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+

Session 1: June 16– June 27, 2025 | Session 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.

Auditions/Master Class with Misha Tchoupakov

Join us for an extraordinary opportunity to train with internationally renowned ballet master Misha Tchoupakov, a YAGP Judge and former soloist with prestigious companies such as the Bolshoi Ballet, Colorado Ballet, and Vienna State Opera Ballet.

This special event includes a master class and audition for our 2024 Summer Ballet Intensive, designed to inspire and challenge dancers ages 9–18+.

Details for Ages 9–12:
Please note that dancers ages 9–12 may not spend the full 1.5 hours with Misha Tchoupakov. After the barre portion, some students may continue their audition or class in another studio under the expert instruction of Kirill Bak-Stepanoff or Svetlana Bak-Gavrilova to ensure personalized attention and a smooth experience for all.

JANUARY 26

In-person Audition

11:30am-Registration

12:00-1:30pm-Audition (ages 9-12)

12:00-2:00pm-Audition (ages 13-18+)

JUNE 1

Video Submissions Due

FEBRUARY 9, 2025

Early Registration (with discount)

JUNE 17-JUNE 28

JULY 7-JULY 18

Auditions are open to all male and female students ages 9+
Group 1: age 9-12 (one year ballet experience required)
Group 2: age 13+ (two years pointe experience required)
All fees are non-refundable regardless of circumstances
Dress:
Ladies- Pink tights, light colored leotard, flat and pointe shoes*
Men- Tights and tight fitting T-shirt

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 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.

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.

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.

How do register for auditions? Is pre-registration required to attend the auditions?

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).

If a prospective student has a birthday before the start of the summer intensives, which audition class should he/she attend?

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.

What requirements are there for the audition picture?

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.

How much ballet experience should a dancer have before attending an audition?

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

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

What type of audition should I attend?

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.

How can I confirm that my Audition Registration or Video Audition has been received?

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

What are the auditions like?

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.

Is there a dress code for the auditions?

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.

What do you look for in the auditions?

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.

What if I can’t make it to a scheduled audition?

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.

How soon will I find out the results of my audition?

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.

When will I receive the results from my video audition?

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.

How do I make a tuition payment?

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.

What is the daily schedule like at MBS Summer Intensive?

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

Can I attend a part of the summer program, or do I have to attend in full?

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

How many pairs of pointe shoes should a dancer bring to the in-person Summer Intensive?

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.

Who are the faculty?

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.