Classes & Programs
Adult ProgramsWhether you’re exploring music for the first time, renewing your passion for dance, or continuing to develop your skills, you’ll find just what you’re looking for.
With a variety of programs, parent discounts, and college credit options Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts has something for everyone. Register Now for a Free Trial of any of our Adult Fitness Classes!
Let MCA help you stay fit and enrich your life through the arts. Want to try out a dance class for free? Join us for our annual Free-4-All event in Jan. or visit our event listings to see where we might be offering programs throughout the community. Also don’t forget to take advantage of our parent discounts and university student discounts.
Adult Fitness
Seeding Vitality Art Workshops
Fitness Classes
Hip Hop Cardio
A total body workout that will not at all feel like a workout! Hip Hop Cardio takes influence from all types of hip hop dance styles and fuses them together to create an hour of a high energy, high intensity, FUN exercise session! No dance experience necessary.
Summer: Wednesdays, June 20-Aug.15, 6:00-7:00 p.m. $59 (7 classes, no class July 4)
Fall (A): Wednesdays, Aug. 29-Oct.17, 7:00-8:00 pm $68 (8 classes)
Fall (B): Wednesdays, Oct.24-Dec. 12, 7:00-8:00 pm $51 (6 classes, no class Nov. 21 or 28)
Age: Ages 14 & up
Instructor: Jessica Dienger
* MCA Punch Card Accepted for all Hip Hop Cardio Classes
Barre
Are you ready for a new challenge? Make the time in your schedule for this high-energy, low-impact workout, taught by a certified instructor. A unique combination of strength work and cardio intervals that will reshape your muscles while elevating your heart rate. You will leave stronger in both body and mind. Whether you have a limited or extensive background in dance, you will love this fast moving, fun style of exercise. Attend twice a week for optimal results!
Day/Dates:
Summer (A): Tuesdays, June 19-Aug 14, 6:00-7:00pm $68 (8 classes, no class July 3), J. Dienger
Summer (B): Thursdays, June 21-Aug 16, 6:00-7:00pm $68 (8 classes, no class July 5), J. Dienger
Fall (A): Tuesdays, Aug. 28-Oct.16, 7:00-8:00 pm $68 (8 classes), J. Goyette
Fall (B): Thursdays, Aug. 30-Oct. 18, 7:00-8:00 pm $68 (8 classes) J. Dienger
Fall (C): Tuesdays, Oct. 23- Dec. 11, 7:00-8:00 pm $59 (7 classes, No class Nov. 20), J. Goyette
Fall (D): Thursdays, Oct. 25-Dec. 13, 6:00-7:00 pm $59 (7 classes, no class Nov. 22), J. Dienger
Age: Ages 14 & up
Instructor: As listed above
MCA Punch Card Accepted for all Barre Classes
Yoga
Start your week off right with Yoga! Get ready to improve your flexibility and build strength as you move through yoga postures and relaxation exercises.
Winter I: Mondays, Jan. 8- Feb. 19, 7:00-8:00pm, $59 (7 classes)
Winter II: Mondays, Feb. 26-April 2, 7:00-8:00pm, $50 (6 classes)
Age: Ages 14 & up
Instructor: Avin Honecker-Sherman
Open Ballet
Experience the artistry of ballet while gaining flexibility, placement, strength, and fluidity in this ballet technique and conditioning class. All levels are welcome, no experience necessary.
Day/Dates:
Fall A: Mondays, Aug 27- Oct. 15 (No Sept 3), 5:45-7pm
Fall B: Mondays, Oct. 22-Dec. 10 (No Nov. 19), 5:45-7pm $70 (7 classes)
Age: Ages 14 & up
Fee: $70 (7 classes) MCA Punch Card Accepted
Instructor: A. Honecker-Sherman
Adult Tap
Back by popular demand, Christine Martin will lead adults through this fun, rhythm-filled class. Join us over your lunch hour in November and December to tap off the turkey! No experience necessary. Tap shoes in some sizes available for loan. Don’t miss this toe-tappin’, foot stompin’ good time!
