Education

The Academy

Established more than 50 years ago, Minnesota Ballet Academy is the premier ballet school in the Northland.

Minnesota Ballet Academy welcomes students ages 3+ of all levels and backgrounds—no prior dance experience is necessary. From creative movement to recreational classes and summer camps to pre-professional training, Minnesota Ballet Academy offers something for everyone. At all levels, class sizes are intentionally kept small to ensure each dancer is given the attention and support they need. Students receive the finest training in the art of classical ballet and other dance disciplines from faculty who are current or former professional dancers.

School Year Programs

Under the direction of nationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer, and arts educator Karl von Rabenau, the Academy teaches the fundamentals of ballet following a syllabus that promotes progressive skill development.

Throughout the school year, Minnesota Ballet offers a variety of classes matched to a range of ages and skill levels. Fall and spring semesters are approximately 16 weeks long, with a winter break over the holidays. Winter/spring semester begins the week of January 15, 2024.

Primary Division (ages 3+)

Primary Division is divided into four levels (Creative Movement through Pre-Ballet 3), offering an introduction to ballet. Our enthusiastic and skilled faculty will use imaginative methods to introduce these young dancers to the elements of dance, spatial awareness, musicality, and playful movement while exploring the concepts of space, time, and body shapes. Basic ballet positions and vocabulary will be introduced. Classes meet once a week. No previous dance training necessary. Primary Division students must be potty trained.

Secondary Division (ages 7+)

Secondary Division is divided into five levels (Ballet 1 through Ballet 5), beginning formal training in classical ballet. More emphasis is placed on learning details like right and left, good posture, pointed feet, and straight legs. Basic ballet positions and vocabulary will be introduced. Ballet 1-3 classes meet two times/week; Ballet 4-5 classes meet three times/week. No previous ballet training required. A placement class is required before registering new students in Ballet 4-5.

Upper Division (ages 12+)

Upper Division is divided into three levels (Ballet 6 through Ballet 8), exposing students to training in pointe. Classes meet three times/week. Upper Division students must have previous ballet training; a placement class is required before registering new students. Upper Division students are encouraged to participate in the Summer Intensive Program.

Pre-Professional Division (ages 12+)

Pre-Professional Division offers a rigorous course of training designed to prepare students for a career as a professional dancer. Pre-Professional Division students attend Ballet 6 through Ballet 8 classes more frequently than their Upper Division peers (4-6 times/week), including training in jazz and modern dance in addition to classical ballet. Pre-Professional Division students are expected to enroll in the Summer Intensive program. Upon completion of the program, select students may be invited to apprentice with the Minnesota Ballet company. Pre-Professional students must have previous ballet training; an audition is required before registering new students in this division.

Summer Programs

Summer Camps

Minnesota Ballet Academy’s summer camps provide seriously fun training in ballet and other dance disciplines to children ages 3+. Each 3-week session offers themed activities and choreography, culminating in a mini-performance in Studio Four Theater.

Camp Session One:

Alice in Wonderland : June 10-28, 2024

Camp Session Two:

Swan Lake : July 15-August 2, 2024

Summer Intensives

Minnesota Ballet Academy’s summer intensives provide a rigorous schedule of classes in ballet technique, pointe, character, jazz, variations, dance history, injury prevention, and current events in the dance world. Classes meet five days per week, including a special two-hour master class each Friday with special guest artists. Summer intensives culminate in a finale performance in Minnesota Ballet’s Studio Four theater. Intensives are offered at two levels based upon age and prior experience; prior ballet training including some pointe required.

2024 Summer Intensives

July 15- August 9, 2024

Open Division Classes

Minnesota Ballet Academy’s Open Division offers classes for dancers ages 14 through adult interested in dance for fun and fitness, or for serious students looking to supplement their training. Classes in the Open Division are offered in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and pilates. No prior dance experience is necessary, all levels are welcome.

The Open Division offers three 10-week sessions during the school year. Registration for winter session (11/27-12/18 and 1/8-2/12) now open.

ABLE Classes and summer camps

(Adaptive Ballet Lessons for Everyone)

Minnesota Ballet Academy has provided adaptive ballet classes to children with disabilities for over 30 years. ABLE students experience the joy of movement while developing musicality, self-esteem, and social, motor, and recall skills.

