History & Mission

For 35 years, St. Croix Ballet has been a cornerstone of classical ballet training in Minnesota’s St. Croix Valley and eastern Twin Cities metro. Founded in 1991 by Karla Sweeney, St. Croix Ballet has become known for its exceptional training, annual productions, and alumni who have gone on to prestigious professional schools and companies across the country.

Karla graduated from the University of Utah with a BFA in Ballet and went on to dance with Ballet West and was a featured dancer with Disney, touring to England and South Africa. While her legacy lives on, Mz. Karla passed away in 2015 after a gallant battle with late-stage breast cancer.

In 2012, teacher Susan Hovey assumed directorship, cementing the impact of the annual Stillwater Nutcracker, and establishing St. Croix Ballet’s full length spring productions of Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella, as well as Evening on Pointe, an annual gala that benefits The Karla Sweeney Foundation for Dance.

In 2022, Laura Daugherty, alumna, professional dancer and teacher, purchased the school to build on the magic that Karla Sweeney and Susan Hovey created. The studio has grown into one of the Twin Cities' most respected ballet schools. Today, located in a historic church in Stillwater, we offer classes in our Classical Ballet Program, Adult Ballet and summer programs with performing opportunities for students.