Saint Paul Ballet
Saint Paul Ballet is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community ballet school in St. Paul, Minnesota that provides age-structured ballet instruction and performance opportunities for children (ages 2.5-9), pre-professional youth (ages 7-23), adults and teens (13+), and mature adults (40+) across the Twin Cities metro.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1997
- HeadquartersSaint Paul, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Saint Paul Ballet does
Saint Paul Ballet is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) performing arts organization and community ballet school founded in 1997 (one source notes 1998) and headquartered at 655 Fairview Avenue N., Suite 170D, St. Paul, Minnesota. It delivers age-structured ballet instruction across four customer segments: Children's Division (ages 2.5-9), School-Year pre-professional training (ages 7-23) using a Vaganova-based progressive curriculum augmented by modern and character dance, Adult & Teen recreational classes (ages 13+), and Boomer/Lifelong Ballet (ages 40+) based on the Royal Academy of Dance Silver Swans framework. The organization serves over 300 recreational students and more than 100 pre-professional students annually, and stages public performance productions including The Nutcracker Reimagined and an Annual Spring Showcase at venues such as The O'Shaughnessy.
The underlying operating platform is largely physical and human-capital intensive. Three professional studios totaling 5,000 square feet are equipped with sprung Marley floors, mirrors, barres, grand pianos, video and sound systems, and HVAC with 3-4 air exchanges per hour. Digital customer interaction is handled through the Wellness Living registration and booking system, with dedicated iOS and Android applications enabling self-serve signups and payments. Faculty comprise ABT certified instructors, McKnight Fellows, and professionals from companies including New York City Ballet affiliates, supported by live musical accompaniment for classes. Ancillary products include branded merchandise through the SPB Store, gift certificates, and studio rentals.
The business model is a hybrid nonprofit tuition-and-donation model. Revenue streams comprise recurring tuition and registration fees (school-year and adult/teen class cards and subscriptions), transaction-style performance fees, merchandise sales, and donations solicited through channels including GiveMN. Pricing is modular: children's classes run on subscription or unit pricing ($59-$84 range for entry sessions, $920-$1,985 annual school-year tuition), while adult/teen classes use class cards ($57-$142 per card) and 8-week subscriptions ($189-$216). Need-based scholarships exceeding $10,000 annually, free first classes, sibling discounts, and pay-as-able ticket pricing are positioned to reduce access barriers. Distribution is regional and studio-centric, amplified by community partnerships with Saint Paul Public Schools Community Education and CAAM Chinese Dance Theater.
Saint Paul Ballet firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Saint Paul Ballet
- Legal name
- Saint Paul Ballet
- Website
- https://spballet.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1997
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Saint Paul Ballet is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community ballet school in St. Paul, Minnesota that provides age-structured ballet instruction and performance opportunities for children (ages 2.5-9), pre-professional youth (ages 7-23), adults and teens (13+), and mature adults (40+) across the Twin Cities metro.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Saint Paul Ballet industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Dance Education
- NAICS
- Fine Arts Schools (61161), Dance Companies (71112)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Dance Education (Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Cultural Dance) (EDAMAAAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Classical Ballet (Full-Length & Repertoire) (MPAGADAA), Youth/Student & Community Dance Recitals (MPAGADAI), Dance & Movement (Ballroom, Contemporary, Social Dance) (EDAAAGAD)
Keywords
Where Saint Paul Ballet is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Saint Paul
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Saint Paul Ballet business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Tuition and Registration Fees: Revenue from school-year division tuition, children's classes, and adult/teen recreational classes. Payment plans available including annual, semester, and monthly options.
- Performance Fees: Fees for Nutcracker and Spring Showcase performances help defray costs for costume maintenance and replacement
- Merchandise Sales: SPB Store sells dancewear including t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, jackets, totes, and youth apparel
- Donations and Fundraising: 501(c)(3) non-profit organization accepting donations through GiveMN and other channels to support scholarships and operations
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Parent & Me and Creative Dance classes |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Adult/Teen single class |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Adult/Teen class cards |
| Subscription | Annual | Adult Fundamentals 8-week session |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Boomer Ballet class cards (55+) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Summer Elementary Ballet |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Summer Camps (ages 5-8) |
| Subscription | Annual | School-Year Elementary Ballet |
| Subscription | Annual | School-Year Level 1 Ballet |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Saint Paul Ballet product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Saint Paul Ballet provides ballet instruction and performance opportunities across age-divided divisions, from Children's Division (ages 2.5-9) through School-Year pre-professional training (ages 7-22) to adult and senior recreational programs. Annual performances including The Nutcracker Reimagined and Spring Showcase feature students alongside professional musicians and community partners. The school also operates ancillary offerings including a merchandise store, gift certificates, studio rentals, and need-based scholarships.
