Jazz Workshop:
Ava Wood
Date: August 16, 2026
Time: 1-4PM, 4-5pm Advanced Training
Age: Grades 5th-12th
Cost: $65 (early bird registration through 7/15/2026)
Advanced Training Hour (4-5pm): $30
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During the first two hours, dancers will train with Ava through an engaging jazz/contemporary class focused on building strong fundamentals while challenging each dancer to reach the next level. Ava's teaching style emphasizes clean technique, confident performance, and enjoying the process of becoming a better dancer.
This class is designed to be accessible for both middle school and high school dancers, with progressions and coaching that allow every participant to feel challenged at their own level. Whether you're working toward your first tryout or preparing for another competitive season, you'll leave with new skills, greater confidence, and practical tools to continue improving.
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Dynamic jazz technique and execution
Performance quality and stage presence
Musicality and artistry
Strength, control, and clean movement
Learning an exciting jazz/contemporary combination
Confidence-building strategies that translate beyond the dance floor
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Whether you're wondering how to build confidence, overcome setbacks, prepare for auditions, or continue growing as both a dancer and teammate, this is your opportunity to hear honest advice from someone who has been there too.
This conversation is designed to leave dancers feeling inspired, encouraged, and believing that their own goals are within reach.
At MN Dance Athletics, we're passionate about connecting Minnesota dancers with role models who are eager to lift others up. We can't wait to create an experience where dancers leave with not only stronger skills, but also greater confidence, meaningful connections, and inspiration that fuels them to reach even higher.
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The final hour is designed for dancers who want to elevate their technical abilities. Ava will lead advanced progressions focused on turns, leaps, body control, transitions, movement quality, and musical interpretation. Dancers will break down the details that separate good performers from exceptional ones while learning how to attack choreography with greater confidence, control, and artistry.
focused Training
Step into an environment that pushes you to be your best. Expect intentional training designed to challenge and elevate every dancer.
Elite Instruction
Train with an experienced physical therapist who brings both technical expertise and real-world dance experience.
Technique + Performance
Refine your skills while building confidence in how you perform—because how you show up matters.
Strength & Conditioning
Develop power, control, and injury prevention habits to support long-term success.
Connection & Community
Train alongside athletes from across the region, build new relationships, and be part of something bigger than your team.
An Unmatched Experience
This isn’t just another clinic—it’s a motivating experience that will leave you feeling confident, driven, and ready for your next season.
minnesota dance physical therapy: injury prevention clinic
Date: saturday 7/25/2026
Time: 10-12pm
location: dakota middle school
cost: $35
details
Date:
July 25th
Cost: $35
Time: 10-12pm
Ages: 5th-12th grade
Location
Dakota Middle School: 5501 65th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901
West & Center Gyms: Enter door 15 (first right into the parking lot if coming from the w off of 52)
5501 65th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Sample Schedule: sATURDAY 7/25/2026
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Welcome message, Instructor Introductions
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Guided dynamic stretch & Warm-Up followed by valuble information to prevent injuries as a dancer.
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Rotation/Circuit Training to improve power moves, skills, & technique.
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FINAL TAKE AWAYS
Experience MNDA
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Experience MNDA 〰️
Inspiration: a powerful uplifting influence that encourages personal growth and action, guiding you towards your own potential.
MN Champions inspiring the next generation
Where Minnesota’s dance legacy meets the next generation
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Where Minnesota’s dance legacy meets the next generation *
Emily Jeffcoat “Marv”
Emily Jeffcoat is a dancer with an extensive background in elite competitive and collegiate dance. She was a member of Dance Mania Allstars from 2009–2022, where she trained and competed at the highest levels of the sport. During her time with DMA, Emily also taught at Dance Mania Academy and assisted in choreography and instruction for four years during high school, gaining early experience as a leader and mentor.
Emily has represented the United States four times internationally, earning the title of 3x ICU World Champion and becoming a 10x Dance World Champion. In addition to her competitive success, she served on the USASF Athlete Council, advocating for athletes and contributing to the growth and integrity of the sport.
At the collegiate level, Emily is a member of the University of Minnesota Dance Team, one of the most prestigious programs in the country. Across her collegiate career, she has achieved 5x College National Champion honors, competing on the national stage with excellence and pride.
Emily continues to travel across the country choreographing for high school, college, and Allstar teams, while also teaching dance intensives and master classes. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge, inspiring the next generation of dancers, and pushing the standard of competitive dance wherever she goes.
mn proud
payton hardesty
Payton is a senior at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she is majoring in Psychology. She grew up training at Dance Express in Mankato, Minnesota, and is currently in her fourth year as a member of the UMD Dance Team who placed 2nd in both pom and jazz this year!
Dance has been a central part of Payton’s life, and over the past three summers, she has loved working with dancers as an instructor at Just For Kix summer camps. With 19 years of experience, she has developed a deep passion for motivating and uplifting dancers, with a strong belief in the power of an intentional mindset.
Looking ahead, Payton plans to pursue a master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, with a focus on employee motivation and well-being.
Ella Guille
ella is a graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato and was a member of the 11-time national championship program for four years. During her time on the team, she was part of the 2023 Pom National Championship team and contributed to back-to-back double national titles in both Pom and Jazz in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.
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MN Dance Athletics offers a variety of training opportunities designed to support dancers and teams at every level. Our services include summer intensives, technique clinics, strength and conditioning sessions, and middle school training series. We also provide customized team workshops focused on performance, leadership, and team culture, along with special events like INSPiRE that bring together dancers from across the Minnesota dance community.
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Getting started with MN Dance Athletics is simple! Explore our upcoming events and programs, choose the opportunity that best fits your goals, and register directly through our website. If you’re a coach interested in bringing MNDA to your team, reach out through our contact page—we’d love to create a customized training experience for you.
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MN Dance Athletics goes beyond traditional dance training by focusing on the full development of each dancer. We combine technique, strength and conditioning, and leadership training in a high-energy, community-driven environment. Rooted in Southern Minnesota and connected to the broader MN dance community, we create opportunities for dancers to train alongside others that may not typically have access to—building confidence, connection, and growth both on and off the floor.
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How can I contact you?
You can reach MN Dance Athletics through the contact form on our website or by emailing us directly. We’re also active on Instagram and Facebook—feel free to message us there with questions or updates. We’re always happy to connect and help you find the right program or training opportunity!
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What is your pricing model?
Our pricing is designed to keep MN Dance Athletics accessible while supporting the long-term growth of our programs and the dance community we serve. We believe in a generosity-based approach—where every registration helps us continue to invest back into dancers through high-quality training, leadership development, and expanded opportunities across Minnesota.
When you participate in MNDA programs, you’re not just investing in your own growth—you’re also helping us give back to the broader dance community through accessible events, elevated instruction, and meaningful experiences for dancers of all backgrounds.
our ambassador program is just one way we demonstrate this - it’s entirely free and offers advanced training to dancers along with exciting leadership opportunities.