Photo by Erik Saulitis for James Sewell Ballet, 2004
“a fascinating and beguiling dancer—so lanky, loose, and idiosyncratic that his fine-tuned ballet chops take you by surprise... ”
“Justin Leaf was magnificently love sick in a Bizet song, alternating between caving in with despair and thrusting himself off balance.”
“But Mr. Leaf nearly steals the show, as he does throughout the evening, with his long, looping body, goofy earnestness and mass of curls.”
About Justin Leaf
I’m a ballet teacher and performance artist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a career spanning dance, choreography, and interdisciplinary performance.
Dancer
I was a company member of James Sewell Ballet and Minnesota Dance Theatre and have performed works by Ernesta Corvino, John Kelly, Morgan Thorson, and George Stamos, among others. My training includes The Kirov Academy, School of American Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet School, culminating in a BFA in Dance Performance from The Juilliard School.
Ballet Teacher
For over 20 years, I’ve taught ballet at leading schools and companies, including Ballet Hispánico, James Sewell Ballet, Minnesota Dance Theatre, Ballet Co.Laboratory, and Minnesota Ballet. My teaching approach is shaped by my professional experiences and the mentorship of master teachers Andra and Ernesta Corvino.
Choreographer
My choreography has been presented by Minnesota Dance Theatre, James Sewell Ballet, and Minnesota Orchestra, among others.
Performance Artist
My performance work spans dance, theater, and vocal performance. Since 2006, I have frequently performed as Mistress Ginger, blending music and storytelling with a cabaret flair. In 2014, I authored Mistress Ginger Cooks!: Everyday Vegan Food for Everyone.
Awards & Honors
Zaraspe Prize for Outstanding Choreography (2001)
Minnesota SAGE Award for Best Performance (2007)
McKnight Fellowship for Dancers (2009, administered by the Southern Theater and funded by the McKnight Foundation)
Next Step Fund Grant (2014, funded by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council)