Young Children's Division
MDT&S Young Children's Division (YCD) is a joyful introduction to dance for dancers ages 4 to 11. Students explore movement through imagery, music, and self-expression.
MDT is committed to advancing diversity and equity within our organization and our art form. We strive to cultivate a welcoming, inclusive culture that reflects our diverse Twin Cities community and supports an environment in which students and professionals from all backgrounds can thrive.
The MDT&S YCD school year is divided into two sessions: Session I and Session II. Separate registration is required for each session. Family observation days are scheduled for each session. YCD Session II dancers are invited to perform in the annual Strawberry Festival: A Student Showcase.
YCD Class Descriptions
YCD Ages 4-6 Classes
These age-appropriate classes are the joyful prelude to formal ballet and contemporary training. Young dancers will develop their understanding of rhythm and enhance their coordination as they explore fundamental dance movements in a welcoming, group-class environment. Creativity and self-expression are encouraged.
Intermediate Classes
At the Intermediate level, young dancers ages 7 to 9 train in ballet and contemporary dance with a heightened focus on alignment, musicality, and terminology. These classes prepare students for entrance into the Performing Arts Division. This is not a tuition-free class.
Boys Program Classes
MDT offers tuition-free classes for boys, ages 6 to 11. The classes are designed to give boys a welcoming introduction to dance, with emphasis on enhancing athletic skills, flexibility, coordination, and strength. Boys I is for ages 6-8 years old or for those who are new to dance. Boys II is for ages 7-11 years old. For dancers age 5 who wish to be considered for Boys classes, MDT requires a trial placement class at the beginning of the session. Final placement decisions made by MDT faculty based on evaluation.
Boys may register for YCD Ages 4-6 class, Intermediate and PAD classes. These classes are not tuition-free.
All YCD classes for the 2023-24 school year will take place at the MDT's Cowles Center studios.
Young Children's Division Schedule
Registration Information
YCD's 2023-2024 Session I begins the week of September 5th, 2023 and Session II begins January 22, 2024, per the calendar below.
A new family fee of $25.00 (not applicable to tuition) is applied with registration for students who are new to MDT. Full payment is due upon registration. Fees and tuition are non-refundable and non-transferable after the first week of classes (effective 9/10/23).
YCD students must be the appropriate age for a particular level by the first day of the session. Students enrolled in Session I who wish to continue in Session II must register online for Session II.
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.
MDT has a minimum enrollment policy of 5 students per class. If minimum enrollment is not met by the end of the third week of classes, MDT may cancel the class and provide alternative options to students.
Questions: Please email school@mndance.org
MDT&S YCD 2023-2024 Calendar*
September 5: Classes/Session I Begins
November 20-26: Thanksgiving Break (no regular YCD/PAD/Boys classes)
December 17-January 1: Winter Break
January 2: Regular Classes Resume
January 15: Martin Luther King Jr Observance - No classes
January 20: Session I ends (Session II Enrollment Deadline)
January 22: Session II Begins
April 1-April 7: Spring Break
April 8: Regular Classes Resume
May 24-25: Strawberry Festival: A Student Showcase
May 25: End of YCD/Boys Session II
June 1: Last day of PAD classes
*Subject To Change
Family Observation dates for YCD and PAD classes will be added to the calendar once these are set for each session.
YCD Performance Information
Strawberry Festival, A Student Showcase is the year-end performance for all students in the School, including Performing Arts Division and Young Children’s Division. Students will be required to attend a dress rehearsal leading up to performances.
