Ballet Co.Laboratory

For individuals and families across the Twin Cities, particularly in St. Paul, Minnesota, seeking a performing arts theater and dance school that truly stands out, Ballet Co.Laboratory (BCL) is an absolute gem. Established in 2018, BCL has rapidly grown to become Minnesota's largest professional ballet company and school, serving over 14,000 individuals annually. Its mission is to boldly reimagine how ballet is taught, created, and presented, actively challenging traditional exclusions within the classical arts. At its core, Ballet Co.Laboratory fosters an artistic home where creativity is empowered, and communities are engaged in new ways of thinking, learning, and moving through dance. This means celebrating all body types, gender identities, ages, sexual orientations, ethnicities, learning styles, and socioeconomic backgrounds in their productions, classes, and outreach programs. Beyond its inclusive ethos, BCL maintains the highest standards of technical training and artistic expression, ensuring that students receive a serious classical ballet education. From whimsical and thoughtful performances that captivate audiences to foundational classes for preschoolers and challenging programs for adults, Ballet Co.Laboratory offers a truly comprehensive and enriching ballet experience for everyone in the Minnesota community, embodying a forward-thinking approach to an age-old art form.

Ballet Co.Laboratory is strategically located at 276 E Lafayette Frontage Rd, St Paul, MN 55107, USA, offering convenient accessibility for residents throughout St. Paul and the wider Twin Cities metropolitan area. Situated just off a major thoroughfare, the studio's location is easy to find, which is a significant advantage for students and audience members navigating to classes or performances. This St. Paul address places it within reach of various neighborhoods, making it a practical choice for consistent attendance. For those traveling by car, the studio notably offers free parking in its surface lot, a highly valued amenity in an urban setting that contributes to a stress-free experience for visitors. Furthermore, the accessibility extends beyond physical location. BCL actively strives to make dance accessible through various community programs and partnerships, sometimes offering classes and performances in other locations around the Twin Cities, such as Orchestra Hall or the Mall of America. This multi-faceted approach to accessibility ensures that more individuals across Minnesota can experience the transformative power of ballet, reinforcing Ballet Co.Laboratory's commitment to serving the entire community.

• Comprehensive School Programs: The School of Ballet Co.Laboratory offers a wide range of classes for all ages and skill levels, from their Young Dancer Program (ages 3-6) with Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet, to the Performing Arts Division (ages 6-22) for more serious training, and an extensive Adult Program.

• Diverse Adult Ballet Classes: The Adult Program is robust, featuring a variety of drop-in classes available six days a week, including Beginning, Gentle, Intermediate, and Advanced Adult Ballet, as well as Ballet Floor Work and Ballet Conditioning. They also offer Adult Ballet Fundamentals I & II sessions and Adult Summer Workshops.

• Professional Performance Opportunities: Students from the school, including adults, have the unique opportunity to perform alongside the professional Ballet Co.Laboratory Company artists in mainstage productions (typically in December and June) and other performances in their Studio Theatre, providing invaluable stage experience.

• Original Dance Productions: The professional Company of Ballet Co.Laboratory creates and performs numerous new dance works each season (over 14 original works premiered since 2018), highlighting athleticism, storytelling, and unique collaborations. Their season performances include productions like "Choreographer Showcase," "Laboratory II," and a "Season Showcase."

• Inclusive and Body-Positive Environment: BCL is nationally recognized for challenging traditional ballet norms. They actively foster an artistic home where all body types, gender identities, ages, sexual orientations, ethnicities, learning styles, and socioeconomic backgrounds are celebrated in classes, productions, and outreach.

• Holistic Dancer Development: Beyond technical training, the school focuses on the mental/physical health and intellectual development of each dancer through "Beyond the Mirror" programs. This includes Company Mentorship, Balanced Cross Training (yoga, modern, contemporary), Dancer Body and Mind Wellness Seminars, and Professional Development for Dancers.

• Community Engagement and Outreach: Ballet Co.Laboratory offers free and deeply discounted workshops, performances, and need-based scholarships to make dance more accessible to the wider Minnesota community. They also engage through "Dance Respite" (free observation of company class/rehearsal) and partnerships with organizations like Girl Scouts.

• Teacher Training Opportunities: Advanced students (Level 5) can participate in a Teaching Assistant Program, allowing them to gain insights into instruction and deepen their own dance training from a different perspective.

• Studio Rentals: BCL offers its studio spaces for hourly rental to artists, students, and the broader community, providing valuable resources for local creatives.

