Open Division for Adults

Adult Open Division

Find the joy in ballet technique with inspiring, supportive instructors who encourage body wellness, musicality, and camaraderie with others. All are welcome. Class levels range from beginner to advanced professional for adults and teens, ages 18 and up..


Minnesota Dance Theatre & School values the diversity and talents of the community in which we work, learn and perform. We strive to cultivate a welcoming, inclusive culture that reflects our diverse Twin Cities community and supports an environment in which students and professionals from all backgrounds can thrive and belong.


Open Division News and Information is below. For most up to date schedule information and announcements please follow us on social media: Facebook or Instagram.

Open Division News:

Open Division Updates:

  • Effective March 1, 2024

Single Class - $16

Barre - $12

*if using class card for Barre only, full box will be marked

10-class card - $120 (expires one year from date of purchase)

5-class card - $65 (expires nine months from date of purchase)

Pointe card - $45 (expires one year from date of purchase)




Please update your MDT Release form: https://forms.gle/VgRmwCr7fvHCRLWL7


Weekly Open Division Schedule:

Weekday Adult Open Classes:

Advanced/Pro Ballet

Monday-Friday, 9:30am-11am

Studio 6A


Mondays - Yuki Tokuda

*No morning class Monday, May 6 due to studio maintenance

Tuesdays - Elayna Waxse

Wednesdays - Helen Hatch

Thursdays - Deirdre Murnane

Fridays - Michelle Vagi


Monday-Friday Open Division classes are held when the MDT company is working. Any dates that classes will not be held will be posted on our website and social media pages.

Registration Information

In-studio classes: Single classes and class cards can be purchased before class begins. For Ballet Fundamentals and special workshops, pre-registration is required. We accept cash, check, or PayPal for single classes and class card purchases.

  • Single 90-Minute Class $16
  • 60-Minute Class or Barre $12
  • 30-Minute Pointe Class $6
  • 10-Class Card $120
  • 5-Class Card $65
  • 10 Pointe-Class Card $45


Purchase class passes below

Ongoing Open Division Class Schedule

Open Classes In-Studio 6A and Online

Adult Beginning-Intermediate Ballet with Kendall Kramer

Mondays 7:00p-8:30p

Cowles Center - Studio 6A


Adult Beginning-Intermediate Ballet via Zoom with Zachary Tuazon

Tuesdays 7:00p-8:15p

https://zoom.us/j/96873565383?pwd=SlZJTkUyZGdpYWcvSGk0eEtDVGNrUT09


Adult Beginning-Intermediate Ballet

5/1 - Kendall Kramer

5/8 - Justin Leaf

Wednesdays 6:30p-8:00p

Cowles Center - Studio 6A


Adult Intermediate Ballet with Justin Leaf and accompanist Pat Lyles

Saturdays 9:30 - 11:00a    Ballet Technique

Cowles Center - Studio 6A 

 

Adult Intermediate Ballet with Sally Rousse and accompanist Susan Hsu 

5/5 and 5/12, class will be held in Studio 2B

Sundays 11:00a - 12:30p   Ballet Technique

                12:30p - 1:00p     Pointe

Cowles Center - Studio 6A


Class Prices

Schedule Updates

If we cancel classes due to winter weather, we will update this page on our website and post an update on the MDT Facebook page and MDT Instagram account (@mndancetheatre) as soon as possible. In case of winter weather, please check for those updates before coming in for class.

Special Workshops

See below for upcoming special workshops. Unlike our regular drop-in classes, workshops require preregistration.

Ballet Fundamentals II - SPRING SESSION

A continuation for those who participated in Fundamentals I looking to progress and expand beyond the basics of ballet learned previously.


Wednesdays April 3 - May 22, 2024

7:00 - 8:30 PM, 528 Hennepin Ave 6th floor MDT Studio 6B

Session Tuition: $120


Ballet Fundamentals I - SPRING SESSION

Learn the basics of ballet alongside other adults and teens, ages 16 and up. Fundamentals is a basic introduction to ballet and can be taken repeatedly until ready to progress to beginning level drop-in classes.


Thursdays April 4 - May 23, 2024

7:00 - 8:30 PM , 528 Hennepin Ave 6th floor MDT Studio 6A

Session Tuition: $120


It's not too late to start! Registration for Ballet Fundamentals I & II will be open through 4/10.
Classes require a minimum of 7 registrants.


If for any reason you need to cancel your registration, you will receive a refund for any fees provided you cancel prior to Monday, April 1, 2024. Cancellation requests should be made in writing to school@mndance.org.

Register for Spring Fundamentals

FAQs

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • I’ve never taken ballet before. Which class should I take?

    We recommend that you begin with our Ballet Fundamentals series, offering the basics of ballet vocabulary and technique, preparing you for Beginning Ballet. Ballet Fundamentals II is slightly more advanced than Fundamentals I and will provide another stepping stone to prepare you for Beginning Ballet drop-in classes.

  • I haven’t danced in several years, which class should I take?

    We recommend starting with Beginning Ballet class and then take Beginning-Intermediate when you feel ready. Some students take a combination of these classes.

  • When do classes begin?

    Our adult classes are ongoing throughout the year. Ballet Fundamentals or other special workshops have specific start dates.

  • How do I register?

    Most of our classes for adults are open, meaning you can start whenever you like and take as many or as few classes as you like, paying for a single class at a time or purchasing a class card. Ballet Fundamentals and other special workshops require preregistration, and the link to register can be found on this page.

  • What is the dress code?

    There is no dress code for open classes, but we recommend that whatever you wear allows for full range of motion and shows the line of your body (e.g. tights and leotard or t-shirt and leggings).

  • Do I need ballet slippers?

    You will want ballet slippers eventually. Grand Jete in St. Paul is an excellent source for dance shoes: 975 Grand Avenue in St. Paul (651-227-0331). If you are unable to acquire shoes before your first class, you can start in 100% cotton socks.

  • Will I be the only adult in the Beginning Class?

    The students in all our classes range in age from 16 – 70. Attendance varies from night to night, so it is always a different mix.

  • Is there a difference between Beginning Ballet and Ballet Fundamentals?

    Yes. Ballet Fundamentals is the first step in our adult program and is meant for students with no prior experience, providing the basics of ballet vocabulary and classroom etiquette. Students with previous but not extensive ballet classes or who complete our Fundamentals class are best suited for Beginning Ballet. 

  • Which classes offer pointe work?

    Pointe is taught as a half-hour class following Intermediate Ballet on Sundays. For more advanced dancers, you are welcome to wear pointe shoes for as much of the regular classes as you wish.   

  • Do you offer any Modern or Jazz classes?

    Not on a regular basis. We occasionally offer special workshops taught by guest artists. These offerings will be posted on the Open Division page on our website under Special Workshops and on the Open Division bulletin board. 

  • How do I find out if classes are cancelled?

    If we decide to cancel classes, we will send an email update, update the Open Division page on our website, and post an update on the MDT Facebook page. In case of winter weather, please check in those places before coming in for class. If nothing has been posted, please assume class is running as usual. 


    We try to keep open classes going through the year, as many students and teachers are fine with traveling when there's snow. We will cancel classes if travel conditions are especially dangerous, or if no one is available to teach the class due to travel conditions. 

Share by: