Ballet Co.Laboratory - St Paul, Minnesota

Danielle

Most creative choreography and performances in the Twin Cities! The company and school offer a diverse community of supportive artists and instruction in traditional ballet as well as modern dancing styles. Performance opportunities for students are plentiful. This creative environment is LGBTQ+ friendly.

Damien Fredericks

My daughter was a trainee here last year. I wanted to love this program for her, but it was actually bad for her and now she's totally quit dance. It was just too hard to have a job and dance here (how do others pay for it?), and it seemed like the director and the other trainees who had gone to the studio didn't really want or need anyone who they didn't already know. It's probably a great program for girls who went to this studio before.

The good parts are that I think there is quality instruction, and I appreciate that they accept bigger girls here because she felt too large to fit in at other pre-professional programs. Also, some of the company members seem older, which is nice.

Erin Kennedy

At Ballet Co.Laboratory, there really is A Home for Every Dancer. I am so grateful to have found this studio and its incredible teachers.
After tiring of the world and culture of competitive dance, my daughter asked to find another studio where she could focus on ballet. We tried one summer session at Ballet Co.Laboratory, and there was no looking back!
My daughter immediately felt at home with teachers who gently correct, encourage, and challenge her in every class. Never before have I seen so many "hands on" corrections! Instructors at Ballet Co.Laboratory are dedicated to building a strong foundation, proper alignment, and impeccable technique. The culture here is warm, friendly, and inclusive.
I'd like to single out Rosa and Aldonza whose care is so genuine, that watching them teach is truly inspiring. And school manager, Anna Betz, is incredibly efficient, responsive, and communicative. In fact, the school does an amazing job communicating with parents. We have children in many sports with many organizations, and Ballet Co.Laboratory has the best communication practices and clearly lays out every expectation for parents and dancers.
Thank you for all your hard work! It does not go unnoticed, and it is truly appreciated!

Christi L

Absolutely love this place!! I am in my second year as a Trainee here and I am very happy! We receive a lot of coaching and I feel that my technique is getting better because of it. There are lots of dancing opportunities throughout the year and the community here is good- The teachers and company members are really nice and supportive of the Trainees!

Rebecca Gale (Becky)

I have been dancing with BCL for five years as an adult learner and continue to just adore the studio. I have had the joy of participating in weekend and weekly summer workshops learning classical choreography, the fundamentals course (starting again after a sad 1.5 year hiatus), many beginning classes with the amazing Genevieve, gentle adult ballet, and intermediate classes with Rosa! Every teacher brings something special to the table. The atmosphere is always supportive. It can be intimidating and vulnerable to try a new hobby as an adult, and it could easily feel like you look 'stupid.' Those teaching at BCL do so in such a way that it is about learning and growing, not how good you look trying an activity for the first time.

I could go on and on about how highly I think of BCL in many other ways too, but I will sum up with: wonderful instructors and staff, absolutely welcoming, great teaching, cool studio space, and fantastic performances put on throughout the year! They just put on Midsummer Night's Dream and it was just evocative and beautiful.

Mada Nana

Ballet Co. Laboratory has provided our granddaughter with an excellent pathway into the world of the performing arts. As a trainee in the BCL program she's experienced the business side of dance, she's performed in many theater productions and has been excellently coached by a professional dance staff. Her love for dance has grown and she's found a community of friendship. It's been a joy to see! If you're looking for a positive dance experience you'll find it here. Thank you Ballet Co. Laboratory!

Charlotte Tracy

I've been lucky enough to be dancing at BCL as both a student and as a Trainee since its founding, and I can say it is truly an amazing community to be a part of! Not only are the classes wonderful and challenging, but there are so many different programs offered for people at all stages in their dance journeys. I have made friends and connections with people at BCL that I know will last me a lifetime. Also, I have been fortunate enough to be in many BCL productions, and I can say that the atmosphere both on and offstage is professional while still maintaining the joy of a live performance. I love being able to be a part of large productions that involve both the school and company. I have two sisters in the program as well, and being able to see everyone onstage together is really special.

Sheena Jimmick

I’m a firm believer that young children should be exposed to dance. Even if they turn out not to enjoy dancing, the skills dance teaches are applicable to every sport and provide a solid foundation for a lifetime of physical fitness. I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that dance classes have had on my nieces and nephews— both their physical development and their confidence. When I had my son, I knew I’d be enrolling him in dance as soon as possible. I found this studio and signed him up for Family Dance (for ages 2-4 plus a parent), starting him just before he turned 2 (with advance permission from the teacher).

My son is very physically advanced, but mentally and emotionally he is a young 2-year-old. He is also going through a very clingy and shy phase. During the first class, he clung to me and cried for the majority of the time. His wonderful teacher, Miss Michelle, was so patient and worked hard to meet him where he was. I fully expected her to tell me to withdraw him from the class and try again in 6 months, but she didn’t. Each week she worked to break through his shyness and each week he participated more and more.

At home I have seen amazing changes in him over this 6 week session. He talks about class and often asks to play games that we learned there. He skips and leaps back and forth across the house, neither of which he could do before class and neither of which I expected a (barely) 2-year-old to be capable of. The class was affordable and the value for money was unbelievable. We will be attending more classes in the future and I recommend this studio to anyone with young children. We encountered endless kindness and patience in a place that radiates a love of dance.