Ballet Summer Intensive

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  • About
  • School
    • Youth Classes 25/26
    • Adult Classes
    • Summer Youth Programs
    • Pre-Ballet Summer Program
    • Summer Intensive
    • YAGP/Contemp Workshop
    • YAGP/Classical Prep
    • Nutcracker Prep
    • Competition Program
    • Pre-Professional Program
    • Private | Drop-In | Trial
    • Dress Code
    • Faculty
    • Vaganova Method
    • Calendar
    • Class Rules and Etiquette
    • Studio Rental
    • Gallery
    • Testimonials
  • Upcoming Events
    • Open House
  • Birthdays
  • REGISTER ONLINE
  • Theatre
  • Jobs

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Summer Intensive 2025

Program Information

Experience the Minnesota Ballet School Summer Intensive Program, offering extensive training in Russian classical ballet technique (Vaganova syllabus) and skill development. Our Intensive Camp places a strong emphasis on ballet technique while incorporating supplementary classes in character, pointe, variations, modern, men’s, partnering, and aerial ballet. Program will feature world-renowned guest teachers alongside our exceptional MBS faculty throughout the intensive.


2-Week Summer Intensive Camps 

Open for male and female students ages 9+  

Camp 1: June 16– June 27, 2025  |  Camp 2: July 7-18, 2025

9am-1pm 

Ballet technique, Pointe technique & Repertoire. Dancers will learn variations from classical ballets such as “Sleeping Beauty” “Giselle”, “Corsair” and many more. 

2pm-4pm  Students will be continuing classes such as Contemporary and Aerial Ballet, Character dance and Partnering.

Partnering classes will be available depending on the number of male attendees.


WORLD-RENOWNED FACULTY


The program culminates with a showing in the Minnesota Ballet School studio on Friday, June 27 and July 18.


Register for Intensive

Summer Intensive – Drop-In Option


Half-Day Program | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Daily and Weekly Enrollment Available


Minnesota Ballet Theatre & School is pleased to offer a flexible Drop-In Summer Intensive Program designed for dedicated students who may be unable to commit to the full intensive schedule. This half-day program provides focused training in Ballet, Pointe, and Repertoire, offering dancers the opportunity to maintain and enhance their technique throughout the summer.

Whether attending for a single day or a full week, students will benefit from high-quality instruction in a professional and supportive environment. This program is ideal for those looking to refine their skills, stay performance-ready, or experience our training approach before enrolling in the full intensive.

Advance registration is required. Space is limited.

Register for Daily
Register for Weekly

Summer Intensive Video Audition

If you are unable to attend the in-person audition on January 26, we encourage you to submit a video audition. While we highly recommend attending in person to experience our program firsthand, we are happy to review video submissions for those who cannot join us on that date. Please carefully follow the guidelines below to ensure your submission is complete.

SUBMIT VIDEO AUDITION FORM

Video Audition

Video Submission Guidelines

Exercises to Include:

  • Barre Exercises: Plié, Battement Tendu, Adagio
  • Center Exercises: Adagio, Pirouettes, Petit Allegro, Medium Allegro, Grand Allegro
  • Special Elements: Tours en l'air (for men), Pointe Work (for women)
  • Optional: Classical Ballet Variation on Pointe

Additional Features:

  • Other links to performances of classical variations (optional)
  • Photo in First Arabesque
  • Headshot

Submission Deadline:

  • Accepting submissions until June 1, 2024, subject to program availability.

Video Audition Details:

  • Video Fee: $50
  • Record a 5-10 minute video audition incorporating the suggested exercises.
  • Upload your video to YouTube, Vimeo, etc.
  • Provide the video link (URL) during the submission process.

Example of ballet exercises for Video Audition

1. At the barre. 

a. Pliés –Tendu, Dégagé 

b. Fondu, Développé (front, side, back) 

c. Grand Battements

2. In the center. 

a. Adagio combination 

b. Pirouettes (en dehors, en dedans) 

c. Two combinations using assemblé, jeté, sissonne

3. Diagonal across the floor

a. Grand jeté

4. For girls for advances level (en pointe)

a. Echappé combination with passé 

b. Pirouette combination 

c. Fouettés (16 if possible) 

d. Piqué turns

5. For Boys 

a. Entrechat Six (16 bars) 

b. Single or double tour en l’air 

c. Grand pirouettes à la seconde (for advanced boys) 

d. Jump combination with échappés, assemblés and jetés and sissonnes (with beats, if possible)Variation is NOT required.

Video Audition Registration

Summer Intensive Guest Instructors for 2025

Veronika Part

Veronika Part (Former Mariinsky and American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer, Esteemed Judge for California Dance Classic and YAGP, Master Teacher, global guest instructor.)

Veronika Part, born in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1978, is a celebrated ballet dancer with a career spanning decades. Her journey in the arts commenced with gymnastics before she transitioned to ballet at the renowned Vaganova Ballet Academy in 1988. Graduating in 1996, she swiftly rose to prominence, joining the prestigious Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet and achieving the rank of soloist in 1998.


During her tenure with the Kirov Ballet, Part showcased her exceptional talent across a diverse repertoire, embodying iconic roles such as Nikiya in "La Bayadère," the Queen of the Dryads in "Don Quixote," and Odette-Odile in "Swan Lake." She also displayed her versatility through performances in works by acclaimed choreographers George Balanchine and John Neumeier, earning accolades such as the prestigious BALTIKA Prize in 1999.


