Classical Ballet Program

Our program is based on Vaganova Method and 30 years of ballet teaching experience.

Minnesota Ballet School offers a Classical Ballet Program that provides preparatory and systematic ballet training using Vaganova Syllabus, a comprehensive curriculum, proven to instill in dancers incomparable technique, while striving for a greater sense of artistry, clarity, grace, athleticism, speed and musicality.

School year is divided into two sessions: September 10–January 24 and January 25–May 15. The program consists of age-appropriate levels and allows for dancers' progression based on age and ability. Beginner classes are offered on either once a week or twice a week bases, so parents can choose what works best for their child. Families with two or more children attending MBS receive a 10% tuition discount for the second and third child, 10% tuition discount applies when paid for full year.

RECREATIONAL CLASSES

In addition to standard school year

curriculum, Minnesota Ballet School offers

the following classes:

• Conditioning, Strength and Stretch

• Aerial Ballet for children and adults

• Adult Ballet Beginners & Intermediate

These classes can be used for those already enrolled in our Classical Ballet Program as additional skill building opportunities. They are also great for children and adults looking to learn a new skill and try a ballet class.

See all recreational classes

Pre-Ballet Classes

MOMMY & ME (ages 18 month-3 years)

These popular classe provides a comfortable atmosphere with a participating adult, where the child can begin to express their individual movement and musical abilities.

Students are introduced to a class structure, age appropriate stretches, coordination exercises, and rhythm through a safe and special experience with mommy. Added benefits for mom are increased flexibility, balance, and dance appreciation. Class also includes a movement story that encourages young children to explore, experiment, and create through creative dance.

• 30 min class once a week

Monday 5:30-6:00pm

PRE-BALLET 1 (ages 3–5)

This class is designed to work on large motor skills, learning skipping, chasses, and ponies. Students will be working on rhythm timing and movement.
• 45 min class once a week

Tuesday 4:45-5:30pm

Wednesday 6:30-7:15pm

Thursday 6:00-6:45pm

Saturday 9:00-9:45pm

PRE-BALLET 2 (ages 5–8)

In this class students will continue to work on large motor skills, practicing skipping, chasses, and stretching. Focus is on leg and arm positions as well as coordination and improving listening skills.
• 1 hour class once a week

Tuesday 6:30-7:30pm

Wednesday 5:30-6:30pm

Saturday 9:45-10:45am

PRE-BALLET ADVANCED (ages 5–8)

This class introduces younger students to basic ballet vocabulary and technique in a structured yet fun setting. Focus is on stretching, extensions, simple leg and arm positions, steps and jumps across the studio to improve coordination and musicality. Rhythm and concentration will be emphasized.

• 1 hour class 2 times a week

Monday and Thursday 4:30-5:30pm

Enroll Now (pay by credit card)

Enroll Now (pay by check/cash)

Ballet Levels 1-6 classes

BALLET 1 (ages 8–12)

In this class barre and center work is introduced, age appropriate stretches, basic leg and arm positions are still a focus of this class. Working on improving balance, hopping, skipping, jumping, and galloping.

• 1 hour class once a week

Monday 6:00-7:00pm

Tuesday 5:30-6:30pm

BALLET 2 (ages 8–10)

Students will learn ballet fundamentals and terminology while developing strength, confidence, balance, and flexibility. In this level of a traditional ballet training students work on concentration and endurance, and become proficient in fundamental dance movements and ballet technique.

• 2 hour class 2 times a week

Tuesday and Friday 4:30-6:30pm

BALLET 3 (ages 10–12) two years of Ballet & 1 year of Pointe required

Students are continuing to learn ballet fundamentals they started learning in the previous level class and are introduced to Pointe technique at the barre.
• 2 hour class 2 times a week with courtesy and 30 min Pointe once a week

Tuesday 4:30-6:30pm and Friday 4:30-7:00pm

BALLET 4 (ages 12–14) three years of Ballet & two years of Pointe required

Emphasis is on understanding of body alignment and proper use of turnout. Body, head and arm movements are coordinated and synchronized (port de bras). Ballet technique will include: combinations of reléve and balances on one leg, simple jumps embellished with beats (batterie) and basic, beginner Pointe work.

