St. Paul Ballet is recognized for its dedication to
classical training, dance education and professional performances of its youth company.


Today’s dancer can do more than ever and choreographers are embracing the new fluid boundaries of ballet. Whatever 21st century ballet becomes you can be sure it will be deep and wide and rich as it always has been and St. Paul Ballet wants to be part of its evolution. As we extend our movement vocabulary we hope to stir our souls and articulate the resplendent as well as the relevant.

We are in our ninth year of collaboration with other arts and fitness organizations which has been one of the most enriching and rewarding relationships we could have hoped for. Our community extends beyond our studio doors to embrace what looks like the most unlikely partnership on the surface but is actually a shared vision for uniting community around movement, health, hopes and dreams. The things that make communities thrive and make us all stronger and more creative and vibrant.

We strive to create a nurturing environment in which the student’s individual development is supported. The pre-professional program provides students with exceptional clarity and strength while encouraging a life-long love of dance and healthy body image. Live accompaniment, enrichment in modern and character dance along with promotion of health and well-being complete the training.

Students enrolled in the pre-professional program build the foundation for college-level programs, conservatory or a professional career. Over 80 students each year are trained in the progressive curriculum augmented by modern dance and other genres to create the well-rounded dancer. The training is divided into levels appropriate to the age, maturity and dance expertise of each student. Auditions are required for placement and progressive advancement is based on strength, physical development and mastery.

There is no substitute for actively participating in art. We have found that a welcoming, non judgmental atmosphere is the most critical factor in participation. St. Paul ballet celebrates inclusiveness and values all body types.

The recreational program at the School of SPB serves an additional 200 students from the youngest at 2-1/2 along with their parents to those 55 or better trying dance for the first time. These classes are held in convenient multi-week sessions and on a drop-in basis with class cards at very affordable rates.

Other barriers to participation include location (transportation) and cost. At St. Paul Ballet we have the good fortune of residing just three blocks off the Greenline LRT in St. Paul. In 2019, we will give over $10,000 in scholarships annually and we always offer the first class free.

SPB also serves the broader population of St. Paul and Minneapolis through:
• Saint Paul Public Schools Community Education
• Open rehearsals and showings 
• Pay-As-Able tickets to all performances

Saint Paul Ballet is a 501(c)(3) organization.


Location

655 Fairview Avenue N., St. Paul (in the Fairview Business Center just 3 blocks north of the University/Fairview Ave. Greenline LRT station) Phone: 651-690-1588

St. Paul Ballet is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities at St. Paul Ballet are based upon one’s qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. All employment opportunities are provided without regard to race, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.


Board of Directors
Sarah Leismer, Interim Chair, Medtronic  sleismer@spballet.org
Brianne Bland, Secretary, Photographer and former company member Washington Ballet bbland@spballet.org
Lillyan Hoyos, Treasurer, Account Director at Altus Marketing & Business Development   lhoyos@spballet.org

Amber Genetsky, Chiropractor, and Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board, SMSC Wellness Center  agenetsky@spballet.org
Katherine Kreiser, Business Partnership Executive – BioPharma Diagnostics, Mayo Clinic 
kkreiser@spballet.org
Christina Onusko, SPB School Director, Director, Block and Grading Services, Alvanon   conusko@spballet.org

School Director
Christina Onusko conusko@spballet.org

Resident Choreographer
Helen Hatch hhatch@spballet.org

Executive Director
Lori Gleason  lgleason@spballet.org

Directors Emeritus
David Trayers

Marla Murphy-Guddal 

History
Saint Paul Ballet (SPB) sprung from the melding of St. Anthony School of Dance with the St. Anthony Performing Arts Guild in the historic Grand Avenue “studios above the hardware store” where ballet has been taught for over 60 years. The non-profit was originally established in 1997 and in 2013, SPB was restructured with teaching artists as employees and grew exponentially. In 2014, SPB moved to it’s current location at 655 Fairview Avenue N. expanding to three-studios in 5,000 square feet to better serve the community. SPB has always maintained a school with a pre-professional program and avocational classes. Performances feature the students and incorporate professional dancers, musicians and actors to lift the human spirit!