Ballet Minnesota Tickets

With a foundation dating back to 1990, Ballet Minnesota has grown into a cornerstone of Minnesota’s performing arts scene. Founded by Andrew and Cheryl Rist, the company operates in tandem with the Classical Ballet Academy of Minnesota, shaping both professional performances and strong training in the community. Ballet Minnesota blends traditional ballet techniques with contemporary pieces, offering audiences a diverse repertoire and engaging collaborations that reflect the region’s artistic vitality.

The company is known for signature productions like The Classic Nutcracker, an annual holiday favorite that continues to enchant families year after year, and the Minnesota Dance Festival (MDF), a collaborative showcase that brings together Minnesota dance artists across styles for a dynamic festival experience.

Key performance venues include the Fitzgerald Theater and The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University, with the latter serving as the home for the 2025 Nutcracker engagements. Ballet Minnesota continues to tour regionally, maintaining a strong presence in the Twin Cities arts ecosystem while inviting new audiences to experience living ballet with a modern edge.

Here you’ll find official updates on upcoming performances, background on the company’s rich history, and opportunities to secure seats for both classical staples and contemporary explorations.

Upcoming engagements highlight Ballet Minnesota’s enduring commitment to artistic excellence. In 2025, the Minnesota Dance Festival (36th MDF) ran on May 9–10 at EM Pearson Theater (Concordia University, St. Paul), showcasing collaborations among Minnesota dance artists. The Nutcracker returns to The O’Shaughnessy, St. Catherine University, Saint Paul, with performances on December 20–21, 2025. This season also continues to feature landmark milestones such as rights to Balanchine’s Apollo (acquired in 1994) and a World Ballet Festival Tour performance at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis in June 2024.

Whether you’re new to ballet or a longtime admirer, Ballet Minnesota offers a welcoming, professional experience — secure your seats, explore the company’s repertoire from Swan Lake to Rite of Spring, and enjoy performances that celebrate both timeless classics and inventive modern works.