Official School of BALLET MINNESOTA

Why  CLASSICAL BALLET ACADEMY of MN

Co-Directors: Cheryl and Andrew Rist

 Performance Opportunities

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     – now in its 37th year,
     – teaches the joy and artistry of dance
     – to students age 4-Adult
     – through quality education and performance.

What is Being Said About CBA

Classical Ballet Academy has been such a gift to our family. CBA is a small studio that offers personalized professional ballet instruction with a family feel. Through all of the classes, and various productions the students are lucky enough to perform in, our girls have grown up to be responsible for themselves, punctual, determined, hard working ballet dancers. Artistry and technique are emphasized and we consider ourselves lucky to have choosen this school so many years ago.                          – Emily Charais –

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 –

                  September 9, 2026 – May 22, 2027

   PRE-BALLET  (ages 4-6) 

   –  Introduce children to the joy
         and wonder of ballet/dance.

   –  Teach universal dance steps
         (polka, gallop, chase and others)

   –  Allows children to understand how
         to control movement and music

                  September 9, 2026 – May 22, 2027

   BEGINNING   (age 7-12)    Levels 1-3

   –  Set a strong foundation: barre.
         center, floor and pointe (level 3)

   –  Teach a healthy understanding of
         the technique of ballet.

   –  Focus: posture, arms, gradual
         introduction of ballet steps.

            September 9, 2026 – May 22, 2027

   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

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                September 9, 2026 – May 22, 2027

      BOY’S CLASS   

   –  A Different Type Of Class is Required
         to Train Boys, just like girls require
         a Pointe Class.

   –  Elements of Jumps, Strength and Turns
         are focused on.

   –  Class meets once a week on Saturday.
         All boys train in same class

                September 9, 2026 – May 22, 2027

      ADVANCED     LEVELS 7-8 

   –  PRE-PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING
         ARTS DIVISION.

   –  Years of Graded Training, Invested
         Hours and Performance are
         required to reach this level.

   –  Advanced dancers perform with
         Ballet MN in all Productions

                     June 7 – August 20, 2027

   SUMMER CLASSES
     ( 2027 UPDATE on FEBRUARY 2027)

   –  Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced
   –  Pre-Ballet Worship
   –  Level 1&2 DanceCamp
   –  31st MN DanceCamp Intensive
   –  Choreography
   –  Adult Classes
   –  Private lessons

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A D U L T  C L A S S E S
Beginning/Beginning Intermediate ……………… Wednesday,  5:00 – 6:30

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CBA Graduate: Sara Ezzell

     CBA Alumni, Principal Dancer
         Mikhaylovsky Theater, Russia
         Stuttgart Ballet, Germany
         Hamburg Ballet, Germany

“The ten years I spent studying dance at Classical Ballet Academy were invaluable in my childhood. Andrew and Cheryl nurtured a creative, imaginative haven that offered me space, care, guidance and opportunity to discover and explore my creative potential. Professional performance opportunities such as the Nutcracker and Andrew Rist’s magical children’s ballets were so exciting to be a part of. I watched the potential of dance, storytelling and teamwork blossom before my eyes. I grew up in a world of music and inspiration, playing hide and seek in the theaters with friends that I am still close with. Looking back, I can see what a special experience I had at CBA. Everything I have pursued in my life has benefited greatly from my joy and base in the creative process.”
                                              – Sara Ezzell –