoming space where friendships can flourish alongside skill development. With a broad range of classes designed to suit different ages and abilities, it’s an ideal destination to celebrate togetherness through movement, music, and shared joyful moments.
What activities are offered at Ascend Dance Academy that make it perfect for group meetups?
Ascend Dance Academy offers a rich variety of dance classes and activities that attract groups looking for engaging and interactive experiences. The academy specializes in multiple dance forms, including Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Broadway, Tap, Modern, Pilates, and Jazz Funk, providing something for everyone regardless of prior experience. Classes range for ages 2 through 18 in age-based programs like the Sprout Program for toddlers, the Leap Program for early learners, and the Peak Program for more advanced students. This layered structure ensures that groups of friends or family members at different skill levels can find classes that fit their needs and challenge their abilities appropriately. Beyond regular classes, the academy provides opportunities for private lessons for those wanting personalized coaching, making it a versatile venue that can support both social and serious dance pursuits. The community also enjoys regular recitals and performances where groups can celebrate their progress and showcase their skills together, enhancing the sense of accomplishment and shared joy.
How does Ascend Dance Academy encourage a welcoming environment for groups?
The environment at Ascend Dance Academy is intentionally crafted to be welcoming and supportive, making it perfect for groups looking to rally together. The academy is owner-operated with passionate, hardworking teachers who create a nurturing atmosphere where students feel cared for as much as they are instructed. From the moment groups arrive, they experience a warm reception from staff who value community and personal attention. The academy’s culture of encouragement promotes confidence and teamwork, so groups feel motivated to learn and grow together. This supportive vibe is evident in how special occasions like birthdays are celebrated, building a family-like aura. Whether it’s friendships between classmates or relationships with instructors, the connections formed here add a special dimension to group meetups, elevating the experience beyond just attending classes.
Why is Ascend Dance Academy an ideal venue for families to meet and bond?
Ascend Dance Academy caters not only to individual dancers but to families who want to bond over the shared experience of dance. The broad age range for class offerings means that families with children of different ages can all find suitable programs, allowing siblings and cousins to progress together and cheer each other on. The academy’s emphasis on rhythmic movement, creative play, and performance builds confidence and discipline in young dancers while also being fun and accessible. Parents can feel confident knowing their children are in a safe, structured environment with expert guidance, and they can often join in or watch the progress, making it a family-inclusive event. Special events and recitals allow families to celebrate achievements together, creating lasting memories. For family gatherings or celebrations, Ascend Dance Academy’s space and professional staff help transform the event into an uplifting social occasion energized by dance and creativity.
What makes the teaching approach at Ascend Dance Academy unique and beneficial for group participants?
Ascend Dance Academy utilizes a carefully designed age-based curriculum focused on developing technique and performance skills while nurturing creativity. Ballet classes, for example, are based on the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum, which provides age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines for steady skill progression. Such structure benefits groups by allowing each individual to develop at their own pace within a unified framework, making it easier for friends or family members to support each other’s learning journey. The academy’s break down into Sprout, Leap, and Peak Programs means that dancers transition smoothly through stages of development, keeping groups motivated and engaged as they grow. Additionally, the inclusion of diverse styles like contemporary and Broadway keeps the experience fresh and exciting, catering to varied tastes within a group. This comprehensive, attentive teaching style ensures participants receive top-quality instruction that is both creative and technically sound, strengthening group bonding through shared achievement.
How does Ascend Dance Academy facilitate special events and group celebrations?
Ascend Dance Academy is more than a dance studio; it’s a venue that excels in hosting special events and group celebrations that incorporate dance and social fun. The studio frequently organizes performances and recitals that give groups the opportunity to prepare routines together and share their hard work in front of an audience, creating memorable milestones. These events cultivate a spirit of teamwork and collective pride, essential components of successful group meetups. The academy’s layout and professional management also accommodate open dance sessions and private bookings, perfect for groups wanting a dedicated space for a party or celebration centered around movement and music. Whether it’s a birthday, reunion, or casual gathering, Ascend Dance Academy’s staff ensures the atmosphere is lively, inclusive, and well managed, blending entertainment with meaningful social interaction. This makes the academy a uniquely engaging destination for groups seeking an active, creative, and festive setting.
Why should your group consider Ascend Dance Academy over other social venues?
Choosing Ascend Dance Academy over typical social venues stems from its unique blend of physical activity, creative expression, and community building. Unlike restaurants or bars, the academy offers a healthy and invigorating way to interact, improving both physical fitness and emotional well-being through dance. The combination of professional instruction, diverse class offerings, and a certified ballet curriculum distinguishes it as an exceptionally high-quality place to gather. This elevates the meetup from casual hanging out to a purposeful, skill-building, and celebratory experience. The supportive environment nurtures inclusion and encourages growth, which builds deeper connections among participants. Furthermore, the opportunity to perform and showcase shared accomplishments provides a powerful shared goal, strengthening group cohesion in a way that passive social venues cannot. For groups aiming to combine fun, fitness, culture, and friendship, Ascend Dance Academy offers an unmatched venue tailored to those aspirations.
What practical benefits does Ascend Dance Academy provide that enhance group meetups?
Beyond the enriching dance experience, Ascend Dance Academy is equipped with practical amenities that smooth group meetups. The studio location is accessible, making arrival and assembly easy for participants. Classes are scheduled across a full season, with breaks on major holidays, allowing groups to plan consistent attendance or special visits without disruption. The studio environment is safe, clean, and professionally maintained, ensuring comfort and peace of mind for all visitors. Staff assistance and coordination facilitate smooth group logistics, from registration to scheduling and event planning. Additionally, open dance options and private lessons provide flexible scheduling for groups with varied needs. These conveniences allow groups to focus on enjoying their time together without worrying about organizational hassles, making the experience seamless and enjoyable.
How can Ascend Dance Academy contribute to lifelong memories and skills for your group?
Friends and families who meet at Ascend Dance Academy do more than just participate in dance classes—they create lasting memories rooted in shared achievement, creativity, and joy. The combination of a nurturing environment, engaging activities, and emotional support encourages participants to develop not only dance skills but also confidence, teamwork, and communication. These attributes transcend the studio, enhancing relationships and personal growth. Regular performances and events mark milestones that serve as memorable highlights for groups, while the discipline and passion cultivated here can inspire lifelong interests. By rallying at Ascend Dance Academy, your group embraces an experience that interweaves fun and meaningful development, providing a rich source of cherished memories and valuable life skills that endure far beyond the studio walls. This makes it a top destination for anyone seeking communal joy paired with personal enrichment through dance.