Lorant Andaházy and Anna Andrianova Andaházy founded Andaházy Ballet, in St. Paul, in 1947. St. Paul City Ballet and has since thrived in the space in the Mac-Groveland neighborhood, but only a few years ago did the school expand into a full performance company. Jennifer Rockwell and Ross Edwards, a married couple who make up half the company’s artistic leaders, have set new work on the troupe for its program this weekend at the Ritz Theatre. 3-Minute Egg meets the pair at a rehearsal.
Saint Paul City Ballet
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3-Minute Egg 
St Paul City Ballet did not develop from the Andahazy School of Classical Ballet. The Andahazy School occupied the space on Grand Ave until 1995. St Anthony School of Dance moved into the space in 1996. The current head of St Paul City Ballet was a creative movement teacher with St Anthony, then the school manager and eventually bought the school from the owner. The name was changed from St. Anthony School of Dance to St Paul City Ballet in 2003. The head of St Paul City Ballet did not train or perform with the Andahazy Ballet Company under the direction of Lorant Andahazy and Anna Adrianova. She enjoyed taking the adult ballet classes at the school. I was with the Andahazy School and ballet company from 1968 until 1996. I was also a teacher, performer and choreographer with St Anthony School of Dance and St Paul City Ballet from 1996 to 2005. It is erroneous information that St Paul City Ballet developed from the Andahazy School of Classical Ballet.
Thank you for correcting the error, Karen. I’ve made note of it in the caption for the video, referencing your comment.
– matt
Thank you Matt! The history of ballet here in the twin cities is very important and sometimes it can get a bit convoluted if the information is not presented to you correctly. I appreciate your reply. I have a strong background in the Twin Cities and am very knowledgeable when it comes to the history here.
Sincerely,
Karen Paulson Rivet
Matt,
First of all, thanks so much for writing about us. Every minute or three that you spend doing stories about the arts, helps us all!
I noticed the correction to our history from your piece on the Company; but, unfortunately, the correction also has errors in it. You can find our history on our website at spcballet.org
Thanks again for your interest in Saint Paul City Ballet. We invite you to stop by and see what we are doing now.
Georgia Finnegan Amdahl
Executive Director
Hi Matt,
While perhaps the date Saint Paul City Ballet school changed its name from St Anthony Park School of Dance may have been 2002 rather than 2003, the corrections stand as is. There was no passing of the baton from the Andahazy School of Classical Ballet to any other entity. There were various former members of the Andahazy School and company teaching at St Anthony and Saint Paul City but this does not constitute passing the lineage on to Saint Paul City Ballet. The information on the Saint Paul City Ballet website is incorrect. The information received for your video is incorrect as it comes from the same source. The Andahazy School closed in 1995.
The Twin Cities has a rich history of classical and modern dance. I have been a faculty member and company member of some of the best in the Twin Cities including the Saint Paul Conservatory of Performing Artists, Minnesota Dance Theatre/The Dance Institute, Ballet Arts Minnesota and Continental Ballet Company. Thank you for your continued effort to bring information to the people of the Twin Cities area.
Sincerely,
Karen Paulson Rivet
Ballet Instructor,Choreographer and Performing Artist
I am a former student of the Andahazy School of Ballet. Long ago, I studied under Lorand, and Marius. I only studied at the St. Paul studio, so I never had class with Anna. I still believe I was truly blessed as their student.
I will get back into dancing shape and take a class or two at SPCB. I loved to see the studio and all the improvements to it in the film. There was no mirror on the south wall when I was there. It is as beautiful a place as I remembered. It was my sanctuary, my hide away. When I was there to dance, there was no other place on the earth. All my “troubles” were gone. I could not concentrate on dancing and think of anything else.
I have 2 quotes from “Mr. A”.
“When you practice the ballet, you can be an athelete or an artist. You decide.”
“Art ceases to be art when it is not shared. So don’t be so competitive. Help your fellow students when you can.”
Ginger
We’re so glad to hear that you’re thinking of coming back in to take a few classes. We are indeed very fortunate to be dancing in such a beautiful space, I know exactly what you mean when you say that your ‘troubles were gone’ – I often feel the very same way during rehearsals.
I look forward to seeing you at the studio.
Ross Edwards
Artistic Partner
Saint Paul City Ballet Company