Adult Classes

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Oleg is originally from Russia. He is the Artistic Director for the Annual Nutcracker of Parker, Rehearsal-Director of Ballet Ariel and Teacher of Denver Academy of Ballet. Oleg brings more than 25 years of professional ballet

experience to his students and dancers. After graduating from the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia, he danced as a Principal Dancer with the Bolshoi Ballet Grigorovich Company, Leningrad Modern Ballet Theater (Eifman Ballet), Moscow Renaissance Ballet, The National Opera and Ballet Theater (Novi Sad, Yugoslavia), the City Ballet in San Diego, CA, and as a soloist with the Colorado Ballet. He has performed in many classical and modern roles, choreographed and staged several full-length ballets, including the annual Nutcracker of Parker, Aladdin (2018), La Fille Mal Garde (2017), Swan Lake (2016), Alice in Wonderland (2014 & 2021), Don Quixote (2012), Sleeping Beauty (2010 & 2020), and Snow Queen (2008).

Sam have been training in the aerial arts for about 5 years now. The majority of his training is done at Circus Juventas, a youth performing arts center in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Sam's  passion in life is performing and brining an audience into his world, even if just for a few minutes. Sam is excited to share his passion, knowlege and sckills with MBS dancers!

Elena Olshin, originally from Rockville, Maryland, began her ballet training at the age of four at the American Dance Institute under the tutelage of Pamela Bjerknes, Erin Mahoney-Du, and Runqiao Du. Her dedication to dance led her to attend prestigious summer intensives, including the Kirov Academy of Ballet, The Bolshoi Ballet, The Rock School, and Ballet West.

During her early training, Elena was selected for the Kennedy Center Masterclass Series for two consecutive years and competed in the Youth America Grand Prix semi-finals and New York City Finals. She also performed as a soloist at the Tanzolymp Dance Festival in Berlin, Germany.

Elena completed her formal training at the Akhmedova Ballet Academy, where she studied for four years before joining First State Ballet Theatre (FSBT) in Wilmington, Delaware. Over her four seasons with FSBT, she performed in nearly every major classical ballet, taking on notable roles such as Cupid in Don Quixote, Canary Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty, Ocean and Pearls Pas de Trois, and the Pas de Deux from Flames of Paris. She also collaborated with choreographer Viktor Plotnikov on the premieres of Romeo and Juliet and Dracula.

In the 2021/22 season, Elena joined Bowen McCauley Dance Company, performing Exuberant Fanfare and Insistent Music by Lucy Bowen McCauley at the Kennedy Center’s Eisenhower Stage during the company’s 25th Anniversary Performance. Concurrently, she became a Resident Guest Artist at Wilmington Ballet, where she performed roles such as Dewdrop and Snow Queen in The Nutcracker, Waltz from Les Sylphides, and The Dying Swan.

In 2022, Elena moved to Dallas and is now in her third season with Pegasus Contemporary Ballet. She has performed works by artistic director Diana Crowder and choreographers Daniel Palladino, Michelle Thompson, Joshua Puegh, Thang Dao, Daniel Ojeda, Sean Aaron Carmon, Carrie Ruth Trumbo, and Kevin Jenkins.

Elena is thrilled to join Minnesota Ballet Theatre for this year’s production of The Nutcracker, bringing her artistry and passion for ballet to this beloved holiday classic.

Andrew  is a highly acclaimed professional dancer based in St. Paul. In 2006, he earned his BFA in Dance from the University of Minnesota, marking the beginning of a nearly two-decade-long journey as a prominent figure in the Twin Cities dance community.

For six seasons, Andrew served as a full-time company member of the renowned James Sewell Ballet, contributing significantly to the company's artistic endeavors. Additionally, he has been an integral part of the local modern dance scene, dedicating over 12 years to Shapiro & Smith Dance, a prominent modern dance company in the Twin Cities.

Andrew's artistic versatility extends to his role as a freelance artist, collaborating with esteemed Minnesota-based companies such as Twin Cities Ballet of MN, Metropolitan Ballet, Continental Ballet, Eclectic Edge Ensemble, Ethnic Dance Theatre, Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theater, and the Minnesota Opera.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the dance world, Andrew received the prestigious Sage Award for Outstanding Performer in 2012. This accolade was a testament to his exceptional work in Shapiro & Smith's production of "Family" and Joseph Morrissey's "One."

Throughout his illustrious career, Andrew has had the privilege of performing for modern dance legend Merce Cunningham. He has also received guidance from celebrated ballerina Anna-Marie Holmes, enriching his artistic journey with invaluable mentorship.

Among his notable achievements, Andrew had the honor of premiering "Titicut Follies: The Ballet" with James Sewell Ballet, both in New York City and at the Festival de Danse in Cannes, France. These experiences stand as significant highlights in a career marked by dedication, artistry, and a profound impact on the dance community.

Alec, a multifaceted artist hailing from Minnesota, boasts talents as a dancer, actor, and visual artist. His performances have graced various venues across the Twin Cities, including the Ritz Theater, The Guthrie Theater, and The Cowles Center.

This marks Alec's third classical ballet appearance under the training of MN Ballet School, and he expresses genuine excitement for the opportunity to showcase his dance prowess. Reflecting on his journey, Alec shares a powerful message, stating, "I encourage dancers of any discipline or style to immerse yourself in this amazing art form. It's not only a challenge that refines your technique but also a journey that expands your confidence and stretches the boundaries of your musical expression."

Alec's commitment to the arts and his passion for dance shine through, making him a dynamic force in Minnesota's vibrant artistic community.