Welcome to Minnesota Ballet School
Educating children in the finest traditions of Russian ballet using the Vaganova method.
Welcome to Minnesota Ballet School
Educating children in the finest traditions of Russian ballet using the Vaganova method.
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Educating children in the finest traditions of Russian ballet using the Vaganova method.
Educating children in the finest traditions of Russian ballet using the Vaganova method.
Join us for an inspiring two-week summer intensive led by Lucia Erickson, Soloist with Philadelphia Ballet and an artist celebrated for her versatility in both classical and Balanchine technique.
This intensive is designed for serious ballet students ages 9+, offering focused daily training to strengthen classical technique, develop artistry, and build stamina and confidence. Dancers will benefit from Lucia’s deep professional experience, musicality, and supportive coaching style.
Classes include:
– Classical Ballet
– Pointe & Variations
– Conditioning
– Contemporary
– Repertoire
Whether you are preparing for a new season, an audition, or simply wish to grow, this intensive provides a rare opportunity to train with an accomplished professional in a high-level, nurturing environment.
We are excited to invite you to one of our three family-friendly Open House events this summer! Join us at our Eden Prairie studio to meet our faculty, explore our programs, and enjoy a complimentary trial ballet class for children ages 3–12.
Our Ballet Art & Craft Camps offer a unique and inspiring introduction to ballet for children ages 4–7. Through engaging themes such as Moana and The Nutcracker, campers explore foundational ballet techniques alongside creative arts and crafts activities. These camps nurture imagination, musicality, coordination, and confidence in a supportive environment, providing young dancers with a well-rounded artistic experience.
YAGP Classical Prep Workshop with Meelis Pakri
Train with world-renowned ballet master Meelis Pakri in this exclusive workshop designed for dancers preparing for competitions or seeking to refine their craft. Focus on classical technique, pointe, and iconic variations to elevate your performance.
Dates: August 11–14
Time: Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
YAGP Contemporary Prep Workshop with Oliver Halkowich
Join us for a transformative four-day intensive led by the talented Oliver, designed to elevate your classical ballet technique and contemporary dance skills. Dive into a dynamic program filled with personalized instruction, artistic exploration, and opportunities for growth.
Don’t miss this chance to refine your artistry and unlock your full potential as a dancer.
Dates: August 11–14
Time: Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The Nutcracker Prep Workshop
Prepare for Nutcracker auditions with a focused workshop that refines technique, masters iconic choreography, and builds confidence for both new and familiar roles in this beloved ballet.
Dates: August 18–21
Time: Monday–Thursday, 09:00 AM – 1:00 PM
For those wanting to try a class at Minnesota Ballet School we offer age and skill appropriate drop-In classes. You can register for one or multiple drop-in classes using
online registration form.
Ages 3+
Private Lessons offered at MBS give children and adults the opportunity to work one-on-one with a professional instructor. These lessons are ideal for dancers who want to improve their technique or need specific coaching on technique, YAGP choreography or audition preparation. A challenging technique or intensive Pointe work is meant to push the dancers beyond the level of their group training. These lessons also work well for dancers with injury and/or contraindications.
Ages 8+
Minnesota Ballet School was established in 2001 by co-directors Kirill Bak-Stepanoff and Svetlana Bak-Gavrilova, graduates of the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia — one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world. Throughout their career, they toured and performed as soloists in many countries across Europe, then settled in Minnesota. Through Kirill and Svetlana, Minnesota Ballet School has inherited centuries of ballet experience and the best ballet teaching methodologies.
Minnesota Ballet School offers a classical ballet program that provides preparatory and systematic ballet training using Vaganova Syllabus, a comprehensive curriculum, proven to instill in dancers incomparable technique, while striving for a greater sense of artistry, clarity, grace, athleticism, speed and musicality.
Each year, students have an opportunity to participate in Minnesota Ballet Theatre’s performances such as The Nutcracker, Halloween Adventure, Carnival of the Animals and Peter & the Wolf. These opportunities create a great way for the young dancers to excel and discover the wonderful world of theatre.
Minnesota Ballet Theatre & School has been selected as the Best Ballet School in Minneapolis for 2025 by the prestigious Quality Business Awards! This nomination fills us with immense pride and gratitude. It is a testament to the dedication and passion of our talented instructors, the hard work of our students, and the continuous support from our ballet community.
At Minnesota Ballet School, we have always strived for excellence, aiming to provide the highest quality training and nurturing the love for ballet in every aspiring dancer. This recognition motivates us to continue our commitment to excellence and inspires us to reach even greater heights in the world of ballet.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Quality Business Awards for this honor, and, most importantly, to our students, their families, and our community for believing in us. Your support fuels our determination to offer exceptional ballet education and training. We look forward to continuing this journey together, enriching lives through the beauty of dance.
Your Support Makes a Difference
Your generous contribution plays a crucial role in upholding the foundation of Minnesota Ballet School. By supporting us, you directly contribute to the well-being of our dedicated employees. Your donations will be directed towards funding scholarships, ensuring that dancers from families facing financial challenges can continue their ballet training uninterrupted.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your benevolence. Your support not only keeps the art of ballet alive but also helps us nurture the dreams of aspiring dancers. Join us in our mission to make a lasting impact – donate now and be a part of the Minnesota Ballet School community that empowers dancers to shine. We are very grateful for your generosity.
Minnesota Ballet School is Now an Official Partner School of Nikolay Brand! We're ecstatic about this incredible collaboration and the fantastic opportunities it brings for our students.
If you have questions about the opportunities available to you in our programs, feel free to send us a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
14675 Martin Drive, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344, United States
Copyright © 2025 Minnesota Ballet School. All Rights Reserved.
Join us this summer for inspiring ballet classes for children, teens, and adults — from our youngest dancers in Pre-Ballet to advanced intensives and adult beginner classes. Stay active, build technique, and enjoy the art of dance all summer long!
Limited spots available — register today!
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