Adult Open Division

Find the joy in ballet technique with inspiring, supportive instructors who encourage body wellness, musicality, and camaraderie with others. All are welcome. Class levels range from beginner to advanced professional for adults and teens, ages 18 and up.


Classes are ongoing year-round; dates are added to denote exceptions to the schedule.


Minnesota Dance Theatre values the diversity and talents of the community in which we work, learn and perform. 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 and belong.


Open Division News and Information is below. For most up to date schedule information and announcements please follow us on social media: Facebook or Instagram.

Open Division Morning drop-in schedule:


Monday 9:30-11am

  • Open Int/Adv Ballet w/ Helen Hatch, accompanied by Tom Linker

Friday 9:30-11am

  • Open Int/Adv Ballet 9:30-11am w/ Kerry Parker,  accompanied by Joe Strachan

Saturday 9:30-11am

  • Open Int Ballet 9:30-11am w/ Justin Leaf, accompanied by Martha Brown
  • Saturday, April 19, 9:30-11:30am - Master Class with ABT Regisseur, Susan Jones
  • Open to int/adv dancers ages 13 and up. ALL DANCERS MUST REGISTER HERE.
  • This is in place of our regularly scheduled open class. Unfortunately, we will be unable to accommodate drop-ins on Saturday 4/19.

Saturday 4/19 - Q&A with Gillian Murphy, 12:30-1:15pm

  • Only $15, registration required. Register here!

Sunday 11am-1pm - Building is closed Sunday 4/20. No classes will be held.

  • 11:00-12:30 Open Int Ballet w/ Sally Rousse, accompanied by Marya Hart
  • 12:30-1pm Pointe will be offered. Minimum 3 participants.

Open Division Evening drop-in schedule:


 Monday 7-8:30pm -  Begins Monday, April 14

  • Open Adult Int Ballet w/ Justin Leaf


Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm

  • 6:30-8pm Open Beg/Int Ballet w/ Kerry Parker
  • 8-8:30pm Pointe will be offered. Minimum 3 participants.

    Please update your MDT Release form:  https://forms.gle/VgRmwCr7fvHCRLWL7


Registration Information

In-studio classes: Single classes and class cards can be purchased before class begins. For Ballet Fundamentals and special workshops, pre-registration is required. We accept cash, check, or PayPal for single classes and class card purchases.

  • Single 90-Minute Class $16
  • 60-Minute Class or Barre $12
  • 30-Minute Pointe Class $6
  • 10-Class Card $120
  • 5-Class Card $65


Purchase class cards below or in person prior to the start of class.  If you purchase a class card online, please show your confirmation email to the monitor prior to the start of your next class, and you will be given a card.  Payment for class must be reconciled before class begins.

Class Prices

Ballet Fundamentals I 

Learn the basics of ballet alongside other adults and teens, ages 16 and up. Fundamentals is a basic introduction to ballet and can be taken repeatedly until ready to progress to beginning level drop-in classes.


TUESDAY SPRING SESSION - 12 weeks

April 1 - June 17, 2025

Tuesdays 7:00-8:30pm,  528 Hennepin Ave 6th floor, Studio 6A

Session Tuition: $175

Classes require a minimum of 7 registrants.


If for any reason you need to cancel your registration, you will receive a refund, less a $25 cancellation fee, provided you cancel prior to Thursday, March 27, 2025. Cancellation requests should be made in writing to school@mndance.org.


Ballet Fundamentals II

A continuation for those who participated in Fundamentals I looking to progress and expand beyond the basics of ballet learned previously.


WEDNESDAY SPRING SESSION - 12 weeks

April 2 - June 18, 2025

Wednesdays 6:30-8:00pm, 528 Hennepin Ave 6th floor MDT Studio 2B

Each Session Tuition: $175
Classes require a minimum of 7 registrants.


If for any reason you need to cancel your registration, you will receive a refund, less a $25 cancellation fee, provided you cancel prior to Thursday, March 27, 2025. Cancellation requests should be made in writing to school@mndance.org.

Schedule Updates

If we cancel classes due to winter weather, we will update this page on our website and post an update on the MDT Facebook page and MDT Instagram account (@mndancetheatre) as soon as possible. In case of winter weather, please check for those updates before coming in for class.

FAQs

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • I’ve never taken ballet before. Which class should I take?

    We recommend that you begin with our Ballet Fundamentals series, offering the basics of ballet vocabulary and technique, preparing you for Beginning Ballet. Ballet Fundamentals II is slightly more advanced than Fundamentals I and will provide another stepping stone to prepare you for Beginning Ballet drop-in classes.

  • I haven’t danced in several years, which class should I take?

    We recommend starting with Ballet Fundamentals and moving up to Beginning-Intermediate when you feel ready. Some students take a combination of these classes.

  • When do classes begin?

    Our adult classes are ongoing throughout the year. Ballet Fundamentals or other special workshops have specific start dates.

  • How do I register?

    Most of our classes for adults are open, meaning you can start whenever you like and take as many or as few classes as you like, paying for a single class at a time or purchasing a class card. Ballet Fundamentals and other special workshops require pre-registration, and the link to register can be found on this page.

  • What is the dress code?

    There is no official dress code for open classes, but we recommend that whatever you wear allows for full range of motion and shows the line of your body (e.g. tights and leotard or t-shirt and leggings).

  • Do I need ballet slippers?

    You will want ballet slippers eventually. Grand Jete in St. Paul is an excellent source for dance shoes: 975 Grand Avenue in St. Paul (651-227-0331). If you are unable to acquire shoes before your first class, you can start in 100% cotton socks.

  • Will I be the only adult in the Beginning Class?

    The students in all our classes range in age from 16 – 70. Attendance varies from night to night, so it is always a different mix.

  • Is there a difference between Beginning Ballet and Ballet Fundamentals?

    Yes. Ballet Fundamentals is the first step in our adult program and is meant for students with no prior experience, providing the basics of ballet vocabulary and classroom etiquette. Students with previous but not extensive ballet classes or who complete our Fundamentals class are best suited for Beginning Ballet. 

  • Which classes offer pointe work?

    Pointe is taught as a half-hour class following Intermediate Ballet on Sundays and Beginning/Intermediate Ballet on Wednesdays. For more advanced dancers, you are welcome to wear pointe shoes for as much of the regular classes as you wish.   

  • Do you offer any Modern or Jazz classes?

    Not on a regular basis. We occasionally offer special workshops taught by guest artists. These offerings will be posted on the Open Division page on our website under Special Workshops and on the Open Division bulletin board. 

  • How do I find out if classes are cancelled?

    If we decide to cancel classes, we will update the Open Division page on our website, and post an update on the MDT Facebook and Instagram pages. In case of winter weather, please check in those places before coming in for class. If nothing has been posted, please assume class is running as usual. 


    We try to keep open classes going through the year, as many students and teachers are fine with traveling when there's snow. We will cancel classes if travel conditions are especially dangerous, or if no one is available to teach the class due to travel conditions. 


    Please email school@mndance.org if you have any questions.