The Upper Division summer program is designed to expand upon MDT's classical ballet-based curriculum, seamlessly integrating contemporary dance styles, innovative choreography, and classical repertoire in a conservatory-type setting. All classes are led by the esteemed MDT faculty and exciting guest teachers, with live piano accompaniment enriching most classes.

All classes are aimed for dancers who have mastered the fundamentals of ballet technique. Classes will include: ballet technique, pre-pointe, pointe, men's rep, choreography, contemporary, partnering, jazz, character, strength and conditioning, and more.

Monday, June 15 through Thursday, July 2

Week 1: Monday, June 15–Friday, June 19

Week 2: Monday, June 22–Friday, June 26

Week 3: Monday, June 9–Thursday, July 2

The 2026 Summer Program is divided into three levels:

Level 1 (ages 8-10)

Level 2 (ages 11-13)

Level 3 (ages 14-18)

Please register for the level that coincides with your dancer's age. Please note that placement classes will occur every Monday of each week, and that levels placement is subject to change. Class sizes will be limited. 

MDT programming will run Monday-Friday during the first two weeks, and Monday–Thursday in the third week due to the 4th of July holiday. Dancers and faculty wishing to  observe Juneteenth, may be excused from classes on Friday, June 19.  

Registration will open on January 21 and will close on May 18. 

Discounts:

Upper Division (Ages 8–18):

- A 10% discount will automatically be applied at checkout if your dancer commits to all three weeks. 

- An additional 5% sibling discount will also be applied automatically if you register two or more students at the same time.

Registration fee and deposit:

Registration for Upper Division opens on January 21 and closes on May 18.

All Summer course registrants will be charged a non-refundable $35 registration fee. A non-refundable commitment deposit of $35 per week is also required upon registration. Balances must be paid in full at the time of registration. Balances for the Upper Division may be paid in full at the time of registration, or via payment plan.

Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable and are subtracted from your total summer intensive fees. Please note, registration takes place online. 

Cancellations: 

If for any reason you need to cancel your registration, you will receive a refund for any fees you have paid not including the registration fee and commitment deposit, provided you cancel at least 15 days prior to the first day of the session for which you are registered. Cancellation requests should be made in writing to school@mndance.org.

No Show:   

If you are registered for a session and do not attend for any reason and/or do not notify us that you will not be attending at least 15 days prior to the session’s start date, refunds will not be issued.

Location:

The 2026 Summer Program will be held in person at 730 SE 9th Street in Marcy-Holmes neighborhood of Minneapolis. 

Guest Artists:

Max Azaro

Renowned teacher, former dancer with American Ballet Theatre, current dancer with Ballet Austin

Teaches: Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Men's Rep, Partnering, and Strength and Conditioning

Gemma Bond

Renowned choreographer, former dancer with American Ballet Theatre and The Royal Ballet

Teaches: choreography

Sasha Mukhamedov

Principal Dancer with San Francisco Ballet

Teaches: Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Repertoire, and Strength and Conditioning

Eric Tamm

Renowned teacher, former dancer with American Ballet Theatre

Teaches: Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Men's Rep, Partnering, and Strength and Conditioning

Local Faculty:

Lauren Post

Former dancer with American Ballet Theatre, Director of Minnesota Dance Theatre

Teaches: Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Repertoire, and Strength and Conditioning

Joanna Mednick

Former dancer with San Francisco Ballet and Dutch National Ballet, Artistic Associate with Minnesota Dance Theatre

Teaches: Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Repertoire, and Strength and Conditioning

Caroline Bundschuh

Former dancer with Continental Ballet Company

Teaches: Jazz and Ballet

Megan Dunn

Former dancer with Colorado Ballet

Teaches: Character

Alejandra Iannone

Director of MDT's Primary Division

Teaches: Ballet

Darrius Strong

Artistic Director of STRONGMovement

Teaches: Contemporary

Michelle Vagi

Former dancer with Ballet Arizona

Teaches: Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Repertoire, and Strength and Conditioning

LEVEL 3: Ages 14–18

• 9:30-11:30 am - Ballet technique                
• 11:30-11:45 am - Break                                           
• 11:45-12:45 pm - Variations                                 
• 12:45-1:30 pm - Lunch                                         
• 1:30-3:00 pm - Contemporary                       
• 3:00-3:15 pm - Break                                            
• 3:15-4:00 pm - Partnering                                 

In these fun-filled weeklong camps, young dancers discover the joy of movement, music, and imagination. Students enhance their coordination, develop fundamental dance skills, and challenge their brain in learning basic choreography! 

Ballet classes are held daily in the morning, and are supplemented with afternoon jazz classes, choreography, themed arts and crafts, stretching and conditioning, storytime and dance media, and more!  

An end of week showing for parents and families  give dancers a "performance" opportunity to share all they have learned throughout the week!

July 6–10: Theme is "Adventures at Sea"

August 3–7: Theme is "Forest Creatures"

Monday–Friday

Half-day: 9:30-12:30 p.m.

Full-day: 9:30–3 p.m.

The Young Children's Summer Program is divided into three classes by age:

- 4 year olds (half-days only)

- 5-6 year olds (full and half-days available)

-6-7 year olds (full and half-days available)

Please note, half-day options are only available to five, six, and seven-year olds. Four year olds may only register for a half-day.

An end of week showing for parents and families  give dancers a "performance" opportunity to share all they have learned throughout the week!

Registration opens on January 21, and closes on June 29th for the July session, and July 27th for the August session.

Discounts:

- 4-year olds: 10% discount applies if they sign up for both half-day weeks in July and August

- 5-6-year olds: 10% discount applies if they sign up for both full-day weeks in July and August (half-days are not eligible for discount)

-6-7-year olds: 10% discount applies if they sign up for both full-day weeks in July and August (half-days are not eligible for discount)

- An additional 5% sibling discount will also be applied automatically if you register two or more students at the same time.

Registration fee and deposit:

Registration for Primary Division opens on January 21 and closes on June 29th for the July session, and July 27th for the August session.

All Summer course registrants will be charged a non-refundable $35 registration fee. A non-refundable commitment deposit of $35 per week is also required upon registration. Balances must be paid in full at the time of registration. Balances for the Upper Division may be paid in full at the time of registration, or via payment plan.

Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable and are subtracted from your total summer intensive fees. Please note, registration takes place online. 

Cancellations: 

If for any reason you need to cancel your registration, you will receive a refund for any fees you have paid not including the registration fee and commitment deposit, provided you cancel at least 15 days prior to the first day of the session for which you are registered. Cancellation requests should be made in writing to school@mndance.org.

No Show:   

If you are registered for a session and do not attend for any reason and/or do not notify us that you will not be attending at least 15 days prior to the session’s start date, refunds will not be issued.

Class Location:

The 2026 Summer Program will be held in person at 730 SE 9th Street in Marcy-Holmes neighborhood of Minneapolis. 

Alejandra Iannone

Director of Minnesota Dance Theatre's Primary Division

Teaches: Ballet, Creative Movement, and Jazz

Other faculty members will be announced shortly!

FULL DAY: Ages 5–7

• 9:00-9:15 am - Welcome Circle
• 9:15-10:00 am - Ballet Class
• 10:00-10:15 am - Break
• 10:15-11:00 am - Storytime
• 11:00-11:15 am - Break
• 11:15-12:00 pm - Creative Movement 
• 12:00-12:30 pm - Lunch
• 12:30-1:15 pm - Jazz Class
• 1:15-1:30 pm - Break
• 1:30-2:15 pm - Workshop  
• 2:15-2:30 pm - Break
• 2:30-3:00 pm - Dance Media or Craft