SAINT PAUL BALLET
655 Fairview Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55104 www.spballet.org

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Organizations Filed Purposes: Saint Paul Ballet's vision is to rejoice in the beauty and immediacy of dance with the widest possible audience and to lift the human spirit through the art of ballet. Its mission is to provide the finest dance education, reduce barriers to involvement in the art of dance, and perform a vibrant repertory with a passion for the highest level of excellence.

SPB annually presents a holiday show, original work from local choreographers, and a spring showcase. Collaborators included local Emmy winner T. Mychael Rambo, James Sewell, artistic director and choreographer of James Sewell Ballet, emerging choreographer Helen Hatch of Hatch Dance, and professional dancers of James Sewell Ballet. A new ballet was created, A Nutcracker Story with artistic direction and choreography by local master Lirena Branitski whose career was as first soloist of the Kiev State Theater Opera in Russia and costumes by Christina Onusko. This year performances in St. Paul drew over 1800 adults, seniors and children. SPB cancelled its spring performance which was scheduled for the end of May and will not be able to hold any performances for the remainder of the calendar year due to closure of all theaters and restrictions on public gatherings.

St. Paul Ballet is a leader in classical dance education that is broadening ballet to reflect the diversity of our St. Paul community. SPB employs 22 people, including artists, teachers, musicians and staff who are dedicated to creating a welcoming and equitable environment to spark creativity and self-expression as we interpret our world to create positive change through dance. SPB offers two programs in a welcoming environment where our veteran, accomplished teaching staff differentiates us: 1) The Pre-professional Program serves approximately 100 students ages 5-18 in a progressive ballet curriculum that builds the foundation for college-level programs, conservatory or a professional dance career; 2) The Recreational Program serves an additional 120 students ages 2.5 to retirees, including some trying ballet for the first time. Classes are held on a drop-in basis at very affordable rates. Bridge Introductory ballet classes for older students is in its second year with the goal of moving children who have a late start into the pre-professional program. All ballet classes have live accompaniment by musicians, enrichment in contemporary ballet, modern and other dance genres. The School has a close affiliation with local professional dancers and choreographers so all pre-professional students have opportunities to perform in professional productions, which is key to well-rounded training. The community program shares the same level of excellence in teachers as the pre-professional program. SPB held just over one-half of the pre-professional and recreational training program before its studios were closed due to the pandemic. Re-opening began June 22 just before the end of the fiscal year.

SPB is a founding partner in the new Co-Motion Center for Movement, a non-profit arts and athletics collaborative located in the diverse Hamline-Midway neighborhood of St. Paul. Co-Motion began organically as the St. Paul Ballet and Element Gym shared common space with dancers and boxers, working and training side by side. The partnership evolved as the two groups learned more about their common goals to transform lives, break down barriers through their craft and their unique opportunity to bring cultures together. Their first major joint performance The Art of Boxing - The Sport of Ballet in 2017 received enthusiastic support from a diverse audience with audience members calling their common piece "transformative" and "life changing." Professional dancers, teachers, coaches and athletes in both organizations work directly with children and teens demonstrating "if you can see it, you can be it." Their strategic relationship is built on the value of movement, wellness and the desire to introduce people of all backgrounds to others who they may never share anything with in their everyday lives. SPB and Element Gym are committed to creating access for people who currently do not engage in moving arts by reducing barriers.

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