COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community Engagement
With Ballet Co.Laboratory
Dance is meant to be shared. At Ballet Co.Laboratory, our Community Engagement offerings present free dance performances and workshops throughout the Twin Cities. Here, community members gather to move, celebrate, and connect. Check out our 2026/27 offerings and come experience the joy of dance with us.
For more details about our upcoming community events, please reach out to our Outreach Manager Lexi Bateman, here.
Day of the transgender child
September 26, 2026 | 12:00 - 4:00pm
Join us in supporting and celebrating trans youth. Visit our booth in Loring Park for crafts and games and maybe learn a few dance moves!
Location: Loring Park (1382 Willow St, Minneapolis, MN)
Cost: Free
Ballet Tuesday
Coppelia
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00pm
Join us at Landmark Center in Saint Paul for a FREE dance program. Enjoy excerpts from Arthur Saint Léon’s Coppelia, featuring the Junior Performance Ensemble of Ballet Co.Laboratory. This romantic era comedy is full of love, hope, and mischief, all set to the charming score by Léo Delibes.
After the performance, audience members are invited to participate in an optional mini-dance lesson, craft, and photos with the dancers.
Location: Landmark Center (75 5th St W, Saint Paul, MN)
Cost: Free
Library Storytime
nutcracker in wonderland
Saturday, november 14, 2026 | 10:30 - 11:30am
Join us at Highland Park Library for a special storytime inspired by Nutcracker in Wonderland. Highland Park librarians collaborate with dancers from Ballet Co.Laboratory to present a one-of-a-kind reading that will get you dancing.
Location: Highland Park Library (1974 Ford Parkway, St Paul, MN)
Cost: Free
Ballet Tuesday
nutcracker in wonderland
Tuesday, November 24, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00pm
Join us at Landmark Center in Saint Paul for a FREE dance program. Enjoy excerpts from Nutcracker in Wonderland, featuring the Professional Dancers of Ballet Co.Laboratory in a kaleidoscopic meeting of magic & whimsy. The beloved Nutcracker music takes on new meaning as our holiday classic weaves together two timeless stories—The Nutcracker & Alice in Wonderland for the most curious adventure.
After the performance, audience members are invited to participate in an optional mini-dance lesson, craft, and photos with the dancers.
Location: Landmark Center (75 5th St W, Saint Paul, MN)
Cost: Free
girl scouts behind-the-scenes event
nutcracker in wonderland
Saturday, December 19, 2026 | 6:00pm
Calling all Girl Scout troops! Join us for a behind-the-scenes event at Ballet Co.Laboratory’s Nutcracker In Wonderland. Start your evening with a backstage tour to learn secrets about the production…and maybe even get a glimpse of a dancer warming up! You and your troop receive a one-of-a-kind patch and attend our holiday performance and end with a post-show photo opportunity with some of the dancers in the show.
Location: Ted Mann Concert Hall (2128 S 4th St, Minneapolis, MN)
Cost: TBD
Minnesota Orchestra
Saturday, January 23, 2027 | 7:15 - 7:45pm
Join us in the Target Atrium at the Minnesota Orchestra for a pre-concert performance! Enjoy excerpts of Ballet Co.Laboratory’s repertoire inspired by Tchaikovsky’s music.
Location: Orchestra Hall (1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN)
Cost: Free for concert ticket holders
library storytime
Where the wild things are
Friday, February 20, 2027 | 10:30 - 11:30am
Join us at Highland Park Library for a special storytime inspired by Where the Wild Things Are. Highland Park librarians collaborate with dancers from Ballet Co.Laboratory to present a one-of-a-kind reading that will get you dancing.
Location: Merriam Park Library (1831 Marshall Ave, St Paul, MN)
Cost: Free
Ballet Tuesday
where the wild things are
Tuesday, february 16, 2027 | 12:00 - 1:00pm
Join us at Landmark Center in Saint Paul for a FREE dance program. Enjoy excerpts from Where the Wild Things Are, inspired by the classic children’s book. Packed with colorful visuals and playful storytelling, this ballet is the perfect introduction to dance for our youngest audience members.
After the performance, audience members are invited to participate in an optional mini-dance lesson, craft, and photos with the dancers.
