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

  • Beginning in September: The Monday 7pm Open Division class will no longer be offered. (The space is needed for MDT’s growing youth classes.)

  • 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.

Learn more about MDT open classes

WORKSHOPS

I occasionally offer ballet workshops for adult dancers, exploring technique, artistry, and creative expression.

Coming this fall: Nutcracker-themed Adult Ballet Workshop!
Save the dates for Monday evenings, November 16–December 7, featuring ballet technique and repertoire from The Nutcracker — Snowflakes! Subscribe to my email list to be the first to know when registration opens.

The Star Tribune captured this moment from our 2021 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.

SCHEDULE A LESSON TODAY