Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota

For lovers of dance and the performing arts across Minnesota, the Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota (TCB) stands as a beacon of innovation, artistry, and accessibility. More than just a traditional ballet company, TCB is a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional organization committed to making the beauty and power of ballet approachable, relatable, and fun for everyone. From their acclaimed "A Minnesota Nutcracker" to groundbreaking original productions and vital educational outreach, TCB is enriching our local communities and pushing the boundaries of what ballet can be.

As one delighted patron shared after seeing "A Minnesota Nutcracker," "The experience was fantastic. The dancers were extremely skilled and the presentation was wonderful." Another reviewer raved about "The Wall," calling it a "Great performance by an amazing group of dancers!" These testimonials highlight the exceptional talent and captivating productions that TCB brings to stages across the state. In a region that values community and artistic excellence, Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota is truly a cornerstone of our vibrant cultural landscape, ensuring that the magic of ballet is shared with all Minnesotans.

The Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota is headquartered at 16368 Kenrick Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044, USA. This location in the rapidly growing South Metro suburb of Lakeville offers a strategic base for a professional ballet company that serves the entire Twin Cities metropolitan area and beyond. While their main administrative and rehearsal space might be in Lakeville, their performances often take place at larger, more accessible venues throughout the region, ensuring broad audience reach.

Lakeville's position in the southern part of the Twin Cities means the company is easily reachable for residents in communities such as Apple Valley, Burnsville, Farmington, Prior Lake, and Savage, as well as those further north in Minneapolis and St. Paul via major interstates and highways like I-35W. For patrons attending performances at venues such as the Ames Center in Burnsville or Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis, these locations are typically well-served by parking facilities and, depending on the venue, may have public transportation options via Metro Transit. The combination of a centrally located home base and a strategy of performing at diverse, accessible venues ensures that the Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota truly fulfills its mission of making ballet accessible to a wide audience across our state.

The Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota (TCB) is a multifaceted professional dance company that extends its reach far beyond just stage performances. As a non-profit organization, its services are deeply rooted in its mission to make ballet "approachable, relatable, and fun" and to "connect and enrich communities through professional productions and educational enrichment." Here's a detailed look at the core services and programs offered by TCB:

• Professional Ballet Performances: TCB creates and performs original, full-length story ballets, a rare and cherished art form, as well as more abstract contemporary ballet-based works. Their flagship production, "A Minnesota Nutcracker," is performed to full houses each year and is a beloved holiday classic with a unique Minnesota twist, incorporating iconic local characters and settings. They also produce other original full-length ballets like "Ruby Slippers: A Wizard of Oz Ballet," "Cinderella 1944: A Love Story," "Beauty & the Beast" (with an original score), and the "unprecedented smash hit, Pink Floyd's The Wall: A Rock Ballet" with live music.
• Educational Outreach Programs: TCB actively engages with the community through extensive outreach. They collaborate with local school districts and arts organizations to provide "Educational Outreach Programs" that incorporate art, dance, music, and history into presentations for public schools. These "Mobile Shows" give students, including those who may not otherwise have access to ballet, an opportunity to experience art and dance, featuring both students and professional dancers.
• "Mini" Performances: To make ballet more accessible and affordable, TCB performs "mini" (one-hour) versions of its major story ballets for families and young children at venues like the Lakeville Area Arts Center and other community spaces. These performances are specifically geared towards young children, providing an educational narrative alongside engaging, short presentations.
• Sensory-Relaxed Performance Series: A pioneering initiative in Minnesota, TCB is the first ballet company in the state to offer "Sensory-Relaxed" performances. These shows are designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities, featuring modulated music volume, adjusted sound and lighting effects (no flashing lights, fog/smoke, or sudden sounds), and permission for audience members to move around or use fidget toys. A "social narrative" and "Introduction to the Characters" before the show help increase comfort and familiarity.
• Educational Matinees: Each year, TCB performs special matinee performances, particularly of "A Minnesota Nutcracker," for seniors and Elementary & Special Education students in the Twin Cities area. These shows introduce characters, story, and the concept of storytelling through movement without words.
• "Dance with Me" Interactive Events: Presented by TCB's professional dancers, these fun-filled interactive performance events at places like the Lakeville Area Arts Center are designed for families and children aged preschool through eight. They are less than an hour long and highlight age-appropriate body movement, different dance forms, and feature short dance classes, optional audience participation, and costumed performance demonstrations.
• Scout Day at the Ballet: TCB was the first local company to offer a dedicated Girl Scout Nutcracker performance. They now offer "Scout Day at the Ballet" for Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing Scouts, teaching them about performing arts, the ballet creation process, stagecraft, and the physics of ballet.
• Community Engagement and Collaboration: Beyond formal programs, TCB actively seeks to "connect communities" and "enrich communities" through its various endeavors, collaborating with local organizations and artists, including live music ensembles for rock ballets.
• Donation and Support Opportunities: As a non-profit, TCB relies on community support to continue its mission. They offer various ways for individuals and organizations to contribute, with donations helping to fund performances, educational outreach, and accessible shows.

The Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota stands out as a unique and vital cultural institution within the state, marked by several key features and highlights that set it apart:

• Innovative Original Productions: TCB is known for creating and performing "original full-length and shorter story ballets, a rare and nearly lost art." They are not simply performing classical repertoire, but actively developing new works like "Ruby Slippers: A Wizard of Oz Ballet" and "Cinderella 1944: A Love Story." Their "unprecedented smash hit, Pink Floyd's The Wall: A Rock Ballet," with live music, exemplifies their visionary approach, combining classical technique with contemporary themes and popular culture. This commitment to fresh, exciting presentations makes ballet accessible and relevant to modern audiences.
• "A Minnesota Nutcracker" – A Beloved Local Tradition: TCB's "A Minnesota Nutcracker" is a cornerstone of their programming and a beloved holiday tradition for many local families. It maintains the essential traditions and music but adds a unique "Minnesota twist," incorporating iconic local characters and settings. This localization makes the classic tale even more relatable and special for Minnesotan audiences.
• Pioneering Accessibility: TCB is a leader in addressing "issues of accessibility and inclusivity in ballet." They are notably "the first ballet company in Minnesota to offer a Sensory-Relaxed performance series." This groundbreaking initiative makes the art form available to individuals with sensory sensitivities who might otherwise be excluded, demonstrating a deep commitment to serving all members of the community.
• Strong Educational Outreach: The company goes beyond the stage to educate and engage. Their "Educational Outreach Programs," including "Mobile Shows" for schools and "mini" performances for young children, actively bring ballet to new audiences, particularly those who might not have had prior exposure to the arts. This proactive engagement helps cultivate future generations of dance enthusiasts and artists.
• High-Quality Professional Dancers and Presentations: Reviewers consistently praise the "extremely skilled" dancers and the "wonderful" presentation of their shows. This indicates a commitment to artistic excellence and a high standard of performance, ensuring that audiences experience professional-level ballet.
• Relatable and Approachable Ballet: TCB's mission is explicitly "to connect and enrich communities by making ballet approachable, relatable, and fun." They strive to break down traditional barriers, inviting audiences to experience the depth and beauty of ballet in ways that resonate with their lives and interests.
• Community Connection: Through various initiatives like "Scout Day at the Ballet" and collaborations with local venues and schools, TCB fosters strong ties within the community. They are deeply invested in enriching the cultural fabric of Minnesota.
• Commitment to Innovation: The company's willingness to "reignite the passion for ballet through high-quality, professional performances and meaningful educational opportunities" and its consistent creation of original works position it as an innovative force in the regional and national ballet scene.

To learn more about the Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota, inquire about upcoming performances, educational programs, or ways to support their mission, please use the following contact details:

Address: 16368 Kenrick Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044, USA

Phone: (952) 452-3163

For Minnesotans seeking to engage with the performing arts, the Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended local institution. Its profound commitment to making ballet "approachable, relatable, and fun" directly caters to the desires of our community, breaking down traditional barriers often associated with classical dance and inviting everyone to experience its magic. This approach ensures that whether you're a seasoned ballet enthusiast or a family looking for an enriching new experience, TCB has something for you.

The quality of their productions is consistently lauded by local patrons, with reviews highlighting "extremely skilled" dancers and "wonderful" presentations. Their flagship "A Minnesota Nutcracker" offers a unique local twist on a beloved holiday classic, making it a truly special and relevant tradition for families across the state. Furthermore, TCB's pioneering efforts in offering "Sensory-Relaxed" performances demonstrate an admirable dedication to inclusivity, ensuring that the joy of ballet can be shared with individuals who have sensory sensitivities, a vital service that resonates deeply within our compassionate community.

Beyond the stage, Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota actively enriches our communities through extensive "Educational Outreach Programs," bringing the arts directly to schools and community centers. Their "mini" performances and "Dance with Me" interactive events are perfect for introducing young children to ballet in an engaging way. Located conveniently in Lakeville with performances at accessible venues across the Twin Cities, TCB is an invaluable cultural asset that fosters artistry, promotes accessibility, and builds community, making it an ideal choice for any Minnesotan looking to connect with the transformative power of ballet.

Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota

16368 Kenrick Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044, USA