In August 2002, Part embarked on a new chapter, joining the American Ballet Theatre as a Soloist. Over the years, she ascended to the rank of Principal in May 2009, leaving an indelible mark with her captivating performances. Her repertoire with ABT spanned a wide range of roles, from classical to contemporary works, highlighting her artistry and versatility on stage.

Throughout her illustrious career, Part has graced stages worldwide, captivating audiences with her beauty and artistry. 


In July 2017, she retired from the American Ballet Theatre, yet her passion for dance persists as she continues to perform, enchanting audiences with her timeless elegance and grace. Additionally, she serves as a judge for esteemed competitions such as the Youth America Grand Prix and California Dance Classic, contributing her expertise to nurture the next generation of ballet talent.


Arkadiy Orohovsky (Artistic Director, Choreographer Master Teacher)

A native of Ukraine, Arkadiy Orohovsky received his formal dance training at the Kiev State Choreographic Institute, followed by Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Arts from the Kiev State University of Culture. He began his professional career with the Ukrainian National Theatre of Opera and Ballet, performing principal and soloist roles on international tours throughout Europe, Japan, Mexico, and Canada.


In 1994, Mr. Orohovsky earned the Bronze Medal at the Serge Lifar International Ballet Competition in Kiev. He later danced as Principal Dancer with Ballet El Paso, and served as Artistic Director of Dance at Brigham Young University, where he staged original and classical ballets while continuing to perform as a guest artist.


Mr. Orohovsky also danced with Houston Ballet under Ben Stevenson, with leading roles including Romeo, Albrecht, Prince Ivan, and the Bronze Idol. He is a highly respected guest artist and master teacher, having taught and choreographed across the U.S., Europe, and Japan. He has led a summer intensive in Prague for four consecutive years and coached students to success at Youth America Grand Prix and the World Ballet Competition.


Currently, he is the Artistic Director of South Mississippi Ballet Theatre, a pre-professional company dedicated to training students for professional careers. 

In 2018, he was honored to contribute to the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson.

Lucia Erickson(Soloist, Philadelphia Ballet)

Lucia Erickson, a Soloist with Philadelphia Ballet, is celebrated for her expressive artistry, refined technique, and commanding stage presence. Originally from Minnetonka, Minnesota, she began her ballet training at the age of three at the Academy of Russian Ballet (now Minnesota Ballet Theatre & School) in Eden Prairie, under the direction of Svetlana Bak-Gavrilova and Kirill Bak-Stepanoff.


Her dedication and talent led her to attend prestigious summer intensives at Minnesota Dance Theater, Marat Daukayev School of Ballet, The Rock School, the School of Philadelphia Ballet, and the School of American Ballet. At 16, she relocated to Philadelphia to train full-time at the School of Philadelphia Ballet.

Lucia joined Philadelphia Ballet II for the 2018–2019 season, quickly rising through the ranks. She was promoted to the Corps de Ballet in 2019, to Demi Soloist in 2020, and eventually to Soloist. Her repertoire includes standout roles in Don Quixote (Cupid, Flower Girl), George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® (Dew Drop, Lead Marzipan), La Bayadère (Shades Pas de Trois), and Divertimento No. 15 (Soloist), as well as contemporary works such as Juliano Nunes’ Connection and Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room.


Outside of ballet, Lucia is pursuing academic studies at the Community College of Philadelphia and studying Italian. She continues to inspire audiences with her dynamic performances and deep commitment to the art of ballet.

Summer Intensive Guest Instructors for 2024

Misha Tchoupakov (YAGP Finals Rehearsal Director, Judge, Master Teacher, global guest instructor.)

Originally from Moscow, Russia, Misha Tchoupakov, with an extensive career spanning the Bolshoi Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Sarasota Ballet, Los Angeles Classical Ballet, Vienna State Opera Ballet, and San Francisco Opera Ballet, holds an M.F.A. in Dance Pedagogy and Choreography from the Moscow State Institute of Choreography. His rich teaching experience includes prestigious institutions worldwide such as the Royal Ballet School, University of Utah Department of Ballet, and currently, the University of North Carolina School of Dance. As the Rehearsal Director for YAGP in New York, he continues to be an internationally sought-after guest teacher, sharing his expertise globally.


Jennifer L. Bennett (Master Teacher)

Jennifer L. Bennett graduated from Kirov Academy of Ballet, Washington D.C. where She studied under instruction Alla Sizova – Prima Assoluta Ballerina Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet. As apprentice Jennifer tour across of United State with Kirov Ballet National Nutcracker. After graduation She was soon promoted to Artistic Director Ballet Petite and Youth Performing Arts School, Bethesda, Maryland.

2008-2012 Jennifer become a Principle Dancer with Ballet Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota. Performance roles include Beethoven’s 9th symphony, Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Mozart’s 40th Symphony, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, La Bayadere and Don Quixote.
2011-15 Mrs. Bennett start teach in Classical Ballet Academy in St. Paul MN
2015- Present She is full time faculty member and sole ballet teacher for competitive lines at Studio 4 Dance, Burnsville, Minnesota

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at minnesotaballetschool@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

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. 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, Veronika Part-Former Mariinsky and American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer, Esteemed Judge for California Dance Classic and YAGP,  Jennifer L Bennett. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and artistry to enrich the learning experience for all participants.


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Minnesota Ballet Theatre & School

14675 Martin Drive, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344, United States

612 501 9208

Minnesota Ballet School

14675 Martin Drive, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344, United States

612.501.9208

Copyright © 2025 Minnesota Ballet School. All Rights Reserved.

Summer Ballet Programs for All Ages!

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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