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. Fall semester begins the week of September 11, 2023.
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:
Cinderella : June 12-30, 2023
Camp Session Two:
Snow White : July 17-August 4, 2023
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.
2023 Summer Intensives
July 17- August 11, 2023
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.
ABLE Classes
(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.
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.
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.
For ages 3+ by September 1st 2023, no prior experience necessary. Students must be potty trained. Location: Studio Three. Instructor: Brooke B.
Tuition: $330. Tuition if registered by 8/1/23: $315. Tuition if paid in full by 9/1/23: $315. Tuition if registered by 8/1 and paid by 9/1: $300.
For ages 4-5 by September 1st 2023, no prior experience necessary. Location: Studio Three. Instructor: Brooke B.
Tuition: $330. Tuition if registered by 8/1/23: $315. Tuition if paid in full by 9/1/23: $315. Tuition if registered by 8/1 and paid by 9/1: $300.
For ages 5-6 by September 1st 2023, no prior experience necessary. Location: Studio Three. Instructor: Brooke B.
Tuition: $330. Tuition if registered by 8/1/23: $315. Tuition if paid in full by 9/1/23: $315. Tuition if registered by 8/1 and paid by 9/1: $300.
For ages 6-7 by September 1st 2023, no prior experience necessary. Location: Studio Three. Instructor: Brooke B.
Tuition: $360. Tuition if registered by 8/1/23: $340. Tuition if paid in full by 9/1/23: $340. Tuition if registered by 8/1 and paid by 9/1: $325.
For ages 7+ by September 1st 2023, no prior experience necessary. Location: Tuesdays: Studio Four, Saturdays: Studio One. Instructor: Suzie B.
Tuition: $525. Tuition if registered by 8/1/23: $500. Tuition if paid in full by 9/1/23: $500. Tuition if registered by 8/1 and paid by 9/1: $475.
For ages 8+ by September 1st 2023, no prior experience necessary. Location Wednesdays: Studio Four, Saturdays: Studio One. Instructor: Suzie B.
Tuition: $525. Tuition if registered by 8/1/23: $500. Tuition if paid in full by 9/1/23: $500. Tuition if registered by 8/1 and paid by 9/1: $475.
For ages 9+ by September 1st 2023, no prior experience necessary. Location Monday and Wednesday: Studio Four, Friday: Studio One. Instructor: Suzie B.
Tuition: $605. Tuition if registered by 8/1/23: $575. Tuition if paid in full by 9/1/23: $575. Tuition if registered by 8/1 and paid by 9/1: $550.
For ages 10+ by September 1st 2023, no prior experience necessary. Please contact the office to schedule a placement class before registering new students. Location Monday: Studio Three, Wednesday, Studio One, Thursday, Studio Two. Instructor: Jennifer M.
Tuition: $635. Tuition if registered by 8/1/23: $600. Tuition if paid in full by 9/1/23: $600. Tuition if registered by 8/1 and paid by 9/1: $575.
For ages 10+ by September 1st 2023, no prior experience necessary. Please contact the office to schedule a placement class before registering new students. Location Monday: Studio Two, Wednesday, Studio One, Thursday, Studio Four. Instructors: Jennifer M., Nancy G. and LilaAnn C.
Tuition: $745. Tuition if registered by 8/1/23: $705. Tuition if paid in full by 9/1/23: $705. Tuition if registered by 8/1 and paid by 9/1: $675.
Ballet 6
OR Tuesdays, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
OR Thursdays, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
OR Fridays, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
For ages 12+ by September 1st 2023. Previous ballet training required. Please contact the office to schedule a placement class before registering new students.
Ballet 6 students take class three days per week (select any three classes from four options available). Location Monday: Studio Two, Tuesday Studio One, Thursday Studio Four, Friday Studio Four. Instructors: Nancy G. and LilaAnn C.
Tuition: $870. Tuition if registered by 8/1/23: $825. Tuition if paid in full by 9/1/23: $825. Tuition if registered by 8/1 and paid by 9/1: $785.
Ballet 7
OR Tuesdays, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
OR Thursdays, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
OR Fridays, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
OR Saturdays, 11:15 am - 1:15 pm
For ages 12+ by September 1st 2023. Previous ballet training required. Please contact the office to schedule a placement class before registering new students.
Ballet 7 students take class three days per week (select any three classes from five options available). Location Monday: Studio One, Tuesday Studio One, Thursday Studio One, Friday Studio Four, Saturday Studio One. Instructors: Nancy G., LilaAnn C., Karl v R.
Tuition: $930. Tuition if registered by 8/1/23: $880. Tuition if paid in full by 9/1/23: $880. Tuition if registered by 8/1 and paid by 9/1: $835.
Ballet 8
OR Tuesdays, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
OR Wednesdays, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
OR Thursdays, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
OR Fridays, 5:45 - 7:45 pm
OR Saturdays, 11:15 am - 1:15 pm
For ages 12+ by September 1st 2023. Previous ballet training required. Please contact the office to schedule a placement class before registering new students.
Ballet 8 students take class three days per week (select any three classes from six options available). Location Monday: Studio One, Tuesday Studio Four, Wednesday Studio One, Thursday Studio One, Friday Studio One, Saturday Studio One. Instructors: Nancy G., Karl v R., Jennifer M., Suzie B.
Tuition: $950. Tuition if registered by 8/1/23: $905. Tuition if paid in full by 9/1/23: $905. Tuition if registered by 8/1 and paid by 9/1: $855.
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.
