Studio Stories: Reminiscing on Twin Cities Dance with Justin Leaf - Season 16, Episode 170

Justin Leaf is a Minneapolis-based ballet teacher, choreographer,
and performance artist whose multifaceted career spans over two
decades. A graduate of The Juilliard School with a BFA in Dance
Performance, Justin’s training also includes The Kirov Academy,
School of American Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet School.


As a dancer, Justin was a company member with James Sewell Ballet
and Minnesota Dance Theatre, and has also performed works by
Ernesta Corvino, John Kelly, Morgan Thorson, George Stamos, and
others through independent engagements. Critics have described
them as “a fascinating and beguiling dancer—so lanky, loose, and
idiosyncratic that [their] fine-tuned ballet chops take you by
surprise” (Deborah Jowitt, The Village Voice).


In their extensive teaching career, Justin has worked with
various schools and companies, including Ballet Hispánico, James
Sewell Ballet, Minnesota Dance Theatre, Ballet Co.Laboratory, and
Minnesota Ballet. Their teaching is influenced by their
professional experiences and mentorship under master teachers
Andra and Ernesta Corvino.


As a choreographer, Justin has created works presented by
organizations such as Minnesota Dance Theatre, James Sewell
Ballet, and Minnesota Orchestra. Their performance work currently
encompasses dance, theater, and vocal artistry. Since 2006, they
have frequently performed as Mistress Ginger, a glittering
cabaret persona. As Ginger, they authored Mistress Ginger Cooks!:
Everyday Vegan Food for Everyone (2014).


Justin is honored to have received awards such as the Zaraspe
Prize for Outstanding Choreography, a Minnesota SAGE Award for
Best Performance, a McKnight Fellowship for Dancers, and a Next
Step Fund Grant.