Classical Ballet Academy of Minnesota

Andrew’s interests have always been in the areas of teaching, directing & choreography. After dancing professionally for 14 years, Loyce Houlton encouraged Andrew to become Avocational Director of the Minnesota Dance Theater school (1986-87). In 1987, Andrew and his wife Cheryl took steps in a new direction and co-founded the Classical Ballet Academy of Minnesota. Andrew is co-director of CBA and teaches intermediate through advanced students.

For more information about Andrew Rist’s work, click here.

Cheryl, a graduate of the Cornish School of Arts in Seattle, was the recipient of seven Arts Scholarships. Her teachers included Robert Joffrey, Loyce Houlton, Hanya Holm, Flemming Halby and Frank Bourman. She began dancing with Sacramento Ballet under the direction of Jean-Paul Comelin (formerly Paris Opera Ballet). She danced as a principal with the Banff Festival, the Minnesota Dance Theater (under the direction of Loyce Houlton) and Ballet Minnesota. Cheryl is the co-director of CBA and teaches intermediate through advanced students.

For more information about Cheryl Rist’s work, click here.

Zoe began her training at and graduated from Classical Ballet Academy of MN. She is a company member with Ballet Minnesota. She has performed lead roles in classical ballets such as the Nutcracker (the Rose), Les Sylphides (soloist), Coppelia (Swanhilda) and La Bayadere. She has also performed in original ballets choreographed by Andrew Rist including the lead in Bolero. Presently she is also attending the University of Minnesota.

Sarah Pelletier enrolled in the Classical Ballet Academy of Minnesota as a level 1 student in 2000 and graduated the Academy at Level 8 in 2008. She has danced in the classics Ballet Minnesota productions of Swan Lake and Giselle, restaged by Cheryl Rist. She has also danced in other original works by Andrew Rist including: ‘Black Dog Cafe’, ‘Nightmare’, Sorcer’s Apprentice, ‘At The Museum’, Emperor’s New Clothes ‘River Songs, and original version of ‘Nutcracker. Sarah taught ballet and choreographed original dance at Rain Academy of Dance in Hastings receiving an awards for original choreography. She and her sister Rebecca also choreographed a dance in the original production of Amahl.

Kaitlyn began her training at Classical Ballet Academy of Minnesota. She has danced in many classical ballets restaged by Cheryl Rist. She has also appeared in many original ballets choreographed by Andrew Rist. In 2024 she danced the lead role of the Rose in Ballet Minnesota’s ‘Classic’ Nutcracker.  She is also an accomplished harpist and will go away to college next year.  She has taught pre-ballet, level 2 and 3.