About Prima

Prima Classical Coaching began during the COVID-19 pandemic with workshops and small-group classes.

As demand grew, we expanded into a full classical ballet training program for dancers of all ages.

Our accelerated track supports dedicated students who want to excel in ballet.

With accomplished instructors, we build technical precision, artistic expression, and a deep love for the art—so every dancer can reach their full potential.

Jacqueline McDaniel

Owner and Director

Jacqueline's love for ballet began at the age of seven. She began training at Ballet Iowa, a Vaganova-based school and company directed by former Bolshoi Ballet dancer, Konstantin Uralsky. While attending a summer intensive at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C., Jacqueline was invited to attend the pre-professional program under Ludmila Morkovina, a graduate and professor of the Vaganova Ballet Academy. Upon graduation, she danced with Omaha Theater Ballet and as a guest performer for Central Dance Theater and Iowa Dance Theater. Jacqueline decided to put her dancing career on hold to attend college. She relocated to Chicago where she received a degree in Marketing with an Art minor from Roosevelt University. While attending college, she began teaching ballet, pointe, and creative movement at several Chicago-land studios. After college graduation Jacqueline realized how much she missed dancing. So she decided to return to the stage. Jacqueline went on to dance with: Schaumburg Dance Ensemble, Omaha Ballet Theater, Ballet Theater of Maryland, Metropolitan Ballet, Cities Classical Dance Ensemble, and Saint Paul Ballet. Jacqueline loves encouraging dancers to believe in themselves above all else; to always push for more and not define themselves by one specific talent but pursue their limitless potential.

Lily Conforti

Instructor

Twin Cities–based performer, choreographer, stage manager, and dance educator. She graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2021 with degrees in Dance and Physiology. Lily is the Artistic Director of Corpus Dance Works, a company known for blending bold movement, multimedia storytelling, and a touch of satirical flair. Corpus has premiered original evening-length works at the 2019, 2022, and 2024 Minnesota Fringe Festivals.

As a performer, Lily has danced in works by Kjara Wurst, Gallim Dance, Berit Ahlgren, Black Label Movement, Alternative Motion Project, Threads Dance Project, and many other local artists. She has taught Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theater, and Contemporary Partnering for seven years and is passionate about sharing her creativity and love of dance with every student she works with.

Cierra Dailey

Adminstrative Assistant and Instructor

Cierra Dailey (she/her) is a movement artist, stage manager, teacher, and arts administrator located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Cierra started her journey as a dancer at a competitive studio as well as a local high school, Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists. She found a love for contemporary movement in her teens, and later attended the University of Minnesota pursuing a BFA in dance. She has performed works by many Twin Cities artists including Arena Dances, Ananya Chatterjea, Black Label Movement, Elayna Waxse, and Shapiro and Smith Dance.

Addie Guenther

Instructor

BIO COMING SOON!

Jennifer Mack

Instructor

Jennifer’s 20+ year career in dance includes receiving several notable roles, awards & grants for her work as a dancer/performer, choreographer, instructor and adjudicator internationally in dance, theater, opera, music, film, and commercially with numerous companies, competitions, festivals, schools, studios and universities. Favorites include: Alternative Motion Project (founding dancer), Collide Theatrical Dance Co., Continental Ballet, Curio Dance, Eclectic Edge Ensemble, James Sewell Ballet, Kim Robards Dance Co., Live Action Set, MN Opera, Offleash Area, St. Paul Ballet, Milwaukee & MN Fringe Festivals, Rhythmically Speaking, Twin Cities Film Festival, Ballet Academy Youth Ensemble, Children’s Dance Theater, Phipps Art Center & Dance Co., Rochester Dance Company (former Assistant Director), St. Paul Conservatory for the Arts, Zenon Dance Co. & School, Aveda, Best Buy, Cost Cutters, Sherwin Williams Paint & Target. She holds a certification in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), a BFA in Dance, BS in Arts Management & International Studies with minors in Art, Music & Biology (Magna Cum Laude) from UW-Stevens Point under a Bukolt Scholarship.

Mary Claire Whitley

Instructor

BIO COMING SOON!

Katelyn Yankovich

Instructor

BIO COMING SOON!

Current Job Openings

Ballet Instructor: 2026/27

Prima Classical Ballet is looking for a Ballet Instructor for the 2026/2027 school year to join our team!

This role will include teaching ballet classes for ages 3-10 and tap for ages 3-5, as well as rehearsals for young dancers (choreography and music provided).

Commitment
Prima is looking for someone that is available to work for the 2026/27 school year (late August to early June)
Instructor must be available to work Nutcracker weekend, December 4-6, and the Spring Ballet, June 4-5, 2027. 

Schedule
Prima is looking for an instructor passionate about teaching young dancers ages 3-10 with availability on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings. 

If interested, please send an introductory email and your resume to [email protected]!

Administrative Assistant (Front Desk)

Prima Classical Ballet is looking for an Administrative Assistant for the 2026/2027 school year! 

Key Responsibilities
Corresponding with families in person and via email: answering questions, registering students, and point of sales. 
Cleaning common areas and studios. 
Performing tasks related to performances, costuming, and studio communication. 

Schedule/Commitment
Commitment: Prima is looking for someone that is available to work for the 2026/27 school year (late August to early June)
Schedule: 12-15 hours per week, Tuesday (evening), Thursday (evening), and Saturdays (morning – afternoon). 

If interested, please send an introductory email and your resume to [email protected]

7395 Bush Lake Road

Edina, MN 55439

763-703-6117