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YAGP Contemporary Competition Prep Workshop with Oliver Halkowich
August 4–7, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Ages 9–18+ | Open to all
Join Oliver Halkowich—former Soloist with Houston Ballet and current Choreographer and Trainee Program Director at New Orleans Ballet Theatre—for a dynamic four-day contemporary workshop. Dancers will explore contemporary ballet vocabulary, musicality, improvisation, and performance quality in a professional yet encouraging environment.
Whether preparing for the upcoming competition season or seeking to expand expressive abilities, this intensive will help dancers build strength, clarity, and confidence.
Open to all advanced and pre-professional dancers. Ideal for YAGP and other contemporary competition prep.
Cost: $504
Space is limited to ensure a personalized experience.
All workshop registrations are final. Due to limited space and planning requirements, Minnesota Ballet School operates under a no-refund policy.
YAGP Classical Competition Prep Workshop with Meelis Pakri
August 11–14, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Ages 9–18+ | Open to all
Refine your classical technique and artistry in this focused intensive led by Milees Pakri—international ballet master, YAGP judge, and faculty at The Harid Conservatory. A specialist in the Vaganova method, Milees is known for elevating young dancers with clarity, precision, and musicality.
This four-day program includes daily classical technique, pointe, and detailed coaching in classical variations. Whether your dancer plans to compete this season or is seeking stronger technique and performance experience, this workshop provides a powerful foundation.
Open to all advanced and pre-professional dancers. Strongly recommended for those preparing classical solos for YAGP and similar competitions.
Cost: $504
Space is limited to ensure a personalized experience.
All workshop registrations are final. Due to limited space and planning requirements, Minnesota Ballet School operates under a no-refund policy.
Oliver Halkowich Former Soloist Dancer at Houston Ballet, now Choreographer and Trainee Program Director at New Orleans Ballet Theatre.
Oliver's journey in the world of ballet began in South Florida, where he discovered his passion for dance at a young age. At just 7 years old, he performed in Miami City Ballet's The Nutcracker, an experience that sparked his lifelong love for ballet. This passion led him to pursue formal training at the renowned San Francisco Ballet School at the age of 14.
After completing his training on the West Coast, Oliver began his professional career with Boston Ballet in 2001. There, he honed his skills and immersed himself in the city's vibrant arts scene. However, a pivotal moment in his artistic journey came with his move to Texas, where he joined the esteemed Houston Ballet in 2002.
Over the course of nearly two decades with Houston Ballet, Oliver’s career flourished. Rising to the rank of First Soloist in 2018, his performances were celebrated for their versatility, artistry, and emotional depth, earning acclaim from audiences and critics alike.
Today, Oliver serves as the Resident Choreographer for the New Orleans Ballet Theatre (NOBT), a role that allows him to channel his wealth of experience into creating innovative works. Drawing from his time with Houston Ballet and the cultural richness of New Orleans, Oliver continues to redefine dance and storytelling through his choreography.
In May 2023, he premiered an original production of Romeo + Juliet for NOBT, followed by the debut of a new production of Dracula in May 2024. These full-length ballets showcased his ability to merge classical tradition with modern narrative, solidifying his reputation as a visionary in contemporary ballet choreography.
Beyond the stage, Oliver also serves as the Trainee Program Director at NOBT, mentoring and shaping the next generation of ballet dancers. His commitment to nurturing young talent reflects his dedication to the art form and its future.
With each new project, Oliver reaffirms his status as a dynamic and influential force in ballet. His creativity, passion, and vision continue to inspire both dancers and audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the world of dance. As he explores new horizons and pushes artistic boundaries, Oliver's contributions to ballet remain vibrant, innovative, and profoundly impactful.
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, born in Tallinn, Estonia, is a distinguished ballet master and educator with a career spanning over three decades. He received his early training at the Tallinn State Ballet School and later graduated from the prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Between 1986 and 2001, Pakri excelled as a principal dancer with the Estonian National Ballet and Colorado Ballet. During this period, he also performed as a guest artist with renowned companies, including the Macedonian National Theatre Ballet in Skopje, the Martha Graham Dance Company, and at the International Ballet Festival in Havana, Cuba. His repertoire encompassed lead roles in major classical ballets, as well as neoclassical and modern works by choreographers such as George Balanchine and Martha Graham.
At the age of 22, Pakri began his teaching career, instructing men's technique and partnering classes at the Tallinn State Ballet School. Following his retirement from the stage, he served as a ballet master for Colorado Ballet and Houston Ballet. He also held a teaching position at The Royal Ballet Upper School in London, England. His expertise has been sought after globally, leading to guest teaching engagements in Japan, Denmark, Italy, England, and the United States. Additionally, he has been a guest teacher for the Estonian National Ballet and The Royal Ballet Company in London.
Pakri's contributions to ballet extend to his roles as a juror for prestigious competitions, including the Japan Grand Prix and the Youth America Grand Prix. His students have achieved significant success, winning numerous awards at the Youth America Grand Prix. Currently, he is a full-time member of the dance faculty at The Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida, where he continues to impart his extensive knowledge and passion for ballet to the next generation of dancers.
2025–2026 Competition Team Workshop & Audition
August 18–20, 2025
Minnesota Ballet School | Eden Prairie, MN
Join us this August for our annual Competition Team Workshop & Audition, designed to prepare and evaluate dancers interested in joining the Minnesota Ballet School Competition Team for the 2025–2026 season.
For Ages 5–8: Pre-Competition Team
Two-Day Workshop + Evaluation
August 18–19 | 3:00–4:00 PM
This age-appropriate workshop introduces young dancers to the world of ballet competitions through group movement, musicality, and performance skills. On the second day, dancers will be evaluated for participation in our Pre-Competition Team. No prior experience is required.
For Ages 9–18+: Junior & Senior Teams
Two-Day Workshop + Audition
August 18–19 | 2:00–4:00 PM
Audition Day: August 20 | 2:00–3:00 PM
Dancers will train in classical ballet and contemporary technique to build performance readiness and versatility. The final day includes a formal audition to determine placement for solos, group routines, and team eligibility for major competitions such as YAGP, UBC, and ADC IBC.
Open to all dancers Ballet Level 2 and above. No previous competition experience required.
Who Can Attend
- Dancers ages 5–18+
- Open to all dancers—MBS and non-MBS students
- No prior competition experience needed
Secure your spot for the 2025–2026 Competition Team!
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!