Classes & Programs / Dance
Youth Dance ClassesYouth Dance Classes
Below is a list of all of our beginning and level one classes which are either age based for ages 6+ and do not require a prerequisite.
Ballet I/II A
This basic ballet class meant for MCA levels I- IIA to do from their home. This is also open to new students ages 7+. Students will just need a little space, a chair or railing to use as a ballet barre, and a device enabled with Wi-Fi. We will be using Zoom and will enable cameras so if students wish to be able to interact with the instructor and other students, otherwise families can choose to not share their image. We recommend students wear dance apparel and shoes if they have them and have a water bottle near by to set them up for success.
Day/Dates: Mondays, Jan. 25-Apr. 19
Time: 5-6 p.m.
Age: 7+ (by Jan. 1)
Price: $91 (13 weeks, 13 hours)
Location: Online via Zoom
Instructor: R. Ryan
Beginning Hip Hop
Get ready to move to the beat in this fun introduction into the world of hip hop dance with music and moves just right for your age. These classes are a perfect way to add a little cardio into your week in a fun and safe way from the comfort of your own home. No experience necessary.
Students will just need a little space and a device enabled with Wi-Fi. We will be using Zoom and will enable cameras so if students wish to be able to interact with the instructor and other students, otherwise families can choose to not share their image. We recommend students wear sneakers if they have them and have a water bottle near by to set them up for success.
Day/Dates: Tuesdays, Jan. 26- Apr. 20
Time: 2:15-3:00 PM
Ages: 6+ years
Cost: $78 (13 weeks, 9.75 hours)
Location: Online via Zoom
Instructor: Carter Full
Hip Hop I/II
This is an introduction to movement influenced by hip hop music from across the globe including breaking, popping, locking, and standard hip hop tricks and jumps that can be safely executed from the comfort of your own home.
Students will just need a little space and a device enabled with Wi-Fi. We will be using Zoom and will enable cameras so if students wish to be able to interact with the instructor and other students, otherwise families can choose to not share their image. We recommend students wear sneakers if they have them and have a water bottle near by to set them up for success.
Day/Dates: Tuesdays, Jan. 26- Apr. 20
Time: 3:15-4:00 PM
Ages: 10+ years
Cost: $78 (13 weeks, 9.75 hours)
Location: Online via Zoom
Instructor: Carter Full
Beg/Int. Contemporary Dance
This is an advanced beginner study of contemporary dance, an expressive dance genre that combines elements of modern, jazz, and classical ballet. In addition to exploring dance technique, dancers will also focus on initiation of movement and emotional intent behind each combination.
Students joining in-person will need to familiarize themselves with MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.
Students joining via Zoom will just need a little space to move freely in and a device enabled with Wi-Fi. We will be using Zoom and will enable cameras so if students wish to be able to interact with the instructor and other students, otherwise families can choose to not share their image. We recommend students wear dance apparel and shoes if they have them and have a water bottle near by to set them up for success.
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, Jan. 27- Apr. 21 (No class Feb. 10)
Time: 6:45-7:45 p.m.
Age: 10+
Cost: In-person $130; Online: $104 (13 week, 13 hours)
Instructor: J. Dienger
National Tap Dance Day workshops
Each class will include tap technique, warm-ups, and rehearsals to learn a choreographed piece to be performed at MCA’s National Tap Dance Day (NTDD) celebration in the Academy Theatre on Sunday, May 31, at 3 p.m. Each year tap celebrations are held in honor of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson’s birthday. Don’t miss this exciting performance opportunity! Fee includes a NEW MCA Tapper Shirt
Dates: Classes May 2- May 30, Rehearsal and performance Sunday, May 31.
Days, times and levels: See Below
Tap for Kids- Tuesdays, 5-5:45pm and Saturdays, 9-9:45am p.m. $108 (ages 5+) , J. Meinke (no class on May 5)
Tap I- Mondays, 5:45-6:45 p.m. & Fridays, 5:45-6:45pm $120 (ages 8 years and up ), J. Baechle
Tap II-Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45pm & Saturdays, 9:45-10:45am $120, J. Meinke
Tap III, IV & V- Tuesdays, 4-5:15pm Technique Class, J. Dienger
Saturdays, 10:45am-12:15pm- Rep Class, C. Martin
Just Technique $83, Technique and Rep Class $154
Adult Tap- See Adult Fitness Section
*Please don't let the lack of tap shoes be a barrier, we have a tap shoes that can be borrowed in most sizes, just ask our office. New to MCA? No problem, please contact our office so we may help you choose the right level for you.
Boys in Motion Ages 5-6
Calling all super heroes, knights and future athletic stars, this dance class rocks! This class is specifically designed for young boys ages 5-6 years, to enhance athletic skills, flexibility, coordination and strength while also being introduced to ballet and contemporary dance.
Paused do to COVID
Age: 5-6 years (Jan. 1)
Fee: $18
Instructor: J. Dienger
Boys Dance Sampler (Newly Restructured Class)
This high energy class is just for boys and will enhance their strength, flexibility and athletic skills. This class will use traditional exercises and games to explore classical and contemporary dance disciplines such as hip hop, ballet, modern, and jazz. All experience levels welcome.
Paused do to COVID
Time: 5:30-6:15 p.m.
