Primary Division
A dancer’s first introduction to the joy of movement and musical play
For ages 4–6
Background
In this nurturing and supportive environment, young students develop body awareness through stretching, foundational positions, and the exploration of space. Through games and guided discovery, dancers begin to recognize patterns, steps, shapes, and formations, building both confidence and a lifelong love of dance.
Objectives
Explore movement through imagery, music, and self-expression
Begin to develop coordination, flexibility, and spatial awareness
Start to respond to music
Begin to cultivate and grow their love for dance and movement
Highlights
Two performances each school year at MDT’s studio in Marcy-Holmes.
Meet lifelong friends!
Carefully curated classes by Director of Primary Division Alejandra Iannone
-
Students ages 4 to 6 on the first day of classes on September 12 are eligible to register.
Primary Division is split into two sessions and requires separate registrations.
A registration fee of $35.00 is applied with registration. Fees are non-refundable, and tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable after the first week of classes.
If you are registering a male dancer, please register them into Primary Boys I or II, depending on their age group. Tuition has been adjusted to encourage male dancer participation.
-
For the Fall 2026 semester:
Primary I & II: $320 per semester
Primary Boys I & II: $100 per semester -
Students must be at least 4 years old for Primary I and 5 years old for Primary II by the first day of the session.
Dancers can expect to spend two years at each level.
Please note that reaching the minimum age for Primary II does not automatically qualify a student for that level. Our instructors evaluate each student based on their individual progress and mastery of the current level's curriculum.
Class placement should not be adjusted between Session I and Session II unless prior approval is received from MDT faculty. Continuity in the learning environment allows for more progress through the curriculum.
For boy dancers, please register for Primary Boys. The tuition has been adjusted to a discounted rate to encourage male participation.
For new dancers:
Primary I Ages: 4+
Boys Primary I Ages 4+For dancers who have completed at least one year of Primary Division training:
Primary II Ages: 5+:
Boys Primary II Ages 5+Questions: Please email school@mndance.org
-
Primary Division is split into two sessions and requires separate registrations.
Cancellation requests must be made in writing by Saturday, September 19.
If there are fewer than 8 participants registered, class may be cancelled. An alternative class/level or full refund will be issued.
-
Session I
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)
Sunday, December 13: In-studio performance for Primary Division
Saturday, December 19: Last day of Primary Division Session I
Session II
Saturday, January 23: First day of Primary Division Session II
Monday, April 5-Sunday, April 11: Spring Break (no classes)
Monday, April 12: Regular Classes resume
Friday, May 7-Saturday, May 8: Spring Festival Performances (date subject to change)
Saturday, May 8: Last day of Primary Division II
-
Session I: Saturday, September 12 through Saturday, December 19.
Session II: Saturday, January 23 through Saturday, May 8
If you are registering a male dancer, please register them into Primary Boys I or II, depending on their age group.
Primary I & Primary I Boys
Ages 4–5
Wednesdays
5–5:45 p.m.
Primary II & Primary II Boys
Ages 5–6
Saturdays
9:30–10:15 a.m. -
For boy dancers, please register for Primary Boys I or II, whichever best matches your dancer’s age group. The tuition has been adjusted to a discounted rate to encourage male participation.
Additional Information
Summer Program Teachers – Primary Division
-
Alejandra Iannone
Director of MDT’s Primary Division
-
Caroline Bundschuh
Dance artist and educator
-
Shannon Dolan
Dance artist and educator
-
Betsy (Gaasedelen) Nelson
Dance artist and educator
-
Jesse Schmitz-Boyd
Dance artist, performer, choreographer, and educator
Alejandra Iannone
Director of Primary Division
Alejandra Iannone's classical ballet training was in the Cecchetti Method. She holds a BFA cum laude in Dance from Fordham University/The Ailey School and an MA in Philosophy, specializing in Art and Aesthetics, from Temple University. Alejandra also trained at New Haven Ballet, Dance Connecticut, Ballet Chicago, and The School at Jacob's Pillow. With over two decades of teaching experience, Alejandra has taught at The Ailey School, Minnesota Dance Theatre, Saint Paul Ballet, CREO Arts, and as a guest instructor both nationally and internationally. She is an American Ballet Theatre® Affiliate Instructor, certified through Levels 6, 7 & Partnering, and her classes focus on clarity, expressive movement, and anatomical integrity.
School Calendar
FAQs
Answers to frequently asked Primary Division questions.
-
Primary Division is a joyful and age-appropriate introduction to dance for children ages 4–6. Classes emphasize creativity, coordination, rhythm, and self-expression while preparing young dancers for more formal training.
-
Students learn foundational movements in ballet and general movement, with age-specific curriculum designed to support physical, musical, and expressive development.
-
Registration for all MDT’s School offerings take place through ActiveWorks. A link to register will become available in early June 2026 for Session I.
-
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 Primary Boys I or II classes.
-
Registration 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.
-
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.
-
Yes! Students are invited to perform in one performance per session.
Session I: In-studio performance at MDT’s studios on Sunday, December 13.
Session II: Professional venue performance on May 7 & 8, 2027. Venue details coming soon!
-
Email the MDT school team at school@mndance.org.
