Support the Legacy and Future of MBT

Dear Friends of Minnesota Ballet Theatre,

As we celebrate Give to the MAX Day 2024, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support of Minnesota Ballet Theatre (MBT). Ballet is an art form that inspires, unites, and brings beauty to everyone. At Minnesota Ballet School & Theatre, we believe in the transformative power of ballet and its ability to inspire and enrich our community. We are committed to making this beautiful art form accessible to all.

Our journey began over twenty years ago when we, Svetlana Bak-Gavrilova and Kirill Bak-Stepanoff, graduates of the prestigious Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, brought our love for ballet from Russia to America in 1998. After dancing professionally with local ballet companies, we fulfilled our dream by founding the Academy of Russian Ballet in 2001, now known as Minnesota Ballet School. In 2014, we expanded our vision by establishing Minnesota Ballet Theatre as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which has since become a cherished cultural institution in the Twin Cities.

MBT has enriched our community with world-class ballet and arts education, bringing the beauty and power of ballet to all. Our productions, ranging from the timeless classic The Nutcracker to heartwarming performances like Peter and the Wolf, The Great Halloween Adventure, and Carnival of the Animals, have delighted audiences of all ages. We are committed to fostering the next generation of dancers and ensuring that ballet remains a vital and transformative force in our community.

Our Mission

At Minnesota Ballet Theatre, we are dedicated to nurturing local talent and enriching our community’s cultural landscape. Our goal is to become Minnesota's premier professional classical ballet company, creating exceptional performances that captivate and inspire audiences. We are committed to providing meaningful opportunities for artists, fostering their growth, and supporting them through fair employment practices right here in Minnesota.

We also recognize the importance of collaborating with world-class guest artists. Your support helps us bring talented professionals from across the globe to perform alongside our local dancers. These guest stars elevate the artistry of our performances, offering our dancers invaluable learning experiences while providing audiences with unforgettable performances.

We believe that Minnesota deserves access to world-class ballet performances crafted by local artists, for local audiences. With your support, our mission continues to thrive—bringing innovative productions to life and cultivating a deep appreciation for the art of dance in our community. Together, we are shaping a future filled with extraordinary performances and cherished memories.

Why Your Support Matters

Every donation, large or small, is essential in supporting our dancers, programs, and productions. With your generosity, we can:

• Sustain Local Artistic Excellence: Focusing on Russian ballet traditions, we train and nurture talent here in Minnesota, inspiring both local dancers and audiences.
• Build a Professional Ballet Community: Your support helps create career opportunities for our dancers, ensuring they can grow professionally within our state.
• Support Guest Star Artists: By bringing in talented guest artists, your donations help elevate the quality of our performances and provide our dancers with exceptional mentorship.
• Create Stunning Productions: From costumes to sets, your contributions enable us to create immersive, captivating performances that elevate the art of ballet.
• Provide Accessible Dance Education: Through scholarships and financial assistance, we open the doors of ballet to families and children, regardless of their financial situation.

How You Can Help

Your generous support fuels our mission and ensures that ballet continues to inspire, unite, and bring beauty to our community. Together, we are building a legacy that will shape future generations of dancers and audiences.

Thank you for being part of our journey and for believing in the future of ballet in Minnesota.

Warmest regards,

Minnesota Ballet Theatre

Minnesota Ballet Theatre is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tax ID #47-1671971.