Product overview
Saint Paul Ballet is a nonprofit performing arts organization offering a comprehensive dance education and performance program. The core offering consists of age-structured ballet instruction across three main divisions: Children's Division (ages 2.5-8), School-Year Training Program (ages 7-22), and Community Division for adults and teens (ages 13+). The School-Year Program uses a Vaganova-based progressive curriculum, while community classes serve over 300 students annually for recreational purposes. Specialized offerings include Boomer Ballet for ages 55+ and extensive summer programming. Performance opportunities include annual productions of The Nutcracker Reimagined and Spring Showcase, featuring students alongside professional artists. Ancillary offerings include need-based scholarships (over $10,000 annually), branded merchandise through the SPB Store, gift certificates, and studio rentals. Digital services include online registration and booking via Wellness Living platform with dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Children's Division Ballet Classes Age-appropriate ballet instruction for children ages 2.5-9, including Parent & Me (ages 2.5-4), Creative Dance (ages 4-5), Pre-Ballet (age 6), and Elementary Ballet (ages 7-9). Classes focus on foundational movement, musicality, creativity, and introduction to ballet technique and etiquette.
- School-Year Training Program Pre-professional ballet training program for ages 7-22, divided into Junior Levels 1-2, Middle Levels 3-4, and Upper Levels 5-7. Uses a Vaganova-based progressive curriculum augmented by modern dance and character dance to build a foundation for conservatory or professional careers.
- Adult & Teen Ballet Classes Recreational ballet classes for ages 13+ and adults, including Fundamentals 1-2, Elementary/Beginning, Intermediate, and Intermediate/Advanced levels. Designed for students wishing to begin or continue dance training for health, recreation, or self-enrichment, with flexible drop-in and class card options.
- Boomer Ballet & Lifelong Classes Specialized ballet programming for older adults, including Boomer Ballet 1, 1.5, and 2 (ages 55+) based on the Royal Academy of Dance's Silver Swans program, and Lifelong Ballet (ages 40+). Focuses on health benefits, gentle movement, and social connection.
- Summer Programs Seasonal intensive and recreational ballet programs for children and adults during summer months, including summer camps (Ballet Discovery, Superhero Ballet Camp, Nutcracker Ballet Camp), Intro to Pre-Ballet, Elementary Ballet, and Junior Level sessions.
- Performance Productions Annual performance opportunities including The Nutcracker Reimagined (December) and Spring Showcase (May/June), featuring students alongside professional musicians, actors, and community dance partners at venues including The O'Shaughnessy. Pay-as-able ticket pricing offered.
- SPB Store Online store offering branded merchandise including adult and youth t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, practice jackets, tank tees, and tote bags.
- Gift Certificates Digital gift certificates available in customizable amounts, sent via email to recipients with optional personal messages, redeemable for classes and programs.
- Studio Rentals Hourly rental of three professional dance studios equipped with sprung floors, Marley-type flooring, mirrors, barres, video and sound systems, and grand pianos, located at 655 Fairview Business Center.
Quantifiable outcome
- Serves over 300 students annually in recreational program
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Saint Paul Ballet
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Saint Paul Ballet technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Saint Paul Ballet partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- CAAM Chinese Dance TheatercoreFourth year of collaboration uniting the community through movement, health, and shared dreams. Deeply enriching partnership exemplified by SPB's vision of uniting the community through movement. Guest teaching artist Aloe Ao Liu from CAAM contributes to program diversity.
- Saint Paul Public Schools Community EducationcoreOutreach partnership serving the broader population of Saint Paul and Minneapolis through public school programming. Part of SPB's commitment to accessibility and reducing barriers to dance involvement.
- Wellness LivingcoreTechnology partner providing customer registration, booking of classes, and payment processing. Offers dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android for student convenience.