Location: Landmark Center (75 5th St W, Saint Paul, MN)
Cost: Free
Children’s Hospital of MN
where the wild things are
Wednesday, February 17, 2027 | 11:00am - 12:00pm
The patients, their loved ones, and Children’s Minnesota
staff / volunteers are invited to attend a free performance of
Where the Wild Things Are. This performance will take place in the hospital’s Star Studio and be streamed to patients’ rooms.
Location: Children’s Minnesota St. Paul Campus - Star Studio
(345 Smith Ave N, Saint Paul, MN)
*Streamed to Minneapolis campus
Cost: Free
library storytime
Where the wild things are
Saturday, March 13, 2027 | 10:30 - 11:30am
Join us at Highland Park Library for a special storytime inspired by Where the Wild Things Are. Highland Park librarians collaborate with dancers from Ballet Co.Laboratory to present a one-of-a-kind reading that will get you dancing.
Location: Red Balloon Bookshop (891 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN)
Cost: Free
northrop: costumes up close
Sunday, March 21, 2027 | 1:00pm
Join us and other local arts organizations in the Northrop lobby before and after Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s matinee performance. Get a behind the scenes experience and see the beautiful and intricate details of some of Ballet Co.Laboratory’s costumes up close and personal.
Location: Northrop Lobby (84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN)
Cost: Free
Ballet Tuesday
If You Give A Mouse A Cookie
Join us at Landmark Center in Saint Paul for a FREE dance program. Enjoy excerpts from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Inspired by the classic children’s book, this endearing ballet is the perfect introduction to dance for our youngest audience members—toddlers and preschoolers.
After the performance, audience members are invited to participate in an optional mini-dance lesson, craft, and photos with the dancers. For more information, click here.
date/time
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
12:00 - 1:00pm
location
Landmark Center
75 5th St W / Saint Paul, MN 55102
cost
Free
Library Storytime
If You Give A Mouse A Cookie
Join us at Merriam Park Library for a special storytime inspired by If You Give A Mouse A Cookie. Merriam Park librarians collaborate with dancers from Ballet Co.Laboratory to present a one-of-a-kind reading that will get you dancing.
Date/Time
Friday, February 20, 2026
10:30 - 11:30am
Location
Merriam Park Library
1831 Marshall Ave / St Paul, MN 55104
Cost
Free
Library Storytime
If You Give A Mouse A Cookie
Join us at the Red Balloon Bookshop for a special storytime inspired by If You Give A Mouse A Cookie. Red Balloon Bookshop has collaborated with dancers from Ballet Co.Laboratory to present a one-of-a-kind reading that will get you dancing.
Date/Time
Saturday, February 21, 2026
10:30 - 11:30am
Location
Red Balloon Bookshop
891 Grand Ave / St Paul, MN 55105
Cost
Free
Girl Scouts
Behind-The-Scenes Event
If You Give A Mouse A Cookie
Calling all Girl Scout troops! Join us for a behind-the-scenes event at Ballet Co.Laboratory’s If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Start your evening with a pre-show dance class and sneak peek into the production. You and your troop receive a one-of-a-kind patch and attend the performance and end with the opportunity to attend our fair with treats and prizes.
DATEs/TIMEs
Saturday, March 7, 2026
5:30pm
Saturday, March 14, 2026
5:30pm
LOCATION
Ballet Co.Laboratory Studio Theatre
276 E Lafayette Frontage Rd
Saint Paul, MN 55107
COST
$30
Children’s Hospital of
Minnesota Performance
If You Give A Mouse A Cookie
The patients, their loved ones, and Children’s Minnesota
staff / volunteers are invited to attend a free performance of
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. This performance will take place in the hospital’s Star Studio and be streamed to patients’ rooms.
date/time
Thursday, March 19, 2026
11:00am - 12:00pm
Location
Children’s Minnesota
St. Paul Campus - Star Studio
345 Smith Ave N / Saint Paul, MN 55102
* Streamed to Minneapolis campus
cost
Free
Northrop: Costumes Up Close
Join us and other local arts organizations in the Northrop lobby before and after the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s matinee performance. Get a behind the scenes experience and see the beautiful and intricate details of some of Ballet Co.Laboratory’s costumes up close and personal.
date/time
April 19, 2026
1:00pm
Location
Northrop Lobby
84 Church St SE / Minneapolis, MN 55455
Cost
Free
Ballet Tuesday
Mary Poppins
Join us at Landmark Center in Saint Paul for a FREE dance program. Enjoy excerpts from Mary Poppins, featuring the professional dancers of Ballet Co.Laboratory. Take flight in an extraordinary adventure full of magic & whimsy with Mary, Bert, & friends.
