Preparatory Division
Where the fundamentals of ballet take root
For ages 7–12
Background
Through a thoughtful, methodical curriculum developed by Simona Ferrazza of the Dutch National Ballet Academy, dancers establish the strong technical foundation essential for advanced ballet movement. As skills grow, choreography and performance opportunities become increasingly intricate and refined, preparing students for the demands of higher-level work.
Objectives
The 15-20 minute floor barre at the beginning of class teaches students to activate the proper muscles to execute the demands of classical ballet technique using the support of the floor.
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.
Highlights
Two professional-level performances each school year.
Live accompaniment in all ballet classes.
World-class year-round teachers as well as frequent guest faculty from world-class ballet organizations world-wide.
Additional Information
-
Students ages 7 to 12 on the first day of classes on September 12 are eligible to register.
All Preparatory Division students must enroll for the full year program.
Upper Division tuition is for the full year. An additional costume fee of $150 is applied during registration.
Please email school@mndance.org with inquiries.
-
For the school year 2026-27:
Preparatory 1: $1,750.00
Preparatory 2: $2,018.00
Preparatory 3: $2,256.00Preparatory Boys 1: $875.00
Preparatory Boys 2: $1,009.00 -
Preparatory I
Ages: 7+
Hours per week: 3.5 hours
Preparatory II
Ages: 8+
Hours per week: 5 hours
Preparatory III
Ages: 9+
Hours per week: 6.25 hours
Preparatory Boys I
Ages: 7+
Hours per week: 3.25 hours
Preparatory Boys II
Ages: 10+
Hours per week: 3.25 hours -
Students must be the appropriate age for a particular level by the first day of the first day of the session.
Level placement is up to the discretion of MDT Artistic Staff, based on both age and ability, and is subject to change.
Please register your dancer for their level placement issued by MDT staff. If you are new to MDT, please register per your dancer’s age group.
Questions: Please email school@mndance.org
-
For boy dancers, please register for the level that coincides with your age group.
Preparatory Boys 1: Ages 7–9
Preparatory Boys 2: Ages 10–12
The tuition has been decreased by 50% discounted rate to encourage male participation in ballet.
-
Cancellation requests must be made in writing by Saturday, September 19.
Costume fees are non-refundable, and tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable after the first week of classes on September 19, 2026.
-
The Preparatory Division is in session from September 12, 2026–May 22, 2027.
Dates are subject to change.Thursday, September 10: Preparatory Division Placement Classes
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
Schedules
-
Preparatory I
Ages: 7+
Hours per week: 3.5 hoursTuesday
6:00–7:15 p.m. Ballet TechniqueSaturday
11:00–12:15 p.m. Ballet Technique
12:30–1:30 p.m. Jazz
1:30–3:00 p.m. Rehearsals as needed -
Preparatory II
Ages: 8+
Hours per week: 5 hoursTuesday
6:00–7:15 p.m. Ballet TechniqueThursday
4:45–6:00 p.m. Ballet TechniqueSaturday
11:00–12:15 p.m. Ballet Technique
12:30–1:30 p.m. Jazz
12:45–3:00 p.m. Rehearsals as needed -
Preparatory III
Ages: 9+
Hours per week: 6.25 hours
Monday
6:00–7:30 p.m. Ballet Technique
7:30-8:00 pm Professional Ballet TrainingThursday
5:00-6:00 p.m. Leaps and Turns
6:00–7:00 p.m. Ballet Technique
7:30–8:00 p.m. Pre-PointeSaturday
10:15–11:30 a.m. Ballet Technique
11:30–12:30 p.m. Hip Hop
1:30–3:00 p.m. Rehearsals as needed -
Preparatory Boys I
Ages: 7+
Hours per week: 3.25–4 hoursTuesday (optional class)
4:45–6:00 p.m. Ballet TechniqueFriday
4:30–5:30 p.m. Ballet or Hip-HopSaturday
10:15–11:30 a.m. Ballet Technique
11:30–12:30 p.m. Jazz
12:45–3:00 p.m. Rehearsals as needed -
Preparatory Boys II
Ages: 10+
Hours per week: 3.25–4 hoursWednesday (optional class)
4:45–6:00 p.m. Ballet TechniqueFriday
4:30–5:30 p.m. Ballet or Hip-HopSaturday
10:15–11:30 a.m. Ballet Technique
11:30–12:30 p.m. Jazz
12:45–3:00 p.m. Rehearsals as needed
Preparatory Division Faculty
-
Joanna Mednick
Artistic Associate, former dancer with San Francisco Ballet & Dutch National Ballet
-
Alejandra Iannone
Director of Primary Division, B.F.A from the Fordham University/Ailey School
-
Darrius Strong
Contemporary, Hip Hop, & Lead Outreach Teacher, founder of STRONGMovement
-
Hannah Benditt
B.F.A from University of Missouri-Kansas City & former dancer with St. Paul Ballet
-
Caroline Bundschuh
Former dancer with Continental Ballet
School Calendar
FAQs
Answers to frequently asked Preparatory Division questions.
-
Preparatory Division is the where the fundamentals of ballet take root for dancers ages 7-12.
With the methodical curriculum developed by Simona Ferrazza of the Dutch National Ballet Academy, dancers establish the strong technical foundation essential for advanced ballet movement.
As skills grow, choreography and performance opportunities become increasingly intricate and refined, preparing students for the demands of higher-level work.
-
Students learn the fundamentals of technical ballet training.
In addition to ballet, dancers learn jazz, hip hop, and Preparatory 3 dancers begin pre-pointe classes.
-
Registration for all MDT’s School offerings take place through ActiveWorks. A link to register will become available in June 2026.
-
Yes! We encourage boys to sign up for MDT dance classes. MDT offers significantly reduced tuition for male dancers through our scholarship program. If you have a male dancer that is interested, please register them for the Preparatory Boys Level that best corresponds with their age.
-
Cancellation requests must be made in writing by Saturday, September 19.
Costume fees are non-refundable, and tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable after the first week of classes on September 19, 2026.
-
Students typically remain in the same level for the year. Placement changes require faculty approval and is up to the discretion of MDT’s Artistic Staff.
-
A minimum of 8 students is required for a class to run. MDT may cancel classes that do not meet this threshold by the third week and offer alternatives.
-
Preparatory 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 on May 7–8.
Dates are subject to change.
-
Email the MDT school team at school@mndance.org.
