St. Paul Ballet

Introduction / Overview

For individuals and families across St. Paul, Minnesota, and the wider Twin Cities metropolitan area, St. Paul Ballet stands as a distinguished non-profit organization deeply committed to the art and education of ballet. With a vision to "lift the human spirit through the art of ballet," the company and its school provide a vibrant repertory with a passion for the highest level of excellence, offer the finest dance education, and actively work to reduce barriers to involvement in the art of dance. As a cornerstone of the local arts scene, St. Paul Ballet fosters a nurturing environment where students, from the youngest creative dancers to aspiring professionals and adults, can truly flourish. Reviews from the community consistently highlight the "amazing teachers" and the "very welcoming community to all," emphasizing the studio's dedication to true classical ballet technique while encouraging individual growth. Whether you're a parent seeking an enriching activity for your child, a dancer aiming for a professional career, or an adult looking to rediscover the joy of movement, St. Paul Ballet offers a unique and supportive space where artistry, discipline, and a lifelong love of dance are cultivated. Their dedication to inclusive excellence ensures that the transformative power of ballet is accessible to everyone in Minnesota.

Location and Accessibility

St. Paul Ballet is conveniently located at 655 Fairview Ave N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA. This central address in St. Paul makes the studio easily accessible for residents throughout the city and surrounding communities in the Twin Cities metro, including Minneapolis, Roseville, and Falcon Heights. The studio's location is particularly advantageous due to its proximity to major transportation routes; it resides just three blocks off the Green Line LRT (Light Rail Transit), providing an excellent public transportation option for students. For those arriving by car, the studio is well-situated within a familiar area of St. Paul, typically offering accessible parking options. This ease of access is a significant benefit for busy Minnesota families and individuals, minimizing travel time and making it more convenient to attend classes and participate in studio events. The presence of St. Paul Ballet within this vibrant community further establishes it as an integral and accessible part of the local arts landscape.

Services Offered

• Comprehensive Ballet Education: Offers a full spectrum of ballet training, from foundational movements to advanced pre-professional levels.
• Children's Division: Nurturing programs for young dancers starting at 2.5 years old (including Parent & Me classes for ages 2.5-4 in both English and Spanish), introducing basic steps, terminology, and fostering creative movement in a supportive environment.
• Community Division (Recreational Classes): Designed for students who wish to begin or continue dance training for self-enrichment, health, and recreation. These classes encourage individual artistic growth at a personal pace, emphasizing aesthetic appreciation and overall body conditioning. Includes levels like Ballet 1: Adult Fundamentals, Ballet 2: Adult Fundamentals, Ballet 3: Elementary (Beginning), Ballet 4: Intermediate, Ballet 5: Int/Advanced, Adult Lifelong 40+, Boomer Ballet 1 (55+), and Boomer Ballet 2 (55+).
• School-Year Division (Pre-Professional Program): A rigorous Vaganova-based progressive curriculum for serious students (typically ages 9-15 and up) aiming for college-level programs, conservatories, or professional careers. This program includes classical ballet technique, modern dance, character dance, live accompaniment, and focuses on clarity, strength, and a healthy body image. Auditions are required for placement and advancement.
• Adult Drop-in Classes: Flexible scheduling for adult dancers of various levels (Beginning, Gentle, Intermediate, Advanced Ballet), allowing them to take classes as their schedule permits. Also includes Ballet Floor Work and Ballet Conditioning.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have numerous opportunities to perform throughout the year, including participation in the company's full-length holiday ballet, mid-winter mixed-repertoire program, spring showcase, and various smaller offerings in non-traditional settings. The Junior Performance Ensemble and Adult Performance Ensemble also offer stage experience.
• Summer Intensives and Workshops: Seasonal programs that provide focused and intensive training opportunities, often featuring visiting artists from professional companies.
• Scholarship Programs: Offers need-based scholarships to reduce financial barriers, ensuring that any child who wants to dance has the opportunity.
• Community Engagement and Outreach: Provides free public performances (e.g., at Landmark Center monthly), partners with Saint Paul Public Schools Community Education, and offers tickets to performances to school children through partnerships like Project Success.
• Junior Performance Ensemble: For young adult dancers (ages 18-30) interested in class and rehearsal twice a week, with performances including pointe work and outreach events. Selected by audition or invitation.
• Adult Performance Ensemble: For dancers ages 20+ of all abilities and levels who rehearse once a week and perform in season productions like the Holiday Production and Spring Production. Selected by audition or invitation.

