Welcome to Minnesota Ballet School
Educating children in the finest traditions of Russian ballet using the Vaganova method.
Welcome to Minnesota Ballet School
Educating children in the finest traditions of Russian ballet using the Vaganova method.
YAGP Prep Workshops
Train with Purpose. Perform with Confidence.
Join Minnesota Ballet School’s elite YAGP Preparation Workshops this August — designed to help dancers elevate their artistry, refine technique, and prepare for a successful competition season.
Led by world-class faculty including Meelis Pakri (Classical) and Oliver Halkowich (Contemporary), our workshops provide focused coaching in variations, choreography, performance quality, and audition readiness.
Whether you're preparing a solo, duet, or ensemble piece, these sessions offer a professional, supportive environment to grow as a dancer and competitor.
Highlights:
- Classical & Contemporary Coaching
- Individualized Feedback
- Variation Rehearsals & Choreography Tools
- Guest Faculty: YAGP Judges, Former Principal Dancers
- Optional Team Auditions for 2025–26 Season
Location: Minnesota Ballet School
Dates: August 4–20, 2025
Ages: 5–18+ | Open to all levels
Open House
We are excited to invite you to one of our three family-friendly Open House events this summer! Join us at our Eden Prairie studio to meet our faculty, explore our programs, and enjoy a complimentary trial ballet class for children ages 3–12.
YAGP Classical Prep Workshop
YAGP Classical Prep Workshop with Meelis Pakri
Train with world-renowned ballet master Meelis Pakri in this exclusive workshop designed for dancers preparing for competitions or seeking to refine their craft. Focus on classical technique, pointe, and iconic variations to elevate your performance.
Dates: August 11–14
Time: Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
YAGP Classical Prep Workshop
YAGP Contemporary Prep Workshop with Oliver Halkowich
Join us for a transformative four-day intensive led by the talented Oliver, designed to elevate your classical ballet technique and contemporary dance skills. Dive into a dynamic program filled with personalized instruction, artistic exploration, and opportunities for growth.
Don’t miss this chance to refine your artistry and unlock your full potential as a dancer.
Dates: August 11–14
Time: Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
YAGP Classical Prep Workshop
The Nutcracker Prep Workshop
Prepare for Nutcracker auditions with a focused workshop that refines technique, masters iconic choreography, and builds confidence for both new and familiar roles in this beloved ballet.
Dates: August 18–21
Time: Monday–Thursday, 09:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Nutcracker Audition for ages 8–19: Featured Roles & Ensemble Opportunities
Join the magic of The Nutcracker and perform on stage in a full-length, professionally staged holiday classic!
This audition is open to both Minnesota Ballet School and non-MBS students with age-appropriate ballet training. Intermediate and advanced dancers will be considered for featured solo parts, corps de ballet, and ensemble roles.
Dancers en pointe should bring their pointe shoes and be prepared to audition in them.
Audition Date: Sunday, September 7
Time: 10:45–11:30 AM
Location: Minnesota Ballet School
Audition Fee: $31
Step into the spotlight and become part of our most magical holiday tradition!
Nutcracker Audition for ages 5–8: First-Time Performers Welcome!
Join the magic of The Nutcracker and step into the spotlight in our full-length, professionally staged holiday production!
This joyful audition is the perfect first step into the world of ballet performance — welcoming both Minnesota Ballet School and non-MBS students with basic ballet training. No prior stage experience needed — just a love of movement, music, and imagination.
- A short, age-appropriate audition
- A chance to shine in a beloved holiday tradition
- A fun and supportive experience for young performers
Let your dancer experience the joy of performing on stage in The Nutcracker!
Audition Date: Sunday, September 14
Time: 10:30–11:00 AM
Location: Minnesota Ballet School
Audition Fee: $25
Ballet, Art & Craft Camps
Our Ballet Art & Craft Camps offer a unique and inspiring introduction to ballet for children ages 4–7. Through engaging themes such as Moana and The Nutcracker, campers explore foundational ballet techniques alongside creative arts and crafts activities. These camps nurture imagination, musicality, coordination, and confidence in a supportive environment, providing young dancers with a well-rounded artistic experience.
Performances
Each year, students have an opportunity to participate in Minnesota Ballet Theatre’s performances such as The Nutcracker, Halloween Adventure, Carnival of the Animals and Peter & the Wolf. These opportunities create a great way for the young dancers to excel and discover the wonderful world of theatre.
QUALITY BUSINESS AWARDS
BEST BALLET SCHOOL IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
Minnesota Ballet Theatre & School has been selected as the Best Ballet School in Minneapolis for 2025 by the prestigious Quality Business Awards! This nomination fills us with immense pride and gratitude. It is a testament to the dedication and passion of our talented instructors, the hard work of our students, and the continuous support from our ballet community.
At Minnesota Ballet School, we have always strived for excellence, aiming to provide the highest quality training and nurturing the love for ballet in every aspiring dancer. This recognition motivates us to continue our commitment to excellence and inspires us to reach even greater heights in the world of ballet.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Quality Business Awards for this honor, and, most importantly, to our students, their families, and our community for believing in us. Your support fuels our determination to offer exceptional ballet education and training. We look forward to continuing this journey together, enriching lives through the beauty of dance.
Support Minnesota Ballet School
Your Support Makes a Difference
Your generous contribution plays a crucial role in upholding the foundation of Minnesota Ballet School. By supporting us, you directly contribute to the well-being of our dedicated employees. Your donations will be directed towards funding scholarships, ensuring that dancers from families facing financial challenges can continue their ballet training uninterrupted.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your benevolence. Your support not only keeps the art of ballet alive but also helps us nurture the dreams of aspiring dancers. Join us in our mission to make a lasting impact – donate now and be a part of the Minnesota Ballet School community that empowers dancers to shine. We are very grateful for your generosity.
PARTNERSHIPS
Minnesota Ballet School is an Official Partner school of Nikolay brand
Minnesota Ballet School is Now an Official Partner School of Nikolay Brand! We're ecstatic about this incredible collaboration and the fantastic opportunities it brings for our students.
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!