Minnesota Ballet

This was one of the ballets' best seasons. With a new production of Midsumer's Night Dream and some new company members, the company was elevated to the next level.

The company's artistic level is very good for the resources that they have.

I was a Board member and Treasurer. I helped secure a grant that still comes in annually. I am also a donor.

A transit from the east coast-I have been following Minnesota Ballet for 7 years. My own ballet experience is extensive, having been a professional dancer and Company owner myself for well over 35 years. I have watched this wonderfully talented company grow into a Ballet Company who has brought major ballets to our Northland area. I am now a proud board member. Minnesota Ballet brings the performing arts to children through school programs, educates our audience and has a school designed to train dancers and give children the opportunity to learn the classics and keep the performing arts alive.

I have been an audience member of the Ballet for twenty years and a contributor about that long also. I think that the productions are so excellent that I have helped fund several of them, especially the impressive new "Nutcracker" production. I think that helping to provide operating funds is so important to keep this ballet in the Northland that I have issued three major matching challenge campaigns, plus contributing yearly to the membership campaign at the highest membership level.

I have served as historian for the Minnesota Ballet for more than fifteen years, a labor of love that has given me an intimate knowledge of the Ballet’s role in preserving and advancing the art of ballet in the community, the region, state, and beyond. I have also been an audience member since 1987, and my daughter graduated from the Ballet's School and went on to dance professionally in Chicago.

The Minnesota Ballet has a profound influence on children in our community. Between their fabulous "family oriented" performances, their outreach to the schools, to their classes with scholarships for underprivileged children, I can't think of a better organization for making an impact on the arts. I have had first hand experience with the ballet by serving on the board, having a child dance with them, and mentoring an underprivileged child taking lessons. Bravo to the Minnesota Ballet.

The Minnesota Ballet is the premiere dance company in Northeastern Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin. It is quite a treat as a resident of Duluth to be able to attend such a high quality of dance just minutes from my home. The company has so much energy and talent and the School of the Minnesota Ballet has brought dance into many young people's lives. The company and it's school enriches the quality of living in this part of our state.

During the past thirty-five years I have watched the ballet grow and mature into the outstanding professional company it is today. It is quite unusual for a city of this size to have it’s own Ballet company, and I am always amazed at the impact it has on our community. Not only does it provide an opportunity for the general public to see a live ballet performance and to inspire dreams, but it provide expert training to both young and adult students whether they are challenged individuals or those desiring to become professional dancers. The company’s outreach program is another way that the Ballet impacts the community and brings the art to those who otherwise might never have the opportunity. I will never forget a special performance given for the area’s 6th graders. The auditorium was filled with busy and boisterous students, but as soon as the performance started they all became very quiet and attentive. They left with big smiles on their faces and wonderful memories. What impresses me most about the Minnesota Ballet is the continued hard work and dedication shown by the dancers, executive director, staff, board members and parents. It is their collaborative efforts and the support of the community that makes the company so successful and special.

Our two daughters are graduates of the School of the Minnesota Ballet, beginning at age 5. The older one was a Minnesota Ballet company member for several years. My husband has helped with set construction and worked backstage. The Minnesota Ballet continues to be an inspiring part of our lives. The creativity, beauty and athleticism expressed during performances reflect the dedication of the talented dancers. We truly appreciate having such a fine ballet company in the Twin Ports.

I have been involved with the ballet almost since its inception. I first became involved as a young student back when the ballet was known as the Duluth Civic Ballet. I currently am involved as board member, an adult student, a parent of a student, a volunteer and as an enthusiastic fan. I have seen the ballet transform from its humble beginnings to what I consider to be one of the best regional ballets not only in the midwest but also in the country. The school is excellent and provides first rate classical ballet instruction for children of all ages. The company is incredibly talented and provides our area with a level of dance and performances one would not necessarily expect for a city the size of Duluth. It certainly contributes to the quality of life here in Duluth and I am thankful and proud of its continued existence.