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 an artist, dancer, and dedicated educator based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She is the founder of MNCDA. She holds a B.F.A. in Modern Dance from the University of Utah, where she was honored with the Fine Arts Full Academic Tuition Scholarship for Dance—a four-year award granted for her artistic and academic excellence.
Leah’s performance career spans venues and festivals across Minnesota, Utah, Oregon, and internationally in Germany. She has graced the stages at the Minnesota Fringe Festival, served as a company member with Oquirrh West Project, and performed 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 combines a deep respect for classical technique with a commitment to contemporary, research-based pedagogy. She has taught at numerous studios across the United States—from Salt Lake City to the Twin Cities—where she nurtures inclusive, challenging, and affirming learning environments for dancers of all ages and backgrounds.
Leah founded MNCDA with a vision of creating a space for dance excellence that is accessible, community-focused, 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.
