Danswest Dance Studio

Danswest Dance Studio began in 1976 under the direction of renowned tap dancer Frank Trent. In 2005, the studio found new leadership in the mother-daughter team of Jill and Megan Maltos, with Megan—a former Danswest student—bringing her passion and experience full circle. Now entering their 20th season under their guidance, Danswest continues its legacy of quality dance training and community spirit.

The studio teaches Jazz, Tap, Ballet/Pointe, Hip Hop, Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acrobatics, and Creative Movement classes. Jazz classes focus on proper dance technique including isolations, performance quality, and complex rhythms. Tap classes develop musicality, rhythm, style and sound, with students learning styles from Broadway to Rhythm tap. Hip Hop is a high-energy, choreography-driven class that encourages students to bring their own individual style and personality. Modern dance explores suspension and release, fall and recovery, and the use of momentum. Contemporary is a fusion of Ballet, Jazz, and Modern Dance. Ballet/Tap Combo classes for ages 3–4 introduce young dancers to both styles in a fun, supportive setting. Creative Movement for 2-year-olds encourages early expression, coordination, and listening skills through playful dance activities.

For advanced students, the Danswest Dance Company is invitation and audition-based. Company dancers work across Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Musical Theater. The Company performs over 12 shows per season including the 4th Avenue street fairs, Spring Fling, Holiday parties, Oktoberfest, Arizona Jazz Showcase, and National TapDance Day events, in addition to Danswest Company concerts and recitals. Students also participate in regional dance competitions. All students can expect two annual shows: a Winter Showcase in December and a Spring Recital usually the weekend after Memorial Day.

The studio is located on the north side of Speedway, east of Craycroft. Class hours run Monday and Tuesday 2:30 pm–8:30 pm, Wednesday 11 am–12 pm and 3 pm–8:30 pm, Thursday 3 pm–8:30 pm, Friday 11 am–12 pm, and Saturday 9 am–12 pm (closed Sundays). Summer sessions run Session 1 from June 8–27 and Session 2 from July 6–25. You can enrol online at Danswest.com or call the studio. The studio recommends taking at least twice a week if possible, though students take anywhere from 1 hour a week to over 8 hours, depending on personal goals.

Classes include a proper warm-up, stretches, technique work, across-the-floor progressions, and choreography suited to your level. If you're starting preschool age, the studio suggests one hour per week initially. You can join anytime if there's space, though recital classes close to new students once choreography begins.

The studio is owned and managed by Jill Maltos, with Megan Maltos serving as Artistic Director of the Danswest Dance Company. The teaching staff includes Dylan Sadowsky, Danielle Perkins, Austin Twaits, Jennifer Martin, Kylie DeLong, Irma Almada, Jasmine Shyrock, Brooke Amundrud, Emma Matthies, Ejahn-ea Batain, and Alyse Sarah Karcher.

Beginner classes are available across all styles; contemporary and lyrical are not entry-level as they assume prior knowledge of ballet and modern terminology.