Learning & Performance Opportunities

One Weekend. Endless Opportunities to Learn, Perform, and Grow.

Our Approach

At Michigan Ballet Festival, dancers ages 6 –18 experience a unique blend of world-class training, performance opportunities, wellness education, and professional mentorship. As Michigan's premier ballet festival, MBF is designed to support the whole dancer—helping students refine their technique, expand their artistry, build confidence, and explore future opportunities in dance.

Master Classes & Workshops

Train with Renowned Dance Professionals

Our master classes provide dancers with focused instruction from professional faculty representing leading schools, companies, and training programs.

Classes and workshops may include:

• Ballet Technique
• Pointe & Pre-Pointe
• Classical Variations
• Contemporary Dance
• Partnering
• Improvisation
• Nutrition & Wellness
• Injury Prevention
• Professional Development
• Audition & Summer Intensive Guidance

Through more than five hours of expert-led instruction, dancers receive fresh perspectives, individualized corrections, and practical tools to continue growing long after the festival weekend.

Why Dancers Love MBF Classes

✓ Refine technique and artistry

✓ Learn from nationally recognized faculty

✓ Gain valuable insights into dancer wellness

✓ Explore pathways to summer intensives and professional training

✓ Connect with dancers from across the Midwest

Gala Performance & Professional Feedback

Step On Stage and Share Your Artistry

The Michigan Ballet Festival Gala provides dancers with a professional performance experience in a supportive, educational environment.

Participants may perform:

  • Classical Solos

  • Contemporary Solos

  • Pas de Deux

  • Duets & Trios

  • Small Ensembles

  • Large Ensembles

Following the performance, dancers receive professional adjudication and feedback from industry experts, offering meaningful guidance for continued growth.

Why Perform at MBF?

✓ Gain valuable stage experience

✓ Receive professional feedback from adjudicators

✓ Build confidence as a performer

✓ Showcase your artistry in a professional setting

✓ Celebrate your hard work alongside dancers from across the region

Scholarship & Training Opportunities

Explore What's Next

Michigan Ballet Festival is proud to partner with nationally recognized schools, companies, and summer intensive programs.

Throughout the festival, faculty may award scholarships and invitations designed to encourage continued artistic development and training. These opportunities complement the education dancers receive at their home studios while helping them explore future possibilities within the dance world.

Past scholarship partners have included leading summer intensives and professional training programs from across the United States.

  • "Wonderful event! My daughter loved it so much and we plan to be back next year!"

    —2026 Festival Participant

  • "The judges feedback was so valuable. [My dancer] listened to it multiple times. She can’t wait for next year!"

    —2025 Festival Participant

  • "Thank you for providing ballet focused opportunities to Michigan dancers!"

    —2026 Festival Participant

  • "Every detail was thoughtfully executed."

    —2026 Festival Participant

Join us.

Join dancers from across the Midwest for an unforgettable weekend of training, performance, mentorship, and inspiration.