Rochester Dance Company is a dance studio in Rochester, Minnesota, dedicated to training youth ballet dancers ages 8 to 18 and providing them with professional-quality performance opportunities. The company offers a serious, structured training program in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, modern, and acro dance, with a focus on theatrical stage performance. Members participate in annual productions, most notably the long-running Nutcracker, which has been performed at the Mayo Civic Center since 2000. The company also presents original works, such as The Door to Imagination, which blends storytelling with choreography. With a mission rooted in fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts, Rochester Dance Company operates as a nonprofit organization and serves dancers and audiences throughout the region. It holds a perfect 5.00 rating based on customer reviews.
Founded in 2000 and formally incorporated as a nonprofit in 2006, the company was established by Wendy Jahraus and Ellen Huston to expand performance and training opportunities for young dancers in the area. It has since grown into a respected regional arts organization, known for its high-caliber productions featuring elaborate costumes, hand-painted sets, and performances by both company members and professional guest artists. The artistic staff includes Daniel Klinkhammer, a Rochester native and former company member, who now serves as co-Artistic Director. His background in multiple dance disciplines and performance experience, including roles in The Nutcracker, informs the company’s rigorous training and artistic direction. The company continues to emphasize collaboration with guest choreographers and professional artists to enrich the development of its dancers.
Rochester Dance Company is located on Tompkins Dr NE in Rochester, Minnesota. The studio sits within the city’s residential and civic corridor, situated near key community institutions. While no specific nearby landmarks are listed, the location places it within easy reach of downtown Rochester and its cultural venues.
The company maintains a strong digital presence, with a website that search engines read cleanly and consistently, ensuring broad visibility. Its business information is well-documented across online platforms, reinforcing its credibility and accessibility to students, families, and supporters.
Through its commitment to excellence in training and performance, Rochester Dance Company stands as a vital force in the city’s cultural landscape, nurturing young talent and bringing professional-level dance to the community.