Local Ballet School Relocates: Midwest School of Ballet Offering Classes in Edina and Eden Prairie

After programming shifts within the Edina Community Center's education services last year, Midwest School of Ballet (MWSB) brought its weekly program offerings to Main Street School of Performing Arts High School (MSSPA) in Hopkins. Last spring MSSPA announced it would be relocating to a larger and newly renovated site in Eden Prairie. Renamed, Performing Institute of Minnesota (PIM), its new building offers spacious and bright dance studios where MWSB will provide beginning through Advanced Ballet, Pointe, and Modern instruction for all ages . "PIM is unique in that it is a performing, fine and media arts high school by day with its own full calendar of performing arts productions; and by night it’s a hub for local artist organizations, such as Midwest School of Ballet, to offer their programs and events. The beautiful facilities will facilitate the opportunity for quality instruction and creative art to be produced," says Lara Ciganko, co-director of MWSB and dance instructor at PIM with over 30 years of educational and private teaching experience.

While MWSB continues to offer youth fundamental classes and its cross training promoting ballet class for Teens and Athletes, in Edina's Community Education program, the majority of MWSB classes will now be offered in Eden Prairie. "We are so fortunate to have two spaces to offer our classes. Edina's community programming allows students more flexibility in exploring their interest in dance. Classes at PIM, offer our introductory and fundamental classes for the recreational dancer, as well as a training program for more studious dancers in Ballet and Modern dance. Access to PIM Arts High School's performances and the Institute's other arts programming, provides our students an amazing environment for enhanced learning and art appreciation," says Eileen Kamp, MWSB co-director and instructor with almost 20 years of teaching experience.

As a non-profit started 9 years ago, Midwest School of Ballet offers a distinctive approach to dance instruction. Its "no competition, no costumes" emphasis means that weekly lessons focus on skill development, technique, and artistry, rather than rehearsing for an upcoming performance or competition. Marcia Keegan, MWSB instructor, also with a lengthy career in teaching states, " Teachers of Midwest School of Ballet are committed to the student's whole development, both as a dancer and an individual, regardless as to whether the student aspires to a career in dance. Because of our educational approach, we are honored, that Edina Community Education has continued to collaborate with us, and that PIM has selected to be both our host and sponsor."