Business Details
17 Years
experience
Your Trusted Ballet Academy in Otsego, MN
North Ballet is dedicated to nurturing passion, honoring discipline, and making dreams possible through exceptional ballet training. Founded in 2009, we offer recreational, classical, and professional training programs tailored to dancers of all ages and skill levels. Our faculty includes nationally recognized instructors with extensive performance and pedagogy certifications. We provide robust performance opportunities, including full-length ballets, festivals, and competitions, while fostering lifelong skills like resilience and self-discipline.Our community-focused approach ensures accessible, inspiring classes for recreational dancers and rigorous training for aspiring professionals. With over 15 years of excellence, we have become a nationally awarded dance school and a trusted pillar in Minnesota's arts community. Our programs are designed to meet individual goals while maintaining the highest standards of artistic and technical development.
Services
Ballet Classes
Professional Training
Performance Opportunities
Summer Intensives
Adult Ballet
Acrobatic Arts
Pilates for Dancers
Jazz Instruction
Tap Classes
Choreography Services
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer Vaganova-based training with nationally certified instructors
- Our faculty includes former professional dancers from major companies
- We provide performance opportunities in full-length ballets and competitions
- We combine technical rigor with child development expertise
- Our alumni have been accepted into elite training programs nationwide
What people say
Enchanted land
Breathtaking dancing
Magical experience
Professional production
Transformative training
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet classes follow the Vaganova method with eight progressive levels. Students develop proper technique, musicality, and artistry through daily instruction. Classes are available for ages 3 to adults, with specialized programs for recreational dancers and pre-professional training.
Professional Training
This intensive program prepares dancers for professional careers through daily technique classes, pointe work, partnering, and performance training. Students receive mentorship and compete in prestigious events like YAGP while building a professional portfolio.
Performance Opportunities
We offer diverse performance experiences including full-length classical ballets, contemporary works, and competition teams. Annual productions like The Nutcracker provide valuable stage time while community outreach performances engage local audiences.
Summer Intensives
Our summer programs provide concentrated training with guest instructors from major companies. Dancers receive daily classes in ballet, pointe, variations, and conditioning while preparing for the upcoming season's repertoire.
Acrobatic Arts
Certified instructors teach safe acrobatic techniques including tumbling, handstands, and aerial skills. This program enhances dancers' strength, flexibility, and spatial awareness while complementing their ballet training.
People
Mr. R. Anthony Schweighardt
Artistic Director
Former professional dancer with Charlotte Ballet and Twin Cities Ballet with 12+ years teaching experience. Certified in Pilates, Acrobatic Arts, and ABT National Training Curriculum. Choreographed award-winning works for major companies.
Katie Sem Kocinski
Executive Director
Founder of North Ballet with 15+ years leading arts education programs. Holds a BFA in Dance and extensive experience developing community-focused performing arts organizations. Former student of Loyce Holton's Nutcracker production.
Lexi Bateman
Young Dancer Division Instructor
Classically trained Vaganova method instructor with degrees in Psychological Science and dance. Former performer with Creighton Dance Company and Ballet Co.Laboratory. Specializes in early childhood ballet education.
Sage Engle-Laird
Professional Training Division Instructor
Professional dancer with Ballet Austin and Ballet Virginia. Holds BS in Kinesiology and extensive competition judging experience. Teaches advanced ballet technique and prepares students for professional auditions.
Maddy Werner
Classical Training Division Instructor
Former Houston Ballet Academy student with teaching experience in classical ballet and injury prevention. Retired law enforcement officer who transitioned to dance education. Produces classical ballet productions for the academy.
Questions
What ballet training methods do you use?
We primarily use the Vaganova method with eight progressive levels, supplemented by contemporary techniques and acrobatic training.
Do you offer adult ballet classes?
Yes, we have recreational ballet classes for adults with no prior experience required.
How can students prepare for professional careers?
Our Professional Training Division offers daily technique classes, competition preparation, and mentorship from former company dancers.
What performance opportunities are available?
Students participate in annual productions like The Nutcracker, regional competitions, and community outreach performances.
Are there programs for young children?
We offer Mommy & Me classes starting at age 3 and structured recreational programs through our Young Dancer Division.
Do you provide summer dance programs?
Yes, our summer intensives include guest instructors, technique refinement, and repertoire preparation for the upcoming season.
Reviews (6)
Kristine Holmes
Feb 01, 2022
Report
We have been dancing here for more then 5 years and love it! The quality of training is fantastic and the environment is family friendly! Maybe I'll see you there!
Wendy Vinge
Oct 06, 2021
Report
Amazing teachers. My daughter absolutely loves coming to North Ballet. All of the performances are beautifully put together.
Tuesday Rumley
Aug 26, 2018
Report
I have had the privilege of taking my nieces and nephew to North Ballet for four years now. The children have learnt so much from the instructors. The classes help children form strong student friendships and a love for dance. The class structure is very formal, allowing clear boundaries and recognition of what needs to be focused on. LOVE LOVE LOVE... ( we drive 30 min to be able to give our children this opportunity ITS THAT GOOD)...
Jeffrey Montoya
Jun 15, 2018
Report
Enrolling our daughter at North Ballet Academy may very well be one of the best decisions we've made for her so far. The staff is professional and trustworthy. The instructors are firm yet fair, and they put on the most tasteful and entertaining recitals of any youth dance center in the area. Our daughter has learned discipline and that hard work pays off. On top of that she's learned an appreciation for classical music. If you are considering enrolling your child in a dance school, look no further.
Clarice Stanley
Feb 08, 2018
Report
I loved it there, very Professional, and fun. I wanted to go another year, but my sister did not so my mother said no. Everyone was very nice, and polite, worth it all. My name is Clarice Stanley. At one point I just wanted to hang out with my friends, but I'm happy I didn't. I loved learning ballet, great experience! I wish I could keep doing it, I miss it so much! I loved doing the dance too, SOO much fun!! I loved the teacher, Ms.Dvorak (sorry if misspell, haven't been their in a year ) I loved it though I miss it .
Racheal Montoya
Jan 16, 2018
Report
Fantastic ballet studio. We shopped around several dance schools for our daughter, and initially started her at a different studio in the area for her first year of dancing, before we found North Ballet Academy. Now shes in the middle of her 4th year there, and its her favorite place to be. The owners and staff are all super professional, helpful, and kind. Not only do the kids have fun there, they also produce really talented dancers.
