Business Details
26 Years
experience
Youth Ballet Training & Theatrical Dance Performances in Rochester, MN
Founded in 2000, Rochester Dance Company (RDC) was established to expand opportunities for dance students in Rochester, Minnesota, offering professional-quality productions and rigorous training programs. Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2006, we train dedicated youth ballet dancers aged 8 - 18, fostering technical excellence and artistic growth through collaboration with professional guest artists, choreographers, and master teachers. Our mission is to deliver exceptional theatrical performances that enrich the community while introducing ballet to diverse audiences. RDC members commit to a 10-month season, attending weekly ballet classes and rehearsals, with roles in productions like *The Nutcracker* and *Robin Hood* awarded through open auditions. Over 80 local dancers annually participate in our productions, supported by volunteer efforts from parents and guardians through the Rochester Dance Company Associates.We emphasize discipline, creativity, and community engagement, preparing students for advanced dance pursuits while creating accessible, family-friendly performances. Our productions, including the beloved *Nutcracker*, feature lavish costumes, original choreography, and live musical accompaniment, drawing over 10,000 attendees annually. Corporate sponsorships and program advertising provide tax-deductible support opportunities for local businesses. We maintain partnerships with regional dance studios and educational institutions to ensure high-quality training. Our alumni, including co-Artistic Directors Daniel Klinkhammer and Morgan, exemplify the success of our program, returning to mentor new generations of dancers.
Services
Youth Ballet Training
Nutcracker Production
Dance Workshops
Audition Programs
Community Performances
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in youth ballet training and professional production staging.
- Our company collaborates with professional guest artists and choreographers for advanced mentorship.
- We provide unique performance opportunities in large-scale productions like *The Nutcracker*.
- Our volunteer-driven model ensures community involvement and cost-effective operations.
- Alumni leadership demonstrates our program's effectiveness in developing professional dancers.
Services
Youth Ballet Training
Our comprehensive training program develops technical proficiency and artistry in students aged 818 through weekly ballet classes, company rehearsals, and master workshops. Participants receive mentorship from professional guest artists and choreographers, preparing for advanced dance careers while building discipline and creativity. The curriculum emphasizes classical ballet technique alongside performance experience in large-scale productions.
Nutcracker Production
This annual holiday tradition features over 80 local dancers aged 618 in elaborate costumes and sets, bringing Tchaikovsky's score to life with original choreography. The production includes community engagement events like the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea and draws audiences from across Southeast Minnesota for its magical storytelling and technical excellence.
Audition Programs
Open auditions held each November provide roles in our spring productions for qualified dancers with at least two years of ballet training. The process emphasizes collaborative spirit, technical skill development, and performance readiness, offering roles ranging from principal characters to ensemble parts in professionally staged productions.
Community Performances
Beyond *The Nutcracker*, we produce original works like *Robin Hood* and collaborate with storytellers for unique performances. These shows feature innovative choreography, live narration, and interactive elements, creating accessible, family-friendly experiences that showcase local talent and enrich Rochester's cultural landscape.
Dance Workshops
Seasonal workshops focus on specific techniques, choreography, or production elements, led by our artistic directors and guest professionals. Participants gain specialized training in areas like character interpretation, stagecraft, and advanced ballet techniques, directly enhancing their performance capabilities in upcoming productions.
People
Daniel Klinkhammer
Co-Artistic Director
A Rochester native and former RDC member, Daniel holds a BFA in Dance from the University of Minnesota. He teaches Acro, Ballet, and Modern dance at Byron Dance Academy and The Dance Lab, bringing professional expertise to mentor young dancers.
Morgan
Co-Artistic Director
A Rochester-raised dancer with a BFA from Minnesota State University, Morgan has performed nationally and internationally. She teaches at Dance Conservatory in Mankato and The Dance Lab, combining professional experience with youth mentorship.
Questions
How do I audition for Rochester Dance Company Company?
Auditions for our spring performance are held annually in November at Byron Dance Academy. Visit our website for specific dates and role details.
What training programs do you offer?
We provide year-round ballet training with weekly classes, company rehearsals, and workshops led by professional guest artists for ages 8–18.
How can local businesses support RDC?
Businesses can advertise in our programs or sponsor productions, with tax-deductible contributions supporting youth arts education in Rochester.
Where are your performances held?
Major productions like *The Nutcracker* are performed at Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minnesota.
What volunteer opportunities exist?
Parents and community members can assist with costume creation, hospitality, marketing, and production support through our Rochester Dance Company Company Associates.