Day/Dates: Thursdays, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29, Dec. 6 and 13.
Time: 12:00-1:00pm
Age: 18+
Fee: $51
Instructor: C. Martin
NEW!! Progressive Ballet Technique Conditioning Classs
This class utilizes exercise balls and bands to develop muscle memory for increasing strength, stability, flexibility and range of motion for all dance genres, but is specifically designed for the demands of ballet technique. A small class size of only 8 ensures that each dancer has the benefit of personal corrections from the instructor. Dancers aged 12 and up are welcome, no experience necessary. No discounts may be applied to this class.
Day/Dates: Sundays, Sept. 2, 9 & 23, Oct. 7, 14, 21,28 & Nov. 11 (8 weeks)
Time: 12:30-1:30 pm
Age: 12+
Fee: $45
Instructor: T. Schmidt, Licensed and Certified PBT Instructor
Seeding Vitality Arts for Ages 55+
Stories that Move
This is a movement based workshop that will guide each participant through the choreographic process. Each session will consist of a warm-up, community building exercises, dance composition basics and a cool down. Community members with and without dance backgrounds are encouraged to join us as we explore a favorite childhood memory and bring it to life through movement.
Day/Time: Wednesdays, April 11- May 30, 12:00-1:30pm (April 4th Start day was moved due to inclement weather)
Location: Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts
Ages: Adults 55+ years
Teaching Artist: Jennifer Taber-O'Neill
Price: Free thanks to a Seeding Vitality Arts MN initiative Grant made possible through Aroha Philanthropies.
Register: Though this workshop is free, participation is limited. Please register today through MCA's Online System or return this Paper Registration Form to the MCA office or the office of our partner's at the Winona Friendship Center.
Multi-generational Collage
In this intergenerational workshop older adults and youth ages 7-12 will be invited to explore a variety of collage techniques through group and individual instruction. Within the eight sessions, will experience artistic decision-making first hand and gain understanding of the creative process. Instruction will include terminology and techniques that will be used to create final pieces out of cut paper and found objects. A culminating exhibit will take place to showcase final projects.
Day/Time: Wednesdays, June 6-August 1, 12:00-1:30pm , Exhibit at MCA
Location: Winona Friendship Center, 251 Main St. Winona, MN 55987
Ages: Adults 55+ years, this workshop also welcomes kids ages 7-12 to register for an opportunity to hone their arts kills and interact with a different generation.
Teaching Artist: Brianna Haupt
Price: Free thanks to a Seeding Vitality Arts MN initiative Grant made possible through Aroha Philanthropies.
Register: Though this workshop is free, participation is limited. Please register today through MCA's Online System or return this Paper Registration Form to the MCA office or the office of our partner's at the Winona Friendship Center.
The Ways of Watercolor
Come and immerse yourself in the ways of watercolor painting and color mixing. In this 8-session workshop you will engage with peers through artistic expression and observation. Through group and individual instruction, terminology and techniques will be taught to create final pieces based on themes of your choice.
Day/Time: Wednesdays, Sept. 5- Oct.24, 4:30-6pm , Exhibit at Winona Friendship Center
Location: Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts
Ages: Adults 55+ years
Teaching Artist: Brianna Haupt
Price: Free thanks to a Seeding Vitality Arts MN initiative Grant made possible through Aroha Philanthropies.
Register: Though this workshop is free, participation is limited. Please register today through MCA's Online System or return this Paper Registration Form to the MCA office or the office of our partner's at the Winona Friendship Center.
Music & Discounts
Private Lessons
MCA offers private lessons for all ages and abilities! Our experienced teaching artists prepare students for a lifetime enjoyment of music.