Features / Highlights

• Commitment to Classical Ballet Technique: St. Paul Ballet places a strong emphasis on true classical ballet technique, often following a Vaganova-based curriculum, which is evident in the precision and artistry of its students.
• Highly Qualified and Nurturing Teachers: Reviews consistently praise the "amazing teachers" who are not only expert in their craft but also "very welcoming" and dedicated to fostering individual development in a supportive environment.
• Inclusive and Welcoming Community: The studio actively promotes inclusivity, celebrating "all body types" and striving to reduce barriers to participation through scholarships and a non-judgmental atmosphere, making it accessible for "all" and "an amazing school for advanced or beginner dancers."
• Professional Company and Performance Opportunities: As a professional company with a school, St. Paul Ballet provides unparalleled opportunities for students to perform in high-quality productions, including a full-length holiday ballet and mixed-repertoire programs, alongside or as part of professional ensembles.
• Holistic Dancer Development: Beyond technical proficiency, the school focuses on creating "the well-rounded dancer," promoting health and well-being, fostering a lifelong love of dance, and encouraging positive body image.
• Strong Community Engagement: St. Paul Ballet is deeply involved in the local community, offering free public performances, partnering with public schools, and providing scholarships, demonstrating a commitment to making ballet accessible and enriching lives beyond the studio.
• Live Accompaniment: Many classes are accompanied by professional musicians, enhancing the learning experience and fostering a deeper appreciation for musicality.
• Comprehensive Curriculum for All Ages and Levels: From creative movement for the youngest to pre-professional training and dedicated adult programs (including "Boomer Ballet" for those 55+), there is a place for every aspiring or returning dancer.
• Positive Student Experience: Testimonials highlight the supportive atmosphere where students feel "very kind and welcoming," making the environment "a great space to be in" and helping them "grow to become a better dancer."
• Emphasis on Arts Education and Health: The mission focuses on lifting the human spirit through ballet, integrating movement, health, and artistic expression for stronger, more creative, and vibrant communities.

Contact Information

For more details on class schedules, registration, or to learn how you can become part of the St. Paul Ballet community, their dedicated staff is ready to assist. They welcome all inquiries and are committed to helping individuals of all ages and backgrounds find their place in the world of dance. You can reach them directly using the following contact details:

Address: 655 Fairview Ave N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA

Phone: (651) 690-1588

Mobile Phone: +1 651-690-1588

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of St. Paul and the vibrant communities across Minnesota, St. Paul Ballet stands as an exceptionally suitable and enriching local institution. Its convenient location on Fairview Avenue North, with easy access to the Green Line LRT, ensures that high-quality ballet instruction is readily available to a broad demographic, minimizing travel burdens for busy families. What truly makes St. Paul Ballet an ideal choice for locals is its profound commitment to both artistic excellence and community inclusivity. As a non-profit, it actively works to "reduce barriers to involvement," offering scholarships and fostering a "very welcoming community to all," as echoed by satisfied parents and students. Whether a child is taking their very first creative dance steps or an adult is rediscovering their passion, the "amazing teachers" provide a nurturing environment where "true classical ballet technique is a focus," evident in the students' growth. The diverse range of programs, from recreational classes for all ages (including "Boomer Ballet" for seniors) to a rigorous pre-professional track, ensures that every aspiration is met. Furthermore, the numerous performance opportunities and deep involvement in St. Paul's community events allow students to not only hone their skills but also contribute to the local arts scene. St. Paul Ballet is more than a school; it's a vital cultural hub that uplifts the human spirit through dance, making it an invaluable and cherished resource for any Minnesotan looking to embrace the beauty and discipline of ballet.

St. Paul Ballet

655 Fairview Ave N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA