In 2004, SCDI (www.swcdi.org) was founded as a Not-for Profit organization to give Arizona students a true home for classical ballet. SCDI founding directors Joshua and Natasha Brooksher had the goal and vision to bring the best in Vaganova based classical training to the Arizona desert, allowing the students of the southwest the chance to achieve their dreams closer to home. Our training is rooted in the traditions of the Vaganova method<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaganova_method>,
while also being applicable to the needs of today's artists and eclectic styles of choreography.

By 2007, SCDI had transformed into a more mobile operation with the mission of reaching out to area dance organizations in order to provide quality instruction in classical ballet to the hundreds of area students already studying dance. We have found that through these collaborations, we are able to have a much broader effect on the local dance community. SCDI has developed associations with regional and national professional organizations<http://www.swcdi.org/collaborate.htm>in order to assist our students in their transition from graduation to the professional or educational arenas.

The drive and passion to dance can lead to excellent opportunities for university education or professional careers IF a student can obtain and complete the proper training. SCDI's mission is to provide this training for all students, regardless of their social or economic status. To this end, SCDI seeks donations for scholarships <http://www.swcdi.org/give.htm> for those students who cannot afford such training.

We believe that training the body is not enough...to create the artists of the future, a true nurturing of the student as a whole person is required.
Development of the mind and body through discipline and hard work in a positive training environment is at the heart of SCDI's philosophy. We strive to be the crucible by which the fires of training burn away everything except the essence of what it is to be a true dance artist.
Students are challenged on a daily basis to surpass what they believe is possible. SCDI is a beacon of excellence in the dance world; a place of hard work, dedication, passion and personal achievement.