Performing Arts Division

The Performing Arts Division (PAD), for ages 8 to 18, is designed to meet the needs of today’s dancer with a curriculum based in the classical ballet tradition and incorporating contemporary dance forms. The classes are taught by an accomplished faculty.


Performing Arts Division Objectives:


  • Build a strong technical framework


  • Use technical framework to adapt to new movement language and choreography


  • Apply classroom learning to rehearsal and performance in preparation for large-scale productions. MDT school year dancers are invited to perform in the annual Strawberry Festival: A Student Showcase.


  • Foster a love of learning and exploration through the lens of dance



All PAD classes for the 2024-25 school year will take place at the MDT's Hennepin Center for the Arts studios.

Performing Arts Division Schedule

  • Level A Dancers

    4 hours/week 

    Tuesday 5:00 - 6:30 Ballet

    Saturday 10:30-12:00, 12:15 - 1:15 Ballet, Creative workshop/Contemporary


    Intentions:

    • Establish placement and body alignment for ballet and contemporary techniques
    • Encourage full body awareness and participation in movement
    • Recognize and apply the proper use of the foot in preparation for pointe work
    •  Integrate multiple ideas in movement sequences 
    • Understand the connection between movement patterns and rhythm to cultivate musicality 
    • Establish balance in stretch and strength

  • Level B Dancers

    6.75 hours/week

    Monday 5:00 - 7:00

     Ballet/PrePointe

    Thursday 5:00 - 7:00  Ballet/Contemporary

    Saturday 10:00 - 11:30, 11:45 - 1:00   Ballet/Repertory Workshop


    Intentions:

    • Focus on placement and strength building specifically in preparation for advanced classroom exercises and pointe work.
    • Increase the complexity of movement combinations to incorporate and emphasize cognitive function in dance and choreography.
    • Understand classroom exercises in relation to musical accompaniment to cultivate musicality.
    • Explore the connection between classroom exercises, movement, storytelling and performance.

  • Level C Dancers

    8.75 hours/week

    Monday 5:00 - 7:00 Ballet/Pointe

    Wednesday 5:00 - 7:00 Ballet/Pointe

    Friday 5:00 - 7:00 Ballet/Contemporary

    Saturday 10:00 - 11:30,  11:45 - 1:00  Ballet/Repertory Workshop


    Intentions:

    • Maintain and apply foundational technique and placement to advance classroom vocabulary, pointe work and choreographic exploration 
    • Expand choreographic repertory in multiple aesthetics and techniques
    • Incorporate conditioning exercises and cross-training to maintain physical health and prevent injury
    • Establish understanding of ensemble work specifically in preparation for corps de ballet
    • Foster exploration of artistry, individuality and self-expression through class, rehearsal and performance   

  • Level D Dancers

    11.5 hours/week


    Tuesday 4:30 - 7:00 Ballet/Pointe

    Wednesday 4:30 - 6:30 Ballet/Pointe

    Thursday 4:30 - 6:00 Contemporary

    Friday 4:30 - 7:00 Ballet/Rep Workshop

    Saturday 11:30 - 1:00, 1:15 - 2:45  Ballet/Repertory Workshop


    Intentions:

    • Use foundational technique and placement to support advanced class work, pointe work, repertory, choreographic exploration, and performance.
    • Foster constructive communications among dancers to promote corps de ballet and ensemble work. 
    • Establish tenets of partnering in preparation for pas de deux class.
    • Develop confidence and courage through new repertory and choreographic adventures.

  • Level E Dancers

    14 hours/week


    Monday 4:30 - 7:00 Ballet/Pointe  

    Tuesday 4:30 - 7:00 Ballet/Pointe

    Wednesday 4:30 - 6:30 Ballet/Pointe

    Thursday 4:30 - 6:00 Contemporary

    Friday 4:30 - 7:00 Ballet/Rep Workshop  

    Saturday 11:30 - 1:00, 1:15 - 2:45  Ballet/ Rep Workshop


    Intentions:

    • Use foundational technique and placement to transition easily between ballet and contemporary techniques and aesthetics both in class work and performance
    • Establish command of corps de ballet and ensemble work 
    • Incorporate soloist and principal level roles in repertory classes, rehearsal and performance
    • Understand and apply tenets of partnering/pas de deux in multiple techniques and aesthetics
    • Encourage exploration and risk-taking in new stylistic and choreographic forms


Registration Information

Students ages 8 to 18 are eligible to register. Boys can register for PAD classes but these classes are not tuition-free.


PAD students must enroll for the full year program and can expect to be in each group for two to three years before progressing to the next. The number of training hours increases with progression in level. PAD registration opens in the Summer for the Fall/Winter session.


Placement for pointe is made at the discretion of the faculty. New dancers to MDT should consult for level placement before registering for classes. Please send an email to school@mndance.org for this process. A level placement class may be required.


The tuition amounts listed are for entire school year. A one-time new family fee of $35 is applied at the time of enrollment for new students. Fees and tuition are non-refundable and non-transferable after the first week of classes (effective 9/8/24).


2024-2025 Performing Arts Division applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Please email school@mndance.org with inquiries.

Class Attire

PAD students are required to follow the dress code for their level. Incoming dancers will receive information upon registration.

Work Study

Minnesota Dance Theatre offers work study to qualifying families in the form of reduced tuition for hours contributed. If you would like to apply, email school@mndance.org .

MDT&S PAD 2024-2025 Calendar

September 3: Classes/Session I Begins

November 22-23: Winter Showcase

November 27-30: Thanksgiving Break (no regular YCD/PAD/Boys classes)

December 15-January 1: Winter Break

January 2: Regular Classes Resume

January 19: YCD/Boys Session I ends (Session II Enrollment Deadline)

January 20: Martin Luther King Jr Observance - No classes

January 20: YCD/Boys Session II Begins

March 31-April 6: Spring Break

April 7: Regular Classes Resume

May 23-24: Strawberry Festival: A Student Showcase 

May 24: End of YCD/Boys Session II

May 27- May 31:  PAD Conferences

*Subject To Change


Family Observation dates for YCD and PAD classes will be added to the calendar once these are set for each session.