By Sondra Barr
In the heart of the West Valley, Bravo Dance Family thrives, steeped in family values and a shared passion for the art of movement. Founded by three sisters who grew up in the area, this family-owned and operated business has established itself as a place for creativity and community spirit in Litchfield Park and Peoria. It has become a second home to many, offering a diverse array of classes that cater to all ages and skill levels.
The Dream of Dance
The story of the dance company begins with three sisters, Alicia Bravo, Leticia Bravo-Clamor, and Anastacia Bravo-Robb. Their names have become synonymous with dance education in the West Valley. From a young age, dance was more than a hobby to the Bravo sisters, it was a shared language, a form of expression that bound them together.
“Dance has always been our shared passion. It’s a way for us to express our creativity, emotions, and love for each other,” says Alicia, who along with Leticia serves as Bravo Dance Family’s co-director.
The decision to start a dance company was born from a desire to share this passion with their community. “We wanted to create a space where everyone, regardless of age or skill level, could discover the joy of dance,” says Leticia. Their vision was clear: to build a welcoming, inclusive environment that fostered talent and creativity.
Alicia has over 20 years of dance training and attended Arizona School for the Arts for four years, where she trained at Ballet Arizona focusing on ballet, pointe, and modern classics. In addition to winning numerous dance awards and scholarships, she’s traveled the country taking classes at professional companies including The Edge in Los Angeles and Broadway Dance Center in New York.
Meanwhile, Leticia has studied at different studios in the Valley from a young age. She’s had serious roles of leadership in both her performance lines and pom squad. During college, she was a member of the Moving Company at Scottsdale Community College, Glendale Community College Dance Company, as well as Grand Canyon University’s dance company.
Anastacia also has an extensive background in dance and graduated high school with a full ride scholarship for ROTC to attend Arizona State University. In addition to handling office management and helping all Bravo’s dance families with registration, she works for the Arizona Department of Education.
A Diverse Offering
The company’s offerings are as varied as the backgrounds of its students. From ballet to hip-hop, contemporary to jazz and tap, and even specialized classes for toddlers and seniors, there’s something for everyone. “Our aim is to make dance accessible to all,” says Anastacia. “We believe in nurturing the individual journey of each student, helping them to find their own rhythm and style.”
Their commitment to the community extends beyond dance classes. The company frequently hosts workshops, guest performances, and community events, making dance a communal experience. “We see dance as a way to bring people together, to create a sense of belonging and community,” says Leticia.
Parents agree, with many echoing the community ethos surrounding the studios.
“My daughter started at Bravo Dance Family at only 2 years old,” says parent Ivonne Vasquez. “We did the Mommy and Me class. She moved to creative dancing and now she is part of the company at 9 years old. Dancing is more than just the ability to move and perform on stage. What is more important to me is the relationships she has built, the friendships she has made, and the understanding of what teamwork is all about.”
Parent Lydia Bowls, whose daughters have been a part of Bravo Dance Family for several years, agrees. “Not only have they grown in their skills as dancers, but they have grown a sense of self confidence, determination, and drive that is unmatched. Seeing them light up on stage at competitions as well as recitals is something that I never expected. BDF is not just a dance studio, it truly feels like family, and we cannot see ourselves anywhere else. The teachers are phenomenal, and our girls are thriving,” she says.
The Essence of Dance
For the sisters, dance is a form of communication, an outlet for expression, and a path to personal growth. “What we love about dance is its ability to tell stories, to convey emotions without words,” says Alicia. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see our students grow not just as dancers, but as individuals.”
Their philosophy centers on the holistic development of their students. They believe in the power of dance to instill confidence, discipline, and a sense of achievement. “Watching a student master a new move or perform on stage for the first time is an indescribable feeling,” says Leticia. “It’s a testament to their hard work and our collective journey.”
Looking to the Future
As the dance company looks to the future, the sisters are committed to expanding their reach, offering more opportunities for their students, and continuing to play an active role in their community. “Our dream is to see our dance family grow, to reach more people and spread the joy of dance further,” they collectively express.
Through their efforts, the Bravo sisters have created not just a dance studio; they’ve built a vibrant community united by the love of dance.
With locations at 5110 N. Dysart Rd. in Litchfield Park and 9800 N. 91st Ave. in Peoria, there’s a Bravo Dance Family studio near you. For more information, visit bravodancefamily.com.
This content is sponsored by Bravo Dance Family.