Audition/Master Class with Kirill Bak-Stepanoff

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Pre-registration is required. The fee for online pre-registration is $60 for a 2-hour session (ages 13-18+) and $45 for a 1.5-hour session (ages 9-12).

For prospective students with birthdays before the start of the summer intensives, they should attend the audition class corresponding to their age as of the audition date. If the student has already celebrated their birthday, they would audition for the age group they will belong to once the summer program begins.

For in-person auditions, non-MBS students are required to provide one informal headshot. The photo should have a clear background, and for female participants, hair should be styled in a classic ballet manner. Additionally, a photograph demonstrating the first arabesque on pointe or demi-pointe in the center is also necessary.

Group 1: age 9-12 (one year ballet experience required) 

Group 2: age 13+ (two years pointe experience required)

Dancers have the option to participate in an in-person audition or submit a video audition, both providing equal consideration for the 2025 Summer Intensives.

Upon receiving your Audition Registration or Video Audition, MBS will send you an automatic confirmation email.

The audition will consist of a ballet class, beginning with barre exercises and progressing to center work. The last thirty minutes will be dedicated to men's jumps and pointe work. Please be aware that Young Dancer auditions will not include pointe work. Registration will open half an hour before the audition begins.

Certainly. All participants, regardless of gender, are expected to adhere to the dress code during the audition.

• Female Participants:
  
  • Wear a solid-color leotard.
  • Put on full-length tights in pink or a color closest to natural skin tone.
  • Bring ballet slippers and, if applicable, pointe shoes for the last twenty minutes of class.

• Male Participants:
  
  • Wear white T-shirts.
  • Opt for black full-length tights.
  • Wear ballet slippers.

Please ensure your attire aligns with the specified guidelines for a smooth audition experience.

Dancers will be assessed on classical ballet proficiency, emphasizing adagio, jumps, turns, and pointe work for females. Evaluation includes technical precision, retention of combinations, stamina, musicality, work ethic, attitude, and growth potential.

You can submit a video audition following the guidelines and sample combinations available on our website. Submissions are open until June 1, 2025, based on program availability.

Audition results will be emailed to the primary email address provided within 3-5 business days after the audition date. If you do not receive your results within two weeks, please contact us at minnesotaballetschool@gmail.com.

Results for video auditions will be sent via email within 3-5 business days after the submission date. If you do not receive your results within two weeks, please contact the Summer Intensive staff at minnesotaballetschool@gmail.com.

You can make tuition payments according to the schedule outlined on the Audition Information page of the MBS website. Secure online tuition payments are accepted using major credit cards through the online portal. Take advantage of the early discount of 15% if paid before February 5, using promo code Save15. Details regarding payment procedures will be emailed to accepted students.

The daily schedule for the MBS Summer Intensive is outlined below:

• Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday
• First Day: Placement class to determine student levels
• Daily Classes (9:00 am-1:00 pm):
  • Ballet technique
  • Pointe
  • Variation
• Lunch Time (1:00 pm-2:00 pm)
• Afternoon Classes (2:00 pm-4:00 pm):
  • Aerial Ballet
  • Contemporary
  • Character dance
  • Partnering

In order to receive the full benefit of the intensive summer training, everyone must attend the program in its entirety. 

The number of pointe shoes required for the Summer Intensive varies based on the strength of the dancer's feet, the brand of the shoe, and the prevailing humidity. As dancers will be on pointe every day, it is advisable for each dancer to bring approximately one pair of shoes per two weeks. To enhance the longevity of pointe shoes, dancers are encouraged to take proper care and use hardeners when necessary.

Our program is set to deliver a unique blend of expertise with world-renowned guest teachers joining our exceptional MBS faculty throughout the intensive. Classes will be led by the dedicated MBS Summer Intensive faculty, alongside our esteemed MBS Artistic Staff, and the expertise of Misha Tchoupakov—YAGP Finals Rehearsal Director, Judge, Master Teacher, and global guest instructor. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and artistry to enrich the learning experience for all participants.