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.
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
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
DROP-IN CLASSES
For those wanting to try a class at Minnesota Ballet School we offer age and skill appropriate drop-In classes. You can register for one or multiple drop-in classes using online registration form.
Please call 612.501.9208 or e-mail to minnesotaballetschool@gmail.com
to check class availability prior to registering for any drop-in class.
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.
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