Minnesota Ballet School Competition Program | Ages 5–18

---

The Minnesota Ballet School Pre-Competition Team introduces young dancers to performance and competition in a fun, supportive, and encouraging environment.

Designed for dancers ages 5–9, the program is a first step into competition training for students ready to develop their ballet technique, musicality, confidence, teamwork, and stage presence.

Dancers learn what it means to be part of a team while continuing to build the strong classical ballet foundation needed for future training and performance opportunities.

Placement is based on each dancer’s readiness, training level, maturity, and faculty recommendation rather than age alone.

Training Requirements & Weekly Schedule

Pre-Competition Team dancers are required to take at least one weekly ballet class at Minnesota Ballet School at their appropriate level in addition to the team rehearsal.

Ballet Training: Minimum one class per week at the dancer’s assigned level
Pre-Competition Team Rehearsal: Tuesday, 7:00–7:45 PM

Program Includes

• Weekly Pre-Competition Team rehearsal 
• Age-appropriate group choreography 
• Classical and contemporary movement and musicality 
• Performance and stage preparation 
• Participation in selected local group competitions 
• Competition costume 
• Minnesota Ballet School Spring Gala performance 
• Competition registration, music preparation, scheduling, and administrative support 

The Pre-Competition Team participates in group competition routines only. Solos, duets, and trios are not part of this program.

Who Can Join

• Dancers ages 5–9 
• Open to current MBS students and students from other dance schools 
• No formal audition required 
• Enrollment in the required MBS ballet class and weekly team rehearsal 

Placement is determined through class evaluation, dancer readiness, faculty recommendation, and approval by the MBS Artistic Directors.

Team Experience

The Pre-Competition Team helps young dancers develop confidence, discipline, teamwork, musicality, and stage presence while gaining their first experience as part of a competitive performance team.

It is an ideal next step for dancers ready for a more focused training and performance experience while continuing to develop a strong foundation and love of ballet.

The Minnesota Ballet School Competition Team is designed for dedicated dancers who are ready to advance their training through focused classical and contemporary competition preparation.

The program develops strong technique, artistry, musicality, confidence, discipline, and stage presence while providing dancers with valuable performance experience at selected regional and national competitions, including Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP).

Dancers receive focused coaching in classical repertoire, contemporary choreography, musicality, performance quality, and stage preparation while continuing their regular ballet training.

Placement is based on each dancer’s technical level, readiness, experience, commitment, and faculty recommendation rather than age alone.

Training Requirements & Weekly Schedule

Competition Team rehearsals are held in addition to the dancer’s regular ballet training at Minnesota Ballet School.

Weekly Rehearsals Begin: September 9, 2026

Classical Group Rehearsal: Thursday, 6:30–7:00 PM
Contemporary Group Rehearsal: Wednesday, 8:00–8:30 PM

Regular ballet training at the dancer’s assigned level is required.

Winter Intensive: Participation in the Minnesota Ballet School Winter Intensive is required for all Competition Team dancers as part of their competition training and preparation.

Program Includes

• Weekly classical and contemporary group rehearsals 
• Classical and contemporary group choreography 
• Competition and performance preparation 
• Individual corrections and coaching 
• Musicality, artistry, and stage presence development 
• Participation in selected regional and national competitions 
• Minnesota Ballet School Spring Gala performance 
• Competition scheduling and administrative support 

Competitive Opportunities

All Competition Team dancers participate in group choreography.

Selected dancers may be offered opportunities to perform solos, duets, or trios based on technical readiness, experience, commitment, and faculty recommendation.

Additional coaching, choreography, costumes, and competition fees for solos, duets, and trios may apply.

Who Can Join

• Dancers ages 9–18 
• Open to current Minnesota Ballet School students and dancers from other schools 
• Previous competition experience is not required 
• Placement is based on technical readiness, commitment, and faculty approval 

Enrollment & Auditions

Current MBS Students: Placement is through faculty recommendation or audition.

External Dancers: An audition is required for acceptance into the Competition Team.

Participation in the Competition Team requires commitment to the full training and competition schedule. Dancers are expected to maintain consistent attendance and participate in required rehearsals, competitions, performances, and the Winter Intensive.