Classical Ballet Academy of Minnesota

Emma Benja, CBA graduate and Professional Dance

At a late age of 12 I joined Classical Ballet Academy and my experience here was life changing. I came without understanding any fundamentals of classical ballet, but by the time I graduated I had the confidence to pursue ballet as my career.  Andrew and Cheryl were very patient with me from the beginning and put in a lot of time and care to help me progress. Their teaching method of balancing discipline with nurturing created an environment for me to find my own strengths and weaknesses. A very special memory of mine was performing in Classical Ballet Academy’s annul shows. Every performance opportunity was an unforgettable experience. The professional rehearsing process also taught me the importance of dedication, responsibly and team work. In 4 short years Andrew and Cheryl prepared me the essential tools needed to become successful wherever I go. Most importantly, they led me to find my passion for dance. Andrew and Cheryl are the 2 most influential people that shaped me into becoming the dancer/person I am today. I am forever grateful for having met such inspiring teachers!
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     – Now living in Tokyo as a professional dancer –

Sara Ezzel, CBA graduate and Professional Dance

The ten years I spent studying dance at the Classical Ballet Academy of Minnesota were invaluable to my childhood. The discipline and perseverance I learned served me in every facet of my life, but even more precious are my countless experiences of self expression through dance. Andrew and Cheryl nurtured a creative, imaginative haven that offered me the space, care, guidance and opportunity to discover and explore my creative potential. Professional performance opportunities such as the Classic 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 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.  Thank you Andy and Cheryl!

     – Sara Ezzel, a CBA alum, previously with the Stuttgart Ballet -Germany, St Petersburg Ballet – Russian, and John Neumeier’s Bundesjugendballet – Hamburg Germany is now an independent artist.