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Pre-Competition Workshop, August 17–20, 2026 | Ages 5-9
Pre-Competition Workshop
Ages 5–9
The Minnesota Ballet School Pre-Competition Workshop is designed for young dancers who are ready to explore more focused ballet and performance training in a fun, encouraging, and supportive environment.
Led by Mariah Schilling, Minnesota Ballet School Faculty, this four-day workshop combines classical ballet fundamentals, contemporary movement, choreography, musicality, coordination, and performance skills through engaging, age-appropriate training.
Dancers will build confidence, develop stage presence, strengthen their technique, and experience what it is like to learn and perform choreography as part of a team.
The workshop is open to all dancers and is also an excellent opportunity for students interested in joining the 2026–2027 MBS Pre-Competition Team.
Who Can Attend
- Dancers ages 5–9
- Open to MBS and non-MBS students
- No prior competition experience required
- Participation in the MBS Pre-Competition Team is not required
What Dancers Will Work On
- Classical ballet fundamentals and technique
- Contemporary and creative movement
- Age-appropriate choreography
- Musicality, coordination, balance, and flexibility
- Confidence, expression, and stage presence
- Teamwork and performance preparation
Pre-Competition Team Evaluation Opportunity
For dancers interested in joining the 2026–2027 MBS Pre-Competition Team, faculty will observe dancers throughout the workshop and may provide placement recommendations based on readiness, technique, musicality, focus, and ability to work as part of a team.
Participation in the evaluation is optional, and there is no obligation to join the Pre-Competition Team.
Schedule
August 17–20, 2026
10:00–11:30 AM daily
Location: Minnesota Ballet School
Tuition
$160 for the full 4-day workshop
Registration
Register online to reserve your spot. Space is limited.
𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘁 & 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 Featuring Meelis Pakri & Mariah Schilling August 3–6, 2026 | Ages 9–18
Ballet & Contemporary Intensive Workshop
An Exceptional Training Opportunity for Dancers Ages 9–18
Minnesota Ballet School is excited to welcome dancers from our school and the surrounding dance community to participate in this exceptional four-day intensive workshop.
This unique training opportunity allows dedicated dancers to study with internationally recognized guest teacher Meelis Pakri through focused classical ballet instruction, while also developing versatility and artistry through contemporary training with Minnesota Ballet School faculty member Mariah Schilling.
Designed for dancers preparing for auditions, competitions, summer programs, or those seeking continued artistic growth, this intensive emphasizes technical excellence, artistry, musicality, versatility, and performance quality.
Faculty
Classical Ballet with Meelis Pakri
Guest Teacher | International Ballet Educator | YAGP Judge
Meelis Pakri is an internationally recognized ballet educator and Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Judge known for his expertise in classical ballet technique, dancer development, and artistic coaching.
During this intensive, dancers will receive advanced classical ballet training focused on refinement of technique, musicality, artistry, and preparation for future opportunities.
Contemporary Training with Mariah Schilling
Minnesota Ballet School Faculty
Mariah Schilling will guide dancers through contemporary training focused on movement quality, creativity, musicality, versatility, and expressive performance.
Her classes encourage dancers to expand their movement vocabulary while developing confidence and individuality as artists.
Workshop Training
Throughout the intensive, dancers will work on:
- Classical ballet technique, alignment, coordination, strength, and artistry
- Contemporary movement, creativity, musicality, and expression
- Performance quality, confidence, and versatility
- Skills needed for auditions, competitions, and advanced training opportunities
This workshop is designed to challenge dancers while supporting their individual growth and preparation for the upcoming dance season.
Workshop Details
Dates: August 3–6, 2026 (Monday–Thursday)
Ages: 9–18
Location:
Minnesota Ballet School
14675 Martin Drive, Suite 400
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Daily Schedule
Monday–Thursday
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Classical Ballet with Meelis Pakri
12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Contemporary Training with Mariah Schilling
Thursday, August 6
3:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Competition Team Evaluation / Audition
The Competition Team Evaluation is required for dancers who wish to be considered for the 2026–2027 Minnesota Ballet School Competition Team.
Registration Options
Full 4-Day Workshop — $650
Includes:
- All Classical Ballet classes with Meelis Pakri
- All Contemporary classes with Mariah Schilling
- Eligibility for Competition Team Evaluation
One-Day Drop-In — $180
Attend both workshop classes on one selected day:
- Classical Ballet with Meelis Pakri
- Contemporary Training with Mariah Schilling
Half-Day Drop-In — $95
Choose one class:
- Classical Ballet with Meelis Pakri
or - Contemporary Training with Mariah Schilling
Private Lessons Available
Private lessons are available with Meelis Pakri and Mariah Schilling during the workshop week.
These individualized sessions provide dancers with:
- Personalized corrections
- Focused technical guidance
- Artistic coaching
- Individual attention to support growth and progress
Private lessons with Meelis Pakri offer a rare opportunity to work one-on-one with an internationally recognized ballet educator during his limited visit to Minnesota Ballet School. Availability is limited.
Competition Team Evaluation
The Competition Team Evaluation is available only to dancers enrolled in the Full 4-Day Workshop.
Drop-in participants are welcome to attend individual classes but are not eligible for Competition Team consideration through this workshop.
Spaces are limited. Register today for this exceptional opportunity to train with inspiring professionals and prepare for your upcoming dance season.
About Meelis
Meelis Pakri Former principal dancer with the Estonian National Ballet and Colorado Ballet, currently faculty member at The Harid Conservatory, and YAGP judge.
Meelis Pakri is an internationally respected ballet educator, choreographer, and guest master teacher with extensive experience training dancers of all levels. Known for his inspiring teaching style and attention to detail, he helps students develop strong classical technique, artistry, musicality, and confidence.
During his residency at Minnesota Ballet School, Meelis will teach master classes and coach dancers in classical ballet and contemporary movement. His expertise in performance preparation and competition coaching makes this a unique opportunity for students seeking to elevate their training.
Private Lessons with Meelis Pakri
Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to work one-on-one with Meelis Pakri. Private lessons are tailored to each dancer's individual goals and may focus on classical technique, pointe work, variations, artistry, flexibility, audition preparation, competition coaching, or performance refinement.
Whether preparing for competitions, auditions, or simply looking to accelerate progress, dancers will receive personalized instruction and valuable professional guidance.
Availability is limited. Advanced registration is recommended.
NEW TO BALLET?
There’s Still Time to Join!
Our 2026–27 season begins September 8. Classes are available for children, teens, and adults — from first-time beginners to advanced dancers.