During the school year, Minnesota Ballet Academy offers two ABLE classes to accommodate students’ experience, needs, and abilities. ABLE SF is geared towards students ages 5 through 18 who require assistance in class or a more sensory friendly environment. The studio is easily accessible by chair or with a walking aid. Instructors are assisted by College of Saint Scholastica physical therapy students and a student’s family member or aide is always welcome to sit in the studio during classes to assist as well. At the end of each semester, families are invited into the studio to see what their dancer has been working on. ABLE En Avant is aimed at more experienced movers, ages 8 through adult, who require minimal physical assistance. By teacher invitation, students in ABLE En Avant may audition for roles in Minnesota Ballet productions such as The Nutcracker. At the end of the year, the class performs on stage as part of the School of Minnesota Ballet Spring Showcase.

Thanks to the generous support of the Miller-Dwan Foundation, will offer no-cost summer camps through the ABLE program in 2024. Each session offers themed activities and choreography. 

ABLE SF SUMMER CAMP:

Carnival of the Animals : June 17-21, 2024

During this camp, students will explore movement and themes from “Carnival of Animals,” in an inclusive, adaptive, sensory friendly setting. Classes are 45 minutes long and are held at the historic St Louis County Depot, in Studio 4. The studio is easily accessible by chair or with a walking aid. Each student is required to have a family member or personal aide available to assist them during class. Student tuition for this class has been generously paid for by The Miller-Dwan Foundation.

ABLE EN AVANT SUMMER CAMP:

Alice in Wonderland : June 24-June 28, 2024

The ABLE En Avant summer camp is geared toward more experienced movers who require minimal to no physical assistance and is open to students ages 10 through adult. During this camp, students will explore movement and themes from “Alice in Wonderland”, and they will perform in our Alice in Wonderland Showcase on 6/28 at 2:30. The hour-long classes are structured around traditional ballet barre and center work that is adapted to fit and challenge each dancer. Dancers are encouraged to wear dance or athletic attire and ballet or jazz shoes. Classes are held at the historic St Louis County Depot, in Studio 4. Student tuition for this class has been generously paid for by The Miller-Dwan Foundation.

ABLE program director and lead instructor Suzie Baer is a retired Minnesota Ballet dancer. Suzie started with ABLE as a student assistant in 2008, and served as the program’s lead instructor from 2010-2017. After a hiatus to complete a master’s degree in dance science and education from the University of Edinburgh, Suzie is thrilled to be back with Minnesota Ballet Academy. For questions about the ABLE program, contact Program Director Suzie Baer sbaer@minnesotaballet.org

SCHEDULE AND TUITION INFORMATION

Browse current classes for more information including location, schedule, instructor(s), tuition, and prerequisites.

Alice in Wonderland Camp, Primary A

Tuesdays, 1:15 - 2:30 pm
OR Thursdays, 1:15 - 2:30 pm
Register

For ages 3-4 by June 1st 2024. Students must be potty trained. Location: Studio Three. Tuition: $75 per session.

Alice in Wonderland Camp, Primary B

Tuesdays, 2:45 - 4:00 pm
AND Thursday, 2:45 - 4:00 pm
Register

For ages 5-6 by June 1st 2024. Location: Studio Three. Tuition: $125.

Alice in Wonderland Camp, Primary C

Mondays, 10:15 - 11:30 am
AND Wednesdays, 10:15 - 11:30 am
Register

For NEW students ages 7-8 by June 1st 2024 with no previous ballet training. Location: Studio Three. Tuition: $125.

Alice in Wonderland Camp, Primary D

Mondays, 11:45 am - 1:00 pm
AND Wednesdays, 11:45 am - 1:00 pm
Register

For students ages 7-8 by June 1st 2024 who have completed Pre-Ballet 3 or Ballet 1. Location: Studio Three. Tuition: $125.

Alice in Wonderland Camp, Beginner 1

Tuesdays, 10:15 - 11:45 am
AND Thursdays, 10:15 - 11:45 am
Register

For NEW students ages 9-12 by June 1st 2024 with no previous ballet training. Location: Studio One. Tuition: $135.

Alice in Wonderland Camp, Beginner 2

Mondays, 10:15 - 11:45am
AND Wednesdays, 10:15 - 11:45 am
Register

For students ages 9-12 by June 1st 2024 who have completed Ballet 1 or Ballet 2. Location: Studio Three. Tuition: $135.

Alice in Wonderland Camp, Intermediate

Mondays, 11:45 am - 1:45 pm
AND Wednesdays, 11:45 am - 1:45 pm
AND Fridays, 11:45 am - 1:45 pm
Register

For students ages 9-12 by June 1st 2024 who have completed Ballet 3, Ballet 4, or Ballet 5. Location: Studio Four. Tuition: $215.