• 2 hour class 3 times a week with Pointe (with 2 years of Ballet and 1 year of Pointe technique experience only)

Tuesday 4:30-6:30pm, Thursday 4:30-6:30pm and Saturday 11:00-1:00pm

BALLET 5-6 (ages 14–18) four years of Ballet & three years of Pointe required

Barre and center combinations move faster, and become more complex. Different rhythms are introduced. Center exercises are longer and require more memorization and stamina. More types of pirouettes, turns across the floor and jumps are learned. Pointe work is mastered with pirouettes, fouette turns as well as jumps on both or one leg.

• 2 hour class 4 times a week with Pointe (with 3 years of Ballet and 2 years of Pointe technique experience only)

Monday 4:30-6:30pm, Wednesday 4:30-6:30pm, Thursday 4:30pm-6:30pm and Saturday 11:00-1:00pm

BOYS CLASSES

Ballet training and conditioning classes designed to improve gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, agility, strength, flexibility, balance, and posture, while increasing self-confidence, motivation, mental focus, and self-esteem.

• Scholarship provided for boys ages 8–18

• Boys in Pre-Ballet levels receive half off tuition

Enroll Now (pay by credit card)

Enroll Now (pay by check/cash)

PRIVATE LESSONS

Private Lessons offered at MBS give children and adults the opportunity to work one-on-one with a professional instructor. These lessons are ideal for dancers who want to improve their technique or need specific coaching on technique, YAGP choreography or audition preparation. A challenging technique or intensive Pointe work is meant to push the dancers beyond the level of their group training. These lessons also work well for dancers with injury and/or contraindications.

Private lessons are scheduled by advance appointment only, based on studio and instructor availability.

Schedule Your Private Lesson

Youth Recreational Classes

All classes are offered in-person or via ZOOM®. You can choose your option when registering.

Conditioning, Strength and Stretch (ages 9-18)

This class is designed to build strength as well as extensions, endurance and balance. Special exercises will focus on muscle stretching and flexing, enhancing pirouettes, increasing movement speed, jumps with heights and timing escalating. The goal of this class is to make your children better dancers.
• Wednesday 6:30-7:15pm
$25 – drop in class

Aerial Ballet Technique (ages 9-18)

This class incorporates the aerial silks into choreography, allowing dancers to explore space in alternative three-dimensional planes. Integrating vertical and horizontal movement patterns into choreography allows us to explore movement vocabulary otherwise unavailable to dancers. Aerial class builds strength, power, flexibility, courage and grace in a non-competitive, exploratory environment.
• Friday 6:30-7:30 pm

Adult Recreational Classes

Enjoy pure Vaganova Ballet Classes, that teach the fundamentals of Ballet technique using simple combinations , which allow students to focus on perfecting their skills, musicality, and movement.

ADULT BALLET BEGINNERS

In-person and/or virtual ballet classes with MBS graduate Taylor Reems. This class is good for both body and mind. Besides promoting cardiovascular fitness and posture this introductory class provides a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for adults with little or no prior experience. You will learn the basic positions and concepts of Classical Ballet with exercises at the barre and in the center.

Saturdays 11:00 – 12:00pm, 8 classes per session

• October 3–December 5 (no classes Oct 17 and Nov 28)

• January 9–February 27

• March 6–May 1 (no classes April 3)

ADULT BALLET INTERMEDIATE

In-person and/or virtual Ballet Classes with Vaganova Ballet Academy Graduate Kirill Bak. Created for any dancer with a basic understanding of ballet technique. This class covers the fundamentals of Ballet technique using simple combinations that allow students to focus on perfecting their skills, musicality, and movement.

Mondays 7:00 – 8:30pm, 8 classes per session

• October 5–November 30 (no classes Nov 23)

• January 4–March 8 (no classes Jan 18 and Feb 15)

• March 15–May 10 (no classes Mar 29)

ADULT AERIAL BALLET

Aerial ballet incorporates the aerial silks into choreography allowing dancers to explore space in alternative three-dimensional planes. Integrating vertical and horizontal movement patterns into choreography allows us to explore movement vocabulary otherwise unavailable to dancers. This class builds strength, power, flexibility, courage and grace in a non-competitive, exploratory

Fridays 7:30 – 8:30pm, 8 classes per session

• October 2-December 4 (no classes Oct 16 and Nov 27)

• January 8–February 26

• March 5–April 30 (no classes April 2)