Minnesota Dance Theatre

Minnesota Dance Theatre A historic, Minneapolis-based ballet organization committed to preserving the legacy of classical ballet in modern times.

MDT is under the leadership of former American Ballet Theatre dancer Lauren Post. Founded in 1962 by Loyce Houlton, Minnesota Dance Theatre & School is a flagship dance company in Minnesota, having achieved recognition both locally and abroad for performances that feature a range of classical and contemporary dance. Since 1995, Loyce’s daughter, Lise Houlton, has led the organization, commissioning new works and drawing from an eclectic repertory of dance masterworks. The MDT school operates in vital partnership with the company, providing students with high quality training, performance opportunities, and mentorship from company dancers. MDT produces several theatrical performances each year. For over fifty years, MDT has performed Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy, recognized as the longest running holiday arts event in Minnesota, entertaining over 1.6 million people since 1964.

Introducing the world premiere of MDT’s The Nutcracker Suite! 🍬❄️🌸Join us December 18–20 at The Cowles Center for Dance ...
07/21/2026

Introducing the world premiere of MDT’s The Nutcracker Suite! 🍬❄️🌸

Join us December 18–20 at The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts for this new holiday tradition.

Featuring new works by acclaimed choreographers Gemma Bond (Gemma Bond), Darrius Strong (Darrius Strong), Brady Farrar (Brady Farrar), Aloe Liu (Aloe Ao Liu), and Katie Deuitch (Katie Deuitch), this 90-minute experience is perfect for audiences of all ages.

Each performance features live orchestra accompaniment by Lakes Area Music Festival (Lakes Area Music Festival) and a live choir from Lake Country School (Lake Country School).

Tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for children under 12. On sale Friday, September 4!

Reminder: don’t forget to sign up for The Nutcracker Suite workshops this August for dancers ages 8–18! Click the link in bio to register today.

Train with American Ballet Theatre’s Brady Farrar (Brady Farrar) at MDT on Wednesday, July 29, from 2–3:30 p.m.!This opp...
07/15/2026

Train with American Ballet Theatre’s Brady Farrar (Brady Farrar) at MDT on Wednesday, July 29, from 2–3:30 p.m.!

This opportunity is part of MDT’s new Acclaimed Artist Series, which welcomes celebrated dancers, teachers, choreographers, and artistic leaders from the world’s most respected ballet companies to work directly with MDT students and the broader Twin Cities community. 

This class is open to advanced dancers ages 13+ and is $35. MDT students receive 50% off. 

Click the link in bio to register today! ✨

NEW! Adult Intermediate Ballet Class with Leah Gallas (Leah Gallas)! Join Leah on Wednesdays from 9:30–11 a.m., July 8–A...
07/01/2026

NEW! Adult Intermediate Ballet Class with Leah Gallas (Leah Gallas)!

Join Leah on Wednesdays from 9:30–11 a.m., July 8–August 26! An optional Pointe class will also be offered from 11–11:30 a.m.

Leah brings a wealth of professional experience, having danced with Colorado Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Virginia Ballet Theatre, Minnesota Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, and James Sewell Ballet. We can’t wait to welcome her to the studio this summer!

The Grand Opening of our dreams captured on film!Thank you to everyone that celebrated with us… we love our new home and...
06/22/2026

The Grand Opening of our dreams captured on film!

Thank you to everyone that celebrated with us… we love our new home and cannot wait to be here for years to come. 💓

Registration for the 2026—27 school year is now open! World-class training for all levels and ages, led by Artistic Dire...
06/20/2026

Registration for the 2026—27 school year is now open! World-class training for all levels and ages, led by Artistic Director Lauren Post (Lauren Post), Artistic Associate Joanna Mednick (joanna_mednick_ballet), and Principal Teacher Michelle Vagi (Michelle Vagi).

Register by June 30 and save 10% with code: EARLYBIRD

NEW class alert ‼️ Intermediate Contemporary for adults ages 16+ with Darrius Strong (Darrius Strong) will be held each ...
06/19/2026

NEW class alert ‼️

Intermediate Contemporary for adults ages 16+ with Darrius Strong (Darrius Strong) will be held each Monday from 5:30-7 through August 31.

Don’t miss this limited time opportunity with such a talented and special artist. See you there! 🕺

We are so proud to announce that two of MDT’s advanced dancers, Josie and Ayla, have been invited to the following summe...
06/11/2026

We are so proud to announce that two of MDT’s advanced dancers, Josie and Ayla, have been invited to the following summer intensives on scholarship:

- Josie Showalter | Pacific Northwest Ballet | Full-ride scholarship
- Ayla Davis | Ballet West | Partial scholarship, including a short stay invitation at the Ballet West Academy this past April

Congratulations, ladies! We can’t wait to hear about your exciting experiences 💕

Address

528 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN
55403

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 7pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 7pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 7pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 5pm
Saturday 9:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16123380627

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Minnesota Dance Theatre posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Establishment

Send a message to Minnesota Dance Theatre:

Shortcuts

Share