Pre-Professional Division
Students hone their technique & artistry as they prepare for a professional career.
For ages 15–18
Overview
The Pre-Professional Division is an elite training program designed for highly motivated dancers ages 15–18 who demonstrate the technical ability, artistic maturity, work ethic, and potential necessary to pursue a professional career in ballet.
Admission is by invitation and audition only. Each year, a select cohort of dancers is chosen to participate in this intensive program, allowing for highly individualized instruction and mentorship.
The 2026–27 Pre-Professional Division consists of four dancers, creating an environment where each student receives exceptional personal attention from MDT’s Artistic Leadership and faculty.
In addition to the rigorous training offered through MDT’s Upper Division curriculum, Pre-Professional students receive an additional five hours of daytime instruction each week.
Objectives
Prepare dancers for entry into professional ballet companies, trainee programs, university dance programs, and conservatory-level training.
Accelerate technical development through additional focused instruction in classical ballet.
Cultivate artistic expression, musicality, and performance quality.
Expose dancers to diverse artistic voices, choreographic styles, and professional working environments.
Highlights
Five additional hours of daytime training each week.
Small-group coaching and individualized corrections.
Mentorship from MDT’s Artistic Leadership as well as world-renowned guest artists.
Opportunities to learn and rehearse professional-level repertoire.
Exposure to rare and renowned performance opportunities with professional dancers from around the world.
Guidance regarding summer intensives, college programs, auditions, and career pathways.
Additional Information
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Pre Professional Program
For ages: 15–18
(19.5 hours/week)Monday
1:30–3 p.m. Ballet Technique
3–4 p.m. Contemporary/choreography
4:15–6:00 p.m. Ballet Technique
6:30–7:15 p.m. PBT
7:15–8:00 p.m. Stretch/Rehearsal as neededTuesday
4:15–6:00 p.m. Ballet Technique
6:00–7:00 p.m. PointeWednesday
4:15–6:00 p.m. Ballet Technique
6:15–7:15 p.m. Pointe / Variations
7:00–8:00 p.m. Flex/Rehearsals as neededThursday
1:30–3 p.m. Ballet Technique
3–4 p.m. Variations
4:15–6:00 p.m. Ballet Technique
6:00–7:00 p.m. Leaps and TurnsFriday
4:15–5:30 p.m. ContemporarySaturday
10:00–11:00 a.m. Pilates
11:00–12:30 p.m. Ballet Technique
12:45–3:00 p.m. Rehearsals as needed -
The Pre-Professional Division is by invite only as to maintain a very high caliber training environment. Dancers ages 15–18 are invited to audition for the program if interested.
Please email school@mndance.org with inquiries.
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Cancellation requests must be made in writing by Saturday, September 19.
The Pre-Professional Division requires a nonrefundable deposit of $500. Costume fees are also non-refundable, and tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable after the first week of classes on September 19, 2026.
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The Pre-Professional Division is in session from September 12, 2026–May 22, 2027. Conferences will take place the week of May 24–28, 2027.
Dates are subject to change.
Saturday, September 12: First day of classes
Thursday, October 15-Saturday, October 17: MEA Break (no classes)
Saturday, October 31: Halloween (wear your costumes to class/rehearsal!)
Wednesday, November 25–Sunday, November 29: Thanksgiving Break (no classes)
Monday, November 30–Tuesday, December 15: Extended rehearsal weeks for The Nutcracker Suite
Wednesday, December 16: Nutcracker Dress rehearsal
Thursday, December 17: Student Matinee Performance
Friday–Sunday, December 18-20: The Nutcracker Suite
Monday, December 21-Sunday, January 3: Winter Break (no classes)
Monday, January 4 : Classes resume
Monday, January 18: Martin Luther King Jr Observance (no classes)
Monday, April 5-Sunday, April 11: Spring Break (no classes)
Friday–Saturday, May 7–8: Spring Festival Performances (date subject to change)
Saturday, May 22: Last day of classes
Tuesday, May 24-Friday, May 28: Upper Division Conferences
MDT Pre-Professional Faculty
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Lauren Post
Artistic Director, former dancer with American Ballet Theatre
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Joanna Mednick
Artistic Associate, former dancer with San Francisco Ballet & Dutch National Ballet
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Michelle Vagi
Principal Teacher, former dancer with Ballet Arizona
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Darrius Strong
Contemporary, Hip Hop, & Lead Outreach Teacher, founder of STRONGMovement
FAQs
Answers to frequently asked Pre-Professional Division questions.
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The Pre-Professional Division is an elite training program designed for highly motivated dancers ages 15–18 who demonstrate the technical ability, artistic maturity, work ethic, and potential necessary to pursue a professional career in ballet.
-
Objectives
Prepare dancers for entry into professional ballet companies, trainee programs, university dance programs, and conservatory-level training.
Accelerate technical development through additional focused instruction in classical ballet.
Cultivate artistic expression, musicality, and performance quality.
Expose dancers to diverse artistic voices, choreographic styles, and professional working environments.
-
Admission is by invitation and audition only. Each year, a select cohort of dancers is chosen to participate in this intensive program, allowing for highly individualized instruction and mentorship.
Please reach out to school@mndance.org to inquire.
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Of course! Please inquire for audition details at school@mndance.org.
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Pre-Professional Division deposit and costume fee are non-refundable.
Tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable after the first week of classes on Saturday, September 19.
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Pre-Professional Division students are invited to perform in two performances during the 2026-27 school year:
The Nutcracker Suite on December 18–20.
The Spring Festival, May 7–8.
Additional opportunities will be available next summer as well in collaboration with Lakes Area Music Festival and American Ballet Theatre.
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Email the MDT school team at school@mndance.org.
School Calendar