Fee: $18
Instructor: J. Dienger
NEW! Daddy & Dancer
In celebration of Father’s Day, we are holding a special class where ballet dancers (both boys and girls) get to invite their dad, grandpa, or other special friend to join them at the barre and on the dance floor to make memories together and enjoy a little treat together at the end.
Date: Saturday, June 20
Times and levels:
Pre-Ballet/Beginner Ballet: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Ballet I-III: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Ballet IV-VII: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $10 per family or $5 if enrolled dancers are enrolled in spring dance classes
Instructors: J. Dienger, R. Ryan-Dahlgren, T. Schmidt
MCA Classes in collaboration with Winona YMCA
Adventures in Ballet: Frozen
Your Little one is invited on a magical journey that will tickle their imaginations as they fall in love with ballet during the class perfect for "Frozen" and dance enthusiasts.
Day/ Date: Wednesdays, Jan. 15- Feb. 26th (7 weeks)
Ages: 3-5 years
Time: 5:30-6 pm
Instructor: A. Kline
Adventures in Ballet: The Little Mermaid
Young dancers will fill with joy as they use their imaginations and bodies to dive under the water; point their mermaid tail, and jam with their underwater friends.
Day/Date: Wednesdays, March 18- April 29th (7 weeks)
Ages: 3-5 years
Time: 5:30-6 pm
Instructor: A. Kline
Click Here to see full descriptions of YMCA Programs and how to register
Dance Repertory Company
In addition to dance classes, an exciting part of learning experience for MCA students is performance opportunities. Students may audition for MCA's pre-professional performing ensemble, the Dance Repertory Company (DRC), or MCA's junior performing troupe, Dance Repertory Company II. DRC produces two production annually. Biannually DRC presents a full-length production of the traditional holiday classic The Nutcracker.
Due to COVID-19 The 2020 Nutcracker has been postponed and tentatively rescheduled to 2021.
2020 Summer Camp Overview
Junior Training Program for Dancers- June 15-26, 9am-4pm, Monday- Friday, ages 9+ (with approx. 3 years dance experience/ MCA Ballet Level II) Q & A about our Junior Training Program.
Young Dancer Intensive– June 22-26, Monday-Friday, 1-4 pm, ages 6-9 years
17th Annual Boarding Summer Dance Intensive (SDI)- July 5-25, ages 11-22, acceptance by in-person or video audition required. Q & A about our SDI.
Winona Arts Camp 2020- August 3-7, Monday- Friday, 9am-3:30pm, 1st-8th grade
Nutcracker Fairy Tale Camp- August, 10-14, Monday- Friday, 9:00-11:00 am, ages 3-5 years & K-1st grade
Tap Camp- Aug. 10-14, 11:30 am-1:30 pm (beg- 2 years tap experience), 1:30-5:30pm (Int. & Adv. tap experience and 11+), Monday- Friday, ages 5+ .
All of these camps will take place at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts home, The Valencia Arts Center. Please check back soon for more details on these camps, 2020 National Tap Dance Day Celebration workshops, stay strong classes, summer private lessons, spring dance classes, and Arts Camps at the YMCA by MCA staff.
Winona Arts Camp 2020
Join MCA and Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) for the 6th annual integrated arts summer camp. Once again students will get to rank their class choice of visual and performing arts they want to explore, having the opportunity to be immersed in four subjects a day. From percussion and creative journaling to learning how to apply special effects stage make-up and ballet basics, there are plenty of options to satisfy the artist in everyone. Back by popular demand, there will be an all camp talent show on Friday morning and families are invited to attend a lively showcase at 3 pm on Friday afternoon. Once you have registered online or in-person, please fill out the class choice form.
Dates: TBD, M-F
Time: 9:00 am- 3:30 pm
Age: 1st - 8th grade
Price: $189 (Early Bird Special), $209 (after May 1), Fee includes camp t-shirt. Students will need to bring a lunch and water bottle daily.
Class choices for 2020 include: Special Effects Stage Make-up, Adventures in Acting, Recycled Art, Word Art, Exploring the Masters, Meet the Piano, Tap it Out, Ballet Basics, Intro to Contemporary Dance, Dance around the World Just Weave It, Percussion Jam, Songwriting, Sing Out, and Adventures in Acting. Class choice form.
Tap Camp
Join us for an exciting week of rhythm! TAP CAMP will include classes in tap technique, repertory, improvisation, body percussion, music theory and concepts for the tap dancer, tap history, and tap in films. TAP CAMP will hold new challenges for beginning, intermediate, and advanced tappers.
Dancers should bring a water bottle and snack each day. An informal demonstration for family and friends will be held on Friday, Aug. 14th at 5:30 pm followed by a potluck pizza party! Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, come on dancers, it's TAP CAMP time!
Dates: August 10-14, 2020
Time & Ages: Tap for Kids and Tap I: 11:30 am- 1:30 pm (ages 5+, no experience- 2 years experience) (Dancers will also be invited to perform on Friday, Aug. 14 at 5:30 pm.
Tap II-V: 1:30 - 5:30 pm (Intermediate & advanced Tap Dancers ages 11+ or MCA Tap levels II-V. Tappers will participate in a placement class on day one.)
Fee: Tap for Kids and Tap I: $85 (Early Bird Special), $99 (after May 1)
Tap II-V: $165 (Early Bird Special), $189 (after May 1)
*Fees include camp t-shirt.