- Grand JetéminorDancewear retailer on Grand Avenue in St. Paul recommended for purchasing tights and shoes. SPB recommends students buy first dance shoes in-person at this location.
- Discount Dance SupplyminorOnline dancewear retailer with teacher discount links for SPB students to purchase leotards, tights, and dance supplies at discounted rates.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Saint Paul Ballet competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Threads Dance Project: Twin Cities-based dance organization with performance and educational programming. Directly comparable as a same-metro nonprofit dance company; Elayna Waxse served as Managing Director before joining Saint Paul Ballet.
- Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts: Minneapolis-based performing arts education organization offering dance and theater training. Comparable as a Twin Cities nonprofit providing youth-focused performing arts education and performance opportunities.
- Minnesota Dance Theatre: Twin Cities-based dance company and school that offers pre-professional ballet training and performances. Highly comparable to Saint Paul Ballet as a same-metro peer with both school and company arms; former SPB Interim School Director Elayna Waxse was previously Interim Artistic/School Director here.
- Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet: Pre-professional ballet school offering intensive training and performance opportunities for youth dancers. Comparable to Saint Paul Ballet's Vaganova-based School-Year Division in mission, curriculum rigor, and conservatory-prep focus.
- Tulsa Ballet: Community-rooted ballet company with an associated school offering age-tiered instruction and performances. Comparable to Saint Paul Ballet as a regional nonprofit combining education and production with strong community accessibility.
- Ballet Arts Minnesota: Minneapolis-based ballet school offering classical ballet instruction across age groups. Comparable to Saint Paul Ballet's Children's and School-Year Divisions; former SPB School Director Christina Onusko was previously a teaching artist here.
Regional players
- Ballet West: Salt Lake City-based professional ballet company with an academy providing classical training and community classes. Comparable in offering a combined company-school model with community outreach focus.
- Milwaukee Ballet: Midwest-based professional ballet company with an associated school offering community and pre-professional programming. Comparable to Saint Paul Ballet's combined school-and-performance model, though operating in a larger metro.
Others
- Royal Academy of Dance: International dance education and examination body whose Silver Swans curriculum underpins Saint Paul Ballet's Boomer Ballet program. Relevant as a curriculum licensor and standards body rather than a direct competitor.
Broad incumbents
- Boston Ballet School: Major ballet school affiliated with Boston Ballet, offering extensive youth and adult programming. Comparable curriculum structure and age segmentation to Saint Paul Ballet, though significantly larger scale and broader brand recognition.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Saint Paul Ballet social profiles
Digital presenceSaint Paul Ballet financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Saint Paul Ballet leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Saint Paul Ballet funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Saint Paul Ballet M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Saint Paul Ballet
What does Saint Paul Ballet do?
Saint Paul Ballet provides ballet instruction and performance opportunities across age-divided divisions, from Children's Division (ages 2.5-9) through School-Year pre-professional training (ages 7-22) to adult and senior recreational programs. Annual performances including The Nutcracker Reimagined and Spring Showcase feature students alongside professional musicians and community partners. The school also operates ancillary offerings including a merchandise store, gift certificates, studio rentals, and need-based scholarships.
Is Saint Paul Ballet a public or private company?
Saint Paul Ballet is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Saint Paul Ballet founded?
Saint Paul Ballet was founded in 1997. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Saint Paul Ballet based?
Saint Paul Ballet is headquartered in Saint Paul, United States, in the North America region.
How does Saint Paul Ballet make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Registration Fees are the primary driver. The others are performance Fees, merchandise Sales and donations and Fundraising.
Who are Saint Paul Ballet's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Threads Dance Project, Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts, Minnesota Dance Theatre, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Tulsa Ballet and Ballet Arts Minnesota. Regional players are Ballet West and Milwaukee Ballet. Royal Academy of Dance is listed as an others. Boston Ballet School is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Saint Paul Ballet have an API?
No public API is recorded for Saint Paul Ballet.
What industry is Saint Paul Ballet in?
Saint Paul Ballet's product category is Dance Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAMAAAH, Dance Education (Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Cultural Dance), with a secondary code of MPAGADAA, Classical Ballet (Full-Length & Repertoire). Its NAICS code is 61161 and its SIC code is 8200.