Ballet with Justin Leaf
Let’s dance! Whether you're exploring ballet for recreation or professional growth, my classes offer a space to refine your technique and experience the joy of movement.
Grounded in classical principles, my teaching approach emphasizes musicality, balance, coordination, phrasing, placement, and line – all while celebrating ballet as a performing art. I see the dancing body as an expressive instrument, communicating through movement.
Minnesota Dance Theatre, 2009
Since 1999, I’ve taught at renowned institutions, including James Sewell Ballet, Minnesota Dance Theatre, Ballet Co.Laboratory, Minnesota Ballet, and Ballet Hispánico. Drawing from diverse training and performance experience, I integrate influences from various ballet schools, contemporary dance, hatha yoga, and the Alexander Technique. My background as a singer and theater artist further shapes my approach, with a special focus on musicality and stage presence.
Classes & Workshops
Join me for open classes, workshops, and private lessons designed to strengthen your technique, deepen your artistry, and reconnect you to the joy of movement.
Open Intermediate Ballet
Minnesota Dance Theatre
Saturdays • 9:30–11:00am
All open classes at MDT’s new location:
730 SE 9th Street, Minneapolis
Free parking available
Park on the street or in the lot at North Co. located at 632 9th Street SE
Schedule Updates
Saturday, November 28: No class due to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Whether you're returning to ballet or refining an established practice, these classes offer a focused, supportive environment to build strength, clarity, and confidence at the barre and beyond.
WORKSHOPS
4 Mondays: November 16, 23 & 30 and December 7
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Hennepin Center for the Arts, Studio 2B
528 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis
Calling all adult dancers who want to get in the holiday spirit! Take a ballet class with some holiday-themed accompaniment, then step into the world of The Nutcracker through choreography created especially for adult dancers.
We’ll explore “Waltz of the Snowflakes” with original choreography by Justin Leaf, designed for intermediate adult dancers. Enjoy dancing to Tchaikovsky’s orchestral score as we move together through sweeping formations, develop musicality and stamina, refine the choreography through coaching, and experience the particular joy of dancing as an ensemble.
Harmony. Focus. Collaboration. Joy.
Schedule
6:00–6:30pm: Studio available for personal warm-up
6:30–7:45pm: Technique class
7:45–7:50pm: Break
7:50–8:30pm: Repertoire
Details
Open to ages 16 and up. All genders are welcome. Everyone will learn the corps de ballet role. Be a snowflake!
During the first three sessions, we’ll learn as much of the dance as possible while continuing to review and rehearse material from previous weeks. Our final session will focus entirely on rehearsing, refining, and enjoying what we’ve learned — no new choreography at that point!
Friends and family are invited to join us at 8:15 p.m. on our final Monday for an informal showing and final run-through. This is a fun, low-pressure way to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together, not a formal performance.
Video recordings of the choreography will be made available to registered participants for optional practice and review between sessions.
“This was a fantastic opportunity to dance to well-known music with fun choreography, a positive environment, and a great group of adult dancers.” –2022 Workshop Participant
Pricing
EARLY BIRD RATE: $140 through Sunday, November 1
REGULAR RATE: $175 after November 1
Space is limited to 16 dancers. Pre-register to secure your spot.
Payment is accepted by credit card with online registration or by cash or check before the first class.
The Star Tribune captured this moment from our 2022 Nutcracker workshop for adult dancers.
PRIVATE LESSONS
I offer personalized ballet coaching tailored to your goals, whether you're an absolute beginner or an advanced professional. Private sessions provide focused instruction to refine technique, build strength, and enhance artistry. Areas of study include:
Traditional ballet class curriculum, from barre to center
Specialized conditioning exercises for strength and flexibility
Coaching in classical repertoire, contemporary choreography, and performance techniques
For rates and availability, please contact me directly.