Performing Arts Division

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



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



All PAD classes for the 2023-24 school year will take place at the MDT's Cowles Center studios.

Performing Arts Division Schedule

  • Level A Dancers

    4.5 hours/week 

    Tuesday 5:00 - 7:00 Ballet/Contemporary

    Saturday 12:30-2:00, 2:15 - 3:15 Ballet/Creative workshop


    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

    Wednesday 5:00 - 7:00  Contemporary

    Saturday 11:00 - 12:30, 12:45 - 2:00   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  Contemporary

    Friday 5:00 - 7:00  Ballet/Pointe

    Saturday 11:00 - 12:30,  12:45 - 2:00  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

    12.0 hours/week


    Tuesday 4:30 - 7:00  Ballet/Pointe

    Wednesday 4:30 - 6:30  Ballet/Pointe

    Thursday 4:30 - 6:30  Contemporary

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

    Saturday 12:30 - 2:00, 2:15 - 3:45  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

    14.5 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 - 6:30  Contemporary

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

    Saturday 12:30 - 2:00, 2:15 - 3:45  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 specifically in preparation for Houlton repertory (LHNF, Carmina Burana)  

    ~ 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


    * Second Company: An invitational group of E Dancers eligible to perform with the First Company. The Second Company allows students to sample the professional dance experience without rearranging academic schedules. 

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&S 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.


Students have performance opportunities throughout the year. The partnership of company and school is a cornerstone of the MDT experience, giving young dancers the opportunity to train with the mentorship of seasoned professionals.


Level E and MDT's Second Company provides students interested in additional training opportunities the ability to partake in more classes and expand their pre professional experience. The Second Company is expected to attend all classes outlined in Level E schedule. Audition is required for placement in this program.


The tuition amounts listed are for entire school year. A one-time new family fee of $25 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 9/10/23).


2023-2024 Performing Arts Division registration is now closed.
Please email school@mndance.org for 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 & School 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 2023-2024 Calendar

September 5: Classes/Session I Begins

November 20-26: Thanksgiving Break (no regular YCD/PAD/Boys classes)

December 17-January 1: Winter Break

January 2: Regular Classes Resume

January 15: Martin Luther King Jr Observance - No classes

January 20: Session I ends (Session II Enrollment Deadline)

January 22: Session II Begins

April 1-April 7: Spring Break

April 8: Regular Classes Resume

May 24-25: Strawberry Festival: A Student Showcase 

May 25: End of YCD/Boys Session II

June 1: Last day of PAD classes

*Subject To Change


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

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