After the performance, audience members are invited to participate in an optional mini-dance lesson, craft, and photos with the dancers. For more information, click here.
date/time
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
12:00 - 1:00pm
LOCATION
Landmark Center
75 5th St W / Saint Paul, MN 55102
cost
Free
Library Storytime
Mary Poppins
Join us at Riverview Library for a special storytime inspired by Mary Poppins. Riverview librarians collaborate with dancers from Ballet Co.Laboratory to present a one-of-a-kind reading that will get you dancing.
Date/Time
Friday, May 1, 2026
10:30 - 11:30am
Location
Riverview Library
1 George St E / St Paul, MN 55107
Cost
Free
Ballet Tuesday
Les Sirènes
Join us at Landmark Center in Saint Paul for a FREE dance program. Enjoy excerpts from Les Sirènes featuring the Junior Performance Ensemble of Ballet Co.Laboratory. Dive into a whimsical tale of mermaids, pirates, and love in unexpected places.
After the performance, audience members are invited to participate in an optional mini-dance lesson, craft, and photos with the dancers. or more information, click here.
DATE/TIME
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
12:00 - 1:00pm
LOCATION
Landmark Center
75 5th St W / Saint Paul, MN 55102
Cost
Free
Girl Scouts
Behind-The-Scenes Event
Mary Poppins
Calling all Girl Scout troops! Join us for a behind-the-scenes event at Ballet Co.Laboratory’s Mary Poppins. Start your evening with a pre-show dance class. You and your troop receive a one-of-a-kind patch and attend our performance and end with a post-show photo opportunity with some of the dancers in the show.
DATE/TIME
Friday, May 15, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Saturday, May 16, 2026 @ 6:00pm
LOCATION
E.M. Pearson Theatre
312 Hamline Ave N / Saint Paul, MN 55104
COST
$40
Flint Hills Family Festival
Dance, discover, and dream at the Flint Hills Family Festival. Catch a performance by Ballet Co.Laboratory, make a craft, play a game, and learn a few dance moves!
*Performance times to be announced in spring 2026.
date/time
Dates & Times TBA
Location
Rice Park
109 W 4th St / St Paul, MN 55102
Cost
Free
Grand Old Day
Stroll the streets of Grand Avenue on Grand Old Day and you will find Ballet Co.Laboratory’s activity booth. Come make a crown, get a temporary tattoo, play games, and more!
*Performance times to be announced in spring 2026.
DATE/TIME
June 7, 2026
LOCATION
Grand Avenue / Saint Paul, MN 55105
cost
Free
Pride Family Fun Day
Join us for a fun filled day of celebrating LGBTQIA+ families. Come make a crown, play games, and learn a few dance moves to do around the park!
date/time
June 21, 2026
Time: TBA
location
Como Park East Pavilions
1199 Midway Parkway / Saint Paul, MN 55103
Cost
Free
Twin Cities Pride
Let’s come together with friends, family, and allies to honor the LGBTQIA+ community! Visit our booth in Loring Park for crafts, games, photo opportunities, and other surprises.
*Performance times to be announced in spring 2026
DATES
Dates & Times TBA
LOCATION
Loring Park
1382 Willow St / Minneapolis, MN 55403
Cost
Free
Past Outreach Events This Season
Day of the Transgender Child
Join us in supporting and celebrating trans youth. Visit our booth in Loring Park for crafts and games, and maybe learn a few dance moves!
date/time
September 27, 2025
12:00 - 4:00pm
location
Loring Park
1382 Willow St / Minneapolis, MN 55403
cost
Free
Ballet Tuesday
Swan Lake
Join us at Landmark Center in Saint Paul for a FREE dance program with excerpts from classical ballet favorite, Swan Lake. Dancers from Ballet Co.Laboratory’s Junior Performance Ensemble will delight audiences with this iconic music and choreography.
After the performance, audience members are invited to participate in an optional mini-dance lesson, craft, and photos with the dancers. For more information, click here.
dates/time
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
12:00 - 1:00pm
location
Landmark Center
75 5th St W / Saint Paul, MN 55102
Cost
Free
Thank You To Our 2025/26 Outreach Programming Supporter
The Lillian Wright and C. Emil Berglund Foundation