Join us for one or two unforgettable experiences: watching an original ballet based on a beloved story! Whether you have taken ballet classes or you just love an evening out at the theater, you will enjoy this special opportunity created just for Edina Community Ed participants! Join our ballet instructor, Kaethe Birkner, for an evening or afternoon with Ballet Co. Laboratory to watch rehearsals of their production of Mary Poppins along with a behind the scenes opportunity at each offering. These events are for ages 10 and up. All youth must come with an adult. Please read through the descriptions carefully to ensure you choose the event that works best for you, your family, or your group. If you have questions, please email our ballet instructor Kaethe Birkner at kabirkner2020@gmail.com. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ballet Appreciation #1: Mary Poppins – In-Studio Rehearsal + Dancer Q&A Ballet Co. Laboratory, St. Paul - Friday, May 1, 2026 from 1pm to 3pm This rare opportunity will allow you to see an in-studio rehearsal for Mary Poppins only two weeks before it will be on stage. You will have a chance to see where the dancers rehearse everyday and get an up-close look at the rehearsal process. You will also be able to ask the dancers questions with a Q&A! This option will be held at Ballet Co. Laboratory’s studio in St. Paul. More details will be emailed out to participants closer to the show date. Please be sure the email you have on file with us is current. For option 1, you must sign up by 4/27/26. If you wish to sign up past this date, please contact Edina Community Ed to see if it is possible. Ballet Appreciation #2: Mary Poppins – Dress Rehearsal + Backstage Tour E.M. Pearson Theater at Concordia University, St Paul - Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 5pm to 8pm Come and watch the dress rehearsal for the show Mary Poppins! Held in the theater, you will get to see first hand the work it takes to move a show from the studio to the stage and you’ll be the first to see the production onstage! Participants will also be given a backstage tour of the theater! Please note you must arrive by 5pm at E.M. Pearson Theater at Concordia University. More details will be emailed out to participants closer to the show date. Please be sure the email you have on file with us is current. For option 2, you must sign up by 5/6/26. If you wish to sign up past this date, please contact Edina Community Ed to see if it is possible. About Mary Poppins: Mary Poppins will sweep you into a world where anything can happen—blending unforgettable characters, dazzling choreography, and a dash of theatrical magic. Join us for a spoonful of sugar sure to stir your soul and set your imagination free. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ About Ballet Co. Laboratory: Ballet Co. Laboratory is Minnesota’s largest professional ballet company and school. Based in Saint Paul and established in 2018, they empower creativity while engaging communities in new ways of thinking, learning, and moving. Ballet Co.Laboratory is nationally recognized for challenging ballet’s “traditions that exclude” by reimagining how ballet is taught, created, and presented. __________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.orgPhone: (952) 848-3952

Improve your fitness, strength, and flexibility with adult ballet in a fun, supportive, and community-focused setting—no tutu required! Whether you're brand new, returning after a break, or looking for a local alternative to city studios with city parking, we have a class for you! With multiple levels and schedules, our professionally trained instructors help you build technique, prevent injury, and enjoy the many physical and mental benefits of ballet. You will also get the opportunity to build community and friendships in a healthy and welcoming environment. Intro to Ballet Specifics: New to ballet or returning after a break? This class is for you! Learn foundational ballet steps, positions, and musicality in a supportive, non-competitive environment. You will receive individual corrections with a focus on proper technique to improve your alignment and prevent injury. Build strength, balance, and body awareness and improve coordination and posture at a comfortable pace! Class will focus on barre work but may also include some center steps. Join in person, online via Zoom, or mix and match! Questions? Email us at midwestballetmn@gmail.com. Why take ballet? Here are some of our favorite benefits: Increased balance, strength, mobility, coordination, and flexibility Improve cardio, core strength and posture/alignment Reduce risk of Alzheimer's and dementia Stress reduction Injury and pain prevention “Putting your hand on the barre makes the rest of the world melt away”, also known as escape and you time! Perfect for helping you keep an active (and social) lifestyle! Midwest School of Ballet’s experienced instructors provide a traditional ballet format of barre and center work while emphasizing proper alignment, technique, musicality, and artistry. If you have any questions about what class to sign up for just email us and we can help. The most important thing is for all students to be doing ballet safely. midwestballetmn@gmail.com Meet Kaethe here: Kaethe ___________________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.orgPhone: (952) 848-3952