Classical Ballet Academy of Minnesota

Classical Ballet Academy of Minnesota offers Pre-Ballet for ages 4-6, Beginning for ages 7-12, Intermediate levels 4-6, Boy’s Class once a week on Saturday, Advanced, Summer Classes, and Adult Classes on Wednesday from 5:00-6:30. The program says Pre-Ballet introduces children to ballet and dance, teaches universal dance steps, and helps children understand how to control movement and music. It also lists Beginning Intermediate, Choreography, private lessons, Level 1&2 DanceCamp, and the 31st MN DanceCamp Intensive among its summer options.

Programs

• Pre-Ballet — 4-6 · Introduce children to the joy and wonder of ballet/dance; teach universal dance steps; helps children understand how to control movement and music.
• Beginning — 7-12
• Intermediate — Levels 4-6; builds upon the Classical Foundation established in levels 1-3; adds variations to Pointe Class; dance roles are more demanding and the hours increase; technique advances and is refined.
• Boy’s Class — once a week on Saturday · A different type of class is required to train boys; elements of jumps, strength and turns are focused on; all boys train in the same class.
• Advanced
• Summer Classes — Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced; Pre-Ballet Worship; Level 1&2 DanceCamp; 31st MN DanceCamp Intensive; Choreography; Adult Classes; Private lessons.
• Adult Classes — Adult · Wednesday, 5:00-6:30 · Beginning/Beginning Intermediate.

At a glance

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Current session: September 9, 2026 – May 22, 2027 (Sep 9–May 22, 2027); June 7 – August 20, 2027 (Jun 7–Aug 20, 2027)

About the provider

The academy is led by Co-Directors Cheryl and Andrew Rist. It is now in its 37th year. Its mission is to teach the joy and artistry of dance to students age 4-Adult through quality education and performance. All CBA students perform twice a year in Ballet Minnesota’s ‘Nutcracker’ and the ‘Minnesota Dance Festival,’ and advanced dancers perform with Ballet MN in all productions.

What families say

“We have been involved with CBA with two of our children for over 16 years. We have had nothing but an excellent experience. The training is classical, thorough, and top notch. We have experienced nothing but encouragement, professionalism, and support from all of the instructors. I would recommend Classical Ballet Academy to any family wishing for top notch ballet instruction and training.” — Stephanie Marie

“Such a magical experience for my daughter! I did a lot of research on which ballet school to enroll my daughter in. The Classical Ballet Academy was a perfect balance of professional and yet fun. The opportunity for my daughter to perform in real performances with accomplished dancers from around the world is truly priceless!” — J Grams

Last updated October 18, 2026.