About
At MNCDA, we envision a dance community where excellence and inclusivity go hand in hand. Founded with the belief that high-quality dance training should be accessible to all, our studio is rooted in a commitment to expanding access for dancers of every background, identity, and experience level. We strive to be a welcoming, empowering space where everyone feels seen, supported, and inspired to grow.
Based in the heart of Minneapolis, our studio was created to be a lasting source of artistic excellence—nurturing not just skilled dancers, but compassionate individuals who carry the transformative power of dance into the world. Through community engagement, thoughtful instruction, and a deep love for the art form, we aim to shape the future of dance—one inclusive step at a time.
About the Director
About Leah
Leah Gulstrand is a Minneapolis-based artist, dancer, and dedicated educator. She is the founder of MNCDA and holds a B.F.A. in Modern Dance from the University of Utah, where she was awarded the Fine Arts Full Academic Tuition Scholarship for Dance, a four-year honor recognizing both artistic and academic excellence.
Her performance career spans venues and festivals across Minnesota, Utah, Oregon, and internationally in Germany. She has performed at the Minnesota Fringe Festival, served as a company member with Oquirrh West Project, and appeared in Berlin with DART Dance Company. Her choreographic work has received national recognition, including two Professional Solo Awards from the SALT Dance Choreography Festival.
With over 10 years of experience teaching ballet, Leah blends a deep respect for classical technique with contemporary, research-based pedagogy. She has taught across the United States—from Salt Lake City to the Twin Cities—fostering inclusive, challenging, and affirming learning environments for dancers of all ages and backgrounds.
Leah founded MNCDA with a vision to create a space for dance excellence that is accessible, community-centered, and inclusive. Her mission is to provide high-quality dance education that empowers every student to discover their artistic voice and thrive both in movement and in life.
From Fall 2026 through Summer 2027, Leah will attend New York University in the M.A. in Teaching Dance in the Professions (ABT Pedagogy) program, offered in partnership with American Ballet Theatre. This advanced training will further deepen her pedagogical practice, research-based teaching, and integration of historical and cultural ballet studies into her work.
