Archive: Performances and Events

Threads Dance Project emerges from the ashes of the pandemic to celebrate its tenth anniversary, premiering the film Out of the Ashes and new works by 2020 Tapestries Program choreographers Gabby Abram, Jennifer Pray, and Elayna Waxse.

Out of the Ashes honors those impacted by 9/11 and asks whether we can resurrect a better way of living. This film, along with the works premiered by Tapestries program choreographers, emerges Threads anew.

Covid19: Effective September 1, 2021, all visitors to the Cowles who are attending a performance/event in the theater spaces are required to show either proof of a full course of COVID-19 vaccinations administered at least 14 days prior to the show or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the performance/event. Masks are required throughout the Cowles.

Virtual Anti-Racist Dramaturgy Event guided by Practice Progress (Kai Hazelwood and Sarah Ashkin)

Saturday, November 6, 2021
12:00-3:30pm CST
NO COST

Who is Practice Progress
Sarah Ashkin (she/her) is an educator, choreographer, scholar and trained facilitator committed to dismantling racism. Kai Hazelwood (she/her) is a passionate and experienced choreographer, movement director, performer, educator, producer, and activist. Together, as Practice Progress, they are addressing structural, professional, and interpersonal white supremacy through body-based learning.

Anti-Racist Dramaturgy – what to expect
Anti-Racist Dramaturgy is offered to creatives of all kinds committed to anti-racist making. This work draws on Kai and Sarah’s dual experience as anti-racist facilitators with Practice Progress and artistic directors of their own respective arts and social justice organizations, Good Trouble Makers, and GROUND SERIES. This event offers makers of all mediums a framework for ongoing anti-racist project design, production, and dramaturgy supported by examples from Kai and Sarah’s extensive practices as arts activists. Free to all participants.

Support and Funding
Anti-Racist Dramaturgy is supported by Pillsbury House and “is funded, in part, by Metropolitan Regional Arts Council through an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State’s general fund.”

Sign up
To be a part of this event, send an email to Sophie or call/text the number below and we will make sure you get the details!

Katha Dance Theatre (KDT) is excited to present the world premiere of Shaamya – Of Equality–their latest collaboration with composer J.D. Steele and choreographed Rita Mustaphi, KDT’s Artistic Director–at the Park Square Theatre in St. Paul, MN on November 19-21, 2021.

Inspired by the poetry of writer and activist Kazi Nazrul Islam (1899-1976) and using a mixture of multicultural dance, music, and spoken word poetry, the show juxtaposes past and present fights for racial, cultural and gender equity.

Equality will be set to a live rendition of original compositions by Twin Cities musical legend J.D. Steele, who will be accompanied by pianist Billy Steele and vocalist Jevetta Steele, as well as drum artist Abhinav Sharma. It will also include poetic contributions by Somali poet and playwright Ifrah Mansour, who will perform her acclaimed poem “I am a Refugee” onstage alongside Mustaphi and Steele.

In addition to KDT’s Kathak dance ensemble, contributions from dancers of multiethnic backgrounds will fill out the show, including ballet, flamenco, tap, and hip hop.

Runtime: 80 minutes. Single tickets are available here.

Showtimes:
November 19: 7:30 pm
November 20: 7:30 pm
November 21: 2 pm | American sign language (ASL); post-show discussion

This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov. It is also supported by a grant from St. Paul’s Cultural STAR program.

You are invited to “The Mini-Nutcracker,” a delightful abbreviated version of Twin Cities Ballet’s classic, A Minnesota Nutcracker. “The Mini-Nutcracker” is designed to introduce children to the magic of the family favorite.

This beloved holiday tradition with soaring music by Tchaikovsky promises to hold the attention of even the youngest theatergoer. Suitable for all ages, this version is less than an hour and is performed by cast members of Twin Cities Ballet’s full-length production. A perfect holiday treat!

TCB’s “Mini-Nutcracker”
Tuesday, November 30
Two shows: 11:00am and 6:00pm
 $12-$15

Twin Cities Ballet’s beloved holiday classic with a Minnesota twist returns to Ames Center this December! This production retains all the magic and traditions of the classic Nutcracker ballet, but features Minnesota settings with stunning, custom-designed  Minnesota-centric backdrops, and offers audience members something truly unique: a connection to home. Deemed one of the 12 essential holiday events by MPR, A Minnesota Nutcracker is delightful entertainment for the whole family! 

