Classical Ballet Academy of Minnesota

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F O U N D E D   I N   1 9 8 8

Andrew & Cheryl Rist
Fourth Street, St Paul’s Lowertown District
across from the Union Depot

Moved in 2015 to 314 Chester Street, St Paul
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I N S T I L L S

Confidence     Respect     Joy     Focus
Determination     Appreciation    Creativity
and the Ability to Listen to Instruction

Photo: Level 2 Class
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Physical Activity Promotes a

H E A L T H Y   L I F E S T Y L E

photo: Conditioning at CBA studio
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D A N C E   F R I E N D S H I P S

Last A Lifetime

photo: backstage after a Nutcracker performance
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Learn And Perform

T H E  C L A S S I C  B A L L E T S 

SWAN LAKE     SLEEPING BEAUTY     NUTCRACKER
LA BAYADERE     DON QUIXOTE     GISELLE
COPPELIA    and may others

presented each year on the

M I N N E S O T A  D A N C E  F E S T I V A L

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 B O Y ‘ S   C L A S S

BOYS REQUIRE A DIFFERENT TRAINING CLASS FOR DANCE

Just like Girls Require a Pointe Class

Elements of Stretch, Strength, Jumps and Turns
Are Focused on in Each Class

As boys progress time is taken at the end of technique class
to focus on men’s steps
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 CBA Students

PERFORM WITH and are EXPOSED TO

The Artistry, Creativity and Beauty

Of different dance companies, choreographers and schools.

M I N N E S O T A  D A N C E  F E S T I V A L

produced by BALLET MINNESOTA
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 C B A   S T U D E N T S  (age 4-18)

Have The Opportunity To Perform In

Ballet Minnesota’s Stunning Production of the 

‘C L A S S I C’   N U T C R A C K E R

seen by Thousands annually for over 36 years 

At The O’Shaughnessy in December
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Y O U N G   C B A   D A N C E R S

Wait For That
M A G I C A L   M O M E N T

when they will step out onto the stage as
A N G E L S  in  the  N U T C R A C K E R

photo: Backstage at The O’Shaughnessy
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BALLET INVOLVES GROUP DANCING

Fostering

TEAMWORK  –  TRUST  –  MUSICALITY
DISCIPLINE  –  FOCUS  –  TECHNIQUE
and  PERSEVERENCE

photo: Neapolitan Dance From Swan Lake
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EMERGING CHOREOGRAPHERS

Must Be
Nurtured and Given A Place To Grow

.CBA Advanced Students CREATE A NEW WORK
to be presented on The Minnesota Dance Festival

photo: Emerging Choreographers Olive Charais & Beatrice Skulley
premiere their original ballet ‘Back To You’
Dancers: Adeline Shanahan, Sophia Joseph, Beatrice Skulley,
Kaitlyn Kockelman, Flannery Page, Olive Charais
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ART IS MAGIC FILLED WITH DREAMS

Young Boys & Girls

Are Encouraged to Go For Their Dreams

And

Along the Way an Amazing Wonder Happens
They Begin To Understand Who They Are
and What It Takes to Make A Dream Come True

photo: Degas Stature (Flannery Page) from ‘At The Museum’
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Sarah Ezzell, CBA Alumni, Professional Dancer
     Stuttgart Ballet, Germany
     Hamburg Ballet, Germany
     Mikhaylovsky Theater Ballet, St Petersburg, Russia

“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.”     – Sarah Ezzell –

Questions?
      Call or Text Andrew Rist (co-director)
651-210-0864

Emma Benja, CBA Alumni, Professional Dancer, Teacher
     Tokyo, Japan
     Faculty of K-Ballet in Japan

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! – Emma Benja –

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 P R I V A T E   C O A C H I N G

is available to
INTERMEDIATE and ADVANCED CBA STUDENTS

Photo:  Cheryl Rist coaching
an Advanced Student
for the Youth America Grand Prix
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 J O Y   O F   P E R F O R M I N G

Young Dancers Come to CBA to Learn to Dance.

YES!  But, more to the POINTE

T H E Y   C O M E   T O   P E R F O R M

photo: Mozart’s ‘Toy Symphony’  (original CBA ballet)
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CLASSICAL BALLET ACADEMY OF MN

is the Official School

 B A L L E T   M I N N E S O T A

All  CBA Students
perform in some Production produced by
Ballet Minnesota
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R E H E A R S A L

–  THE ULTIMATE CRUCIBILE  –

This integral part of a Dancer’s training
allows each person unto themself
to Enrich their Artistry and Go Beyond the Class.
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