Private lessons are offered year-round. Instruction available in flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, violin, cello, guitar, bass. piano, percussion, and voice. Students will be expected to purchase method books the instructor feels best address the student’s needs. Students have the opportunity to perform during MCA’s Annual Fall and Winter Concerts and other performance opportunities based upon instructor recommendations. Some instruments such as the violin, guitar and piano are better suited for young students, if you have a young child who is interested in learning an instrument please contact us at 507-453-5500 for more information or by filling out a registration form indicating an instrument of interest.
- 4 lessons- $72
- 8 lessons- $136
- 12 lessons- $180
Lesson dates and times: Arranged
Beginning Guitar
This class provides fundamental skills to students who are new to guitar and to others who want a more thorough grounding in the
basics. No guitar? No problem! Thanks to a generous grant funding, MCA has guitars for school aged children to use upon request.
Day: Saturdays, September 8- Oct. 13
Time: 11 am -11:50 am
Ages: 8 – Adult
Instructor: K. Klungtvedt
Fee: $65 (make it a family affair- register a child and a parent can attend for free)
University Student Dance Connection
If you are currently enrolled in a university or college, present your student I.D. when registering and receive a 50% discount off your total MCA dance tuition. Not applicable for private music or dance lessons.
Adult Arts Wellness Discount
Parents who have a child/children enrolled at MCA may enjoy any of our adult course offerings at a reduced fee of $20. This is limited to one class per parent during the semester in which the student is also registered.
University Credit
A variety of upper level dance credits including Ballet III-VI, Jazz III/IV, Tap III/IV and Modern III/IV may be taken for University credit by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota students. Students in their junior and senior years of high school who participate in Post Secondary Education option may also take selected MCA classes for Saint Mary’s University credit. Visit their website for more information about courses and SMUMN Dance program.
Family Programs
With busy work and school schedules we know it can be hard to find time to do things as a family so in addition to producing a variety of music, theatre and dance performances for you and your family to enjoy we have four classes that will help families make memories, get creative and learn together. Below are descriptions of our Family Classes, but you may also want to check out our Events listing to find out about #MCAontheGo events & performances out in the community.
2018 Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party
The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is pleased to announce the tenth biennial Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party, Sunday, Nov. 18. Don’t miss your opportunity to sip on tea, nibble on tasty treats, meet and take photos with your favorite characters from The Nutcracker and be entertained by live music and dancers. Tickets are on-sale now!
5 Reasons You Should Hand Drum
Hand drumming can be fun but science has also show that those who drum can experience some of the amazing mental and physical benefit. Here is just a short list of the benefits:
1. Drumming makes you happy. The act of drumming releases endorphins, and alpha brain waves, which help create general feelings of well-being and euphoria.
2. Increased confidence. Playing the drums requires confidence to play LOUD and relatively unapologetic, as students progress they learn skills and confidence to showcase them, helping them excel in many areas of their lives.
2018 Fall Open House
On Wed. August 22, 4-7pm MCA will hold it’s Fall Open House. The open house is an excellent opportunity for parents and students to meet instructors and administration, ask questions about classes or attire, tour the facility, get fitted for shoes, register for classes, learn about our National Honors Society for Dance Arts chapter, explore an instrument petting zoo and enter prize drawings. Lucky families could win a gift certificate to Rochester’s premier dance attire store, Blades to Ballet, a pass to Winona’s Indoor Park The Playground, tickets to a Page Series show, or a certificate to Nate & Ally’s Frozen Yogurt.
In addition to the Open House, Dancers ages 5+ are invited to register for a Pre- Audition Nutcracker Audition Workshop during this time frame.
LOCATION
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts
1164 West Howard (10th) Street
Winona, MN 55987
Phone: 507-453-5500
Fax: 507-453-5507
HOURS OF OPERATION
The MCA offices will be closed March 30-April 2nd, 2018
Monday - Tuesday
9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday
11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Thursday - Friday
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Building and Galleria open during programming
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
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