Alice in Wonderland Camp, Advanced

Mondays, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
AND Tuesdays, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
AND Wednesdays, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
AND Thursdays, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
AND Fridays, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
Register

For students ages 12+ by June 1st 2024 who have prior ballet training. Location: Studio One. Tuition: $375.

Summer Intensive, Tech 1

Mondays, 9:15 am - 6:00 pm
AND Tuesdays, 9:15 am - 6:00 pm
AND Wednesdays, 9:15 am - 6:00 pm
AND Thursdays, 9:15 am - 6:00 pm
AND Fridays, 9:15 am - 6:00 pm
Register

Minnesota Ballet Academy's summer intensives provide a rigorous schedule of classes in ballet technique, pointe, character, jazz, variations, dance history, injury prevention, and current events in the dance world. Classes meet five days per week, including a special two-hour master class each Friday with special guest artists. Summer intensives culminate in a finale performance in Minnesota Ballet's Studio Four Theater.

Tech 1 is for MBA students who have completed Ballet 4-Ballet 5 or youths ages 12+ who have at least two years prior ballet training including some pointe training. Please email jmiller@minnesotaballet.org with placement questions.

Full Schedule:

Monday through Thursday: 9:15-9:45: Conditioning, 10:00-12:00: Technique, 12:30-2:00: Pointe/Variations, 2:45-3:45: Style class, 4:00-6:00: Showcase Rehearsal (Tuesday Rehearsals will end at 5:45 pm)

Friday: 10:00-12:00: Master Class, 12:30-2:00: Style class, 2:30-4:00: Showcase Rehearsal

Summer Intensive, Tech 2

Mondays, 9:15 am - 6:00 pm
AND Tuesdays, 9:15 am - 6:00 pm
AND Wednesdays, 9:15 am - 6:00 pm
AND Thursdays, 9:15 am - 6:00 pm
AND Fridays, 9:15 am - 6:00 pm
Register

Minnesota Ballet Academy's summer intensives provide a rigorous schedule of classes in ballet technique, pointe, character, jazz, variations, dance history, injury prevention, and current events in the dance world. Classes meet five days per week, including a special two-hour master class each Friday with special guest artists. Summer intensives culminate in a finale performance in Minnesota Ballet's Studio Four Theater.

Tech 2 is for MBA students who have completed Ballet 6 or higher, or youths ages 14+ who have at least five years prior ballet training including at least two years of pointe training. Please email jmiller@minnesotaballet.org with placement questions.

Full Schedule:

Monday through Thursday: 9:15-9:45: Conditioning, 10:00-12:00: Technique, 12:30-2:00: Pointe/Variations, 2:45-3:45: Style class, 4:00-6:00: Showcase Rehearsal (Tuesday Rehearsals will end at 5:45 pm)

Friday: 10:00-12:00: Master Class, 12:30-2:00: Style class, 2:30-4:00: Showcase Rehearsal

Swan Lake Camp, Primary A

Tuesdays, 1:15 - 2:30 pm
OR Thursdays, 1:15 - 2:30 pm
Register

For ages 3-4 by June 1st 2024. Students must be potty trained. Location: Studio Three. Tuition: $75 per session.

Swan Lake Camp, Primary B

Tuesdays, 2:45 - 4:00 pm
AND Thursday, 2:45 - 4:00 pm
Register

For ages 5-6 by June 1st 2024. Location: Studio Three. Tuition: $125.

GENERAL INFORMATION

For questions regarding which class is right for you or to schedule a placement class, email school coordinator Jennifer Miller at jmiller@minnesotaballet.org.

Class Attire

For ladies

Current Minnesota Ballet Academy students should continue to follow our traditional class attire requirements. Simple styles of black leotards with pink tights may also be worn.

For gentlemen

Current School of Minnesota Ballet students should wear Black or grey tights with white t-shirt and traditional black or white ballet shoes.

Attire for Style Classes

Character shoes and jazz shoes are highly recommended for style classes.

Attire for ABLE Classes

Dancers ABLE En Avant students are encouraged to wear dance or athletic attire and ballet or jazz shoes. ABLE SF students may wear anything they feel comfortable moving in as long as it offers appropriate coverage and shoes are clean and dry.

Equipment

In-studio students should bring their own mat or beach towel for conditioning classes. Students are responsible for neatly keeping track of all personal items which MUST be taken home at the end of each day

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Need-based scholarships are available through the Depot Foundation Arts for All Scholarship Program. For information regarding merit-based scholarships, please call 218-733-7570.

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