• Progressive, Open-Minded, and Body-Positive Culture: This is a cornerstone feature that sets Ballet Co.Laboratory apart. They consciously work to rewrite ballet's historically exclusive narrative by celebrating all body types, gender identities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This creates an incredibly welcoming and empowering environment, fostering a positive self-image for all dancers.

• Uncompromised Technical and Artistic Excellence: Despite its inclusive approach, BCL "sacrific any of the technique or artistry that you expect of a serious classical ballet school." This commitment ensures students receive rigorous, high-quality training from teaching artists who are "well versed in proper technique," guaranteeing strong foundational skills and artistic development.

• Beautiful, Thoughtful, and Whimsical Performances: The Company's productions are consistently praised for being "beautiful, thoughtful, and whimsical." They are committed to creating innovative ballets that highlight stories historically excluded from the art form, providing fresh and engaging theatrical experiences for audiences in Minnesota.

• Holistic Dancer Development (Beyond the Mirror Programs): BCL's dedication to the "whole dancer" is a significant highlight. Their "Beyond the Mirror" initiatives focus on mental and physical wellness, intellectual development, and professional growth, including company mentorship, cross-training (yoga, modern, contemporary), and seminars. This ensures students are not just technically proficient but also healthy, resilient, and well-rounded individuals.

• Vibrant and Diverse Community: Students and audience members consistently praise the "positive, encouraging and diverse community" at BCL. This fosters a sense of belonging and support, making the journey of learning and performing dance a truly collaborative and enjoyable experience for individuals of all backgrounds.

• Opportunities for All Ages and Levels: From Pre-K through adults, and from "Ballet Fundamentals" for beginners to "Advanced Ballet" and performance ensembles, BCL ensures that anyone can pursue their love of ballet at any skill level. This broad accessibility truly opens up the art form to the entire Minnesota community.

• Tangible Improvements and Positive Impact: Customer testimonials directly reflect the effectiveness of BCL's instruction, with an adult student noting that "corrections I have been given in class improved my overall posture and understanding of movement in my body." This highlights the practical, impactful nature of their teaching.

For those in the St. Paul, Minnesota, area, or the wider Twin Cities region, interested in exploring the world of ballet at Ballet Co.Laboratory, you can reach them using the following contact details:

• Address: 276 E Lafayette Frontage Rd, St Paul, MN 55107, USA

• Phone: (651) 313-5967

The dedicated team at Ballet Co.Laboratory is available to provide comprehensive information about their diverse class offerings for all ages and skill levels, their professional performance season, community programs, and registration details. Reaching out directly by phone is an excellent way to get personalized assistance, discuss specific program interests (from youth to adult classes, including drop-ins), and learn how you can become a part of this vibrant and inclusive ballet community in Minnesota.

For residents of St. Paul, Minnesota, and indeed the entire Twin Cities metropolitan area, Ballet Co.Laboratory stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended performing arts theater and ballet school. Its strategic location at 276 E Lafayette Frontage Rd in St. Paul, coupled with convenient amenities like free parking, ensures easy accessibility for individuals commuting from various parts of the region. This practicality makes consistent engagement with high-quality ballet education and captivating performances a seamless part of local life.

What truly makes Ballet Co.Laboratory a gem for locals is its revolutionary approach to classical ballet. It offers a "progressive, open-minded, body-positive culture" that actively redefines what ballet can be, without compromising on "technique or artistry." This ethos creates an incredibly inclusive environment where all ages, body types, genders, and backgrounds are celebrated, ensuring that every Minnesotan who dreams of dancing or appreciating ballet feels welcome and valued. This is particularly appealing in a diverse metropolitan area like the Twin Cities, where community and inclusivity are highly valued.

Furthermore, BCL provides an unparalleled range of services catering to every stage of a dancer's journey. From engaging "Pre-K" classes that nurture a love for movement, through comprehensive "Performing Arts Division" training for youth, to an extensive and flexible "Adult Program" with various drop-in options and fundamental sessions, there is truly something for everyone. This broad accessibility means that local individuals, whether seasoned dancers or those taking their very first plié at 34, can find their artistic home here. The opportunity for students, including adults, to perform alongside professional company artists in "beautiful, thoughtful, and whimsical" productions further enriches the local arts scene, offering high-caliber entertainment and inspiring community engagement.

In essence, Ballet Co.Laboratory is more than just a dance studio; it is a vibrant community hub that fosters artistic excellence, personal growth, and a profound sense of belonging. Its commitment to challenging traditional norms while maintaining artistic integrity, combined with its comprehensive and accessible programs, makes it an ideal and transformative choice for any St. Paul or greater Minnesota resident eager to embrace the world of ballet.

Ballet Co.Laboratory

276 E Lafayette Frontage Rd, St Paul, MN 55107, USA