Ballet Minnesota

- 316 Chester St, St Paul, MN 55107

For residents of the Twin Cities and beyond, Ballet Minnesota stands as a cornerstone of classical dance. This St. Paul-based company and its official school, the Classical Ballet Academy of Minnesota, have been a fixture in the local arts scene for decades. Co-founded by Artistic Director Andrew Rist and Cheryl Rist, the organization is dedicated to preserving and presenting classical ballet with a focus on high-quality education and performance. The company's repertoire includes restagings of major classics like "Swan Lake," "Giselle," and "The Sleeping Beauty," as well as original works by Andrew Rist.

One of the key distinguishing features of Ballet Minnesota is its commitment to the Vaganova technique, a Russian training system known for its thorough and methodical approach. A review from a satisfied parent highlights this, calling it a "wonderful ballet school focusing on the Vaganova technique." This method is renowned for developing a dancer's strength, control, and expressive range, with every movement involving the whole body. For parents and students serious about ballet, this dedication to a specific, highly-regarded syllabus is a major draw. The disciplined yet nurturing environment fostered by the instructors at the Classical Ballet Academy helps students not only become better dancers but also learn invaluable life skills like perseverance and discipline.

Beyond the classroom, Ballet Minnesota enriches the Minnesota community through a variety of celebrated productions. The "Classic Nutcracker" is a beloved holiday tradition, drawing thousands of attendees each year to The O'Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University. The company also produces the annual Minnesota Dance Festival, which features not only Ballet Minnesota's own dancers but also a diverse lineup of other local dance troupes, celebrating the richness of the state's performing arts scene. These performance opportunities are a crucial part of the education for students at the Classical Ballet Academy, who get to perform in a professional setting at least twice a year.

Ballet Minnesota is located at 316 Chester St in St. Paul, MN 55107, making it a convenient destination for families and students in the Twin Cities metro area. The studio is committed to being an inclusive and welcoming space for all. To ensure this, the facility is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot. This thoughtful consideration for accessibility makes it easier for everyone to attend classes, rehearsals, and performances. The location in a well-established artistic hub of St. Paul further integrates it into the local cultural landscape.

• Classical Ballet Academy: The official school of Ballet Minnesota offering a tiered curriculum for students starting from Pre-Ballet (ages 4-6) up to Advanced levels (ages 14+), as well as a dedicated class for boys.

• Professional Ballet Performances: The company presents a season of productions, including classics like "The Nutcracker" and "The Minnesota Dance Festival," as well as original choreography.

• Vaganova Technique Training: The school's curriculum is centered on the Russian Vaganova method, a comprehensive system of classical ballet instruction.

• Performance Opportunities: Students of the Classical Ballet Academy perform with the professional company in major productions, providing valuable stage experience.

• Audience Engagement: The company stages shows at a variety of venues, including The O'Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University, making high-quality ballet accessible to a broader audience.

• Children's Classes: The studio is "good for kids," with classes tailored to different age groups to introduce them to the joy and discipline of dance in a supportive environment.

• Expert instruction from co-founders Andrew and Cheryl Rist, who have a long history of professional dance and choreography.

• Strong focus on the Vaganova technique, providing a rigorous and internationally recognized style of training.

• Regular performance opportunities for students in professional productions, which is a rare and valuable experience.

• Well-established community events, such as "The Classic Nutcracker" and "The Minnesota Dance Festival," which have become a part of the local cultural tradition.

• Accessible facilities, including a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot, ensuring ease of access for all visitors.

• Accepts debit cards for convenient payment.

• A nurturing and supportive environment that balances discipline with artistic growth, making it a "good for kids" institution.

For more information about classes, performance schedules, or how to get involved, you can contact Ballet Minnesota directly.

Address: 316 Chester St, St Paul, MN 55107, USA

Phone: (612) 264-3011

For a local Minnesotan interested in ballet, either for themselves or their children, Ballet Minnesota is a standout choice for several compelling reasons. The most significant of these is the company's and school's unwavering dedication to the Vaganova technique. This rigorous, precise, and beautiful Russian method provides a comprehensive foundation for a dancer's entire body, building strength and grace in a logical progression. As one customer review attests, it's a "wonderful" school precisely because of this focus, setting it apart from other dance studios that might follow less specific or less traditional methods.

Another key reason to choose Ballet Minnesota is the unparalleled opportunity for students to perform in large-scale professional productions. Attending a school that is the official academy for a professional company means that young dancers are not just taking classes; they are being prepared for real-world performance. Participating in "The Classic Nutcracker" or the "Minnesota Dance Festival" is an exciting and formative experience that builds confidence, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for the art form. This blend of quality education and practical performance is hard to find elsewhere.

Finally, the studio’s reputation as a welcoming and nurturing environment makes it an excellent choice for kids. While the training is serious, the atmosphere is supportive, and the instructors are dedicated to each student’s overall development. The co-founders, Andrew and Cheryl Rist, have built a legacy based on artistry and care, making it a place where students can truly thrive. For families in St. Paul and surrounding areas, Ballet Minnesota offers a rare and valuable combination of professional-grade training and a warm, community-focused approach.

Ballet Minnesota

316 Chester St, St Paul, MN 55107, USA