This year also includes the launch of Twin Cities Ballet’s new sensory-relaxed performance series, the first of its kind in Minnesota. These performances are designed to be more accessible for persons with sensory sensitivities and families with young children through relaxed theater rules and modified sensory elements. We are thrilled to be able to share the love of ballet with people who may experience difficulties in a regular performance setting. 

In addition, TCB is offering a one-hour Mini-Nutcracker at Lakeville Area Arts Center on November 30. This short and sweet version is a perfect way to introduce young children to the magic of Nutcracker!

 Thursday, December 9 at 10:15am – sensory-relaxed show
Friday, December 10 at 7:00pm
Saturday, December 11 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, December 12 at 1:00pm and 4:30pm

Get tickets.

About Twin Cities Ballet: Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota (TCB) is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional ballet company located in the South Metro. Our mission is to make ballet approachable, relatable and fun through innovative, professional and original productions.

These activities are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Ricci Milan and the artists of Rhythm Street Movement return to The Cowles Center with Who Brought the Humbug? this holiday season!

Join us for a fun, funky, funny holiday show that the whole family can enjoy. Live music paired with amazing tap dance and a unique mix of comedy, drama, and mystery is sure to make an ­­­evening to remember.

The Classic Nutcracker returns to the stage for it’s 33rd production.

After a year away from the stage, Ballet Minnesota is thrilled to present The Classic Nutcracker this December 18-19 at The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to see Artistic Director Andrew Rist’s original choreography to the beautiful score by Tchaikovsky! This family favorite has something magical in store for everyone who attends this dazzling production. Follow Clara as she receives an enchanting Nutcracker who comes to life right before your eyes! He guides her on a whimsical journey that culminates in meeting the charming and sparkling Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, who present Clara with delightful dances from their Land of Sweets.

Come celebrate the magical holiday season by coming to Ballet Minnesota’s The Classic Nutcracker.
Tickets on sale now at the O’Shaughnessy Box Office.

Collide Theatrical presents Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
October 20–24, 2021, at the Southern Theater

Plus a virtual performance available Halloween weekend – October 29!

The ultimate story about a human’s need for motherly love and connection. Author Mary Shelley, an unmarried pregnant teen, wrote the infamous science-fiction novel not long after the death of her first child during a period of immense loss and personal suffering. Her remarkable journey is told in parallel with the classic novel through a mix of theatrical dance styles.

Featuring Patrick Jeffrey as Dr. Frankenstein, Renee Guittar as The Creature, and Betsy Nelson as Mary Shelley. Additional cast includes Grace Janiszewski, Brian Bose, Megan Carter, and Ben Siglin.

Created by Regina Peluso with direction by Heather Brockman and Regina Peluso. Choreography by Peluso, Brockman, Guittar, Jeffrey, Jarod Boltjes, and Rush Benson.

For tickets, visit www.collidetheatrical.org/frankenstein or call 651-395-7903.
Live: VIP – $55, Adult – $45, Senior – $40, Students – $30
Virtual: $35 per household
For information about group sales, email admin@collidetheatrical.org.

For more information on our health and safety guidelines, please visit www.collidetheatrical.org/health-and-safety.

The seventh annual Twin Cities Tap Festival Concerts and Showcase shines a spotlight on the dynamic and ever-changing art of tap dance.

Thursday, October 21 – The first night of the Twin Cities Tap Festival kicks off with the annual showcase, featuring phenomenal local and emerging tap artists and ensembles, including this year’s Elite Tap Feet – some of the best teen tap dancers in Minnesota!

The Twin Cities Tap Festival celebrates the incredible breadth, depth, and artistry of the ever-evolving American art of tap dance. The Festival provides opportunities for dancers of all ages and abilities to participate in classes, workshops, and performances all centered around enhancing technique, expanding creativity, and experiencing this uniquely American art form. We aim to foster learning, inspiration, and innovation as well as provide a venue to showcase tap artists, companies, and choreographers.

Covid-19: Effective September, 1, 2021, all visitors to the Cowles who are attending a performance/event in our theater spaces are required to show either proof of a full course of COVID-19 vaccinations administered at least 14 days prior to the show or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the performance/event. Masks are required throughout the Cowles.

Twin Cities Tap, The Cowles Center, and Northrop Present
Twin Cities Tap Festival Concerts
Friday, October 22 and Saturday, October 23 at 7:30pm

In-person and livestream at/from the Cowles Center

The Twin Cities Tap Festival (TCTF) celebrates the incredible breadth, depth, and artistry of the ever-evolving American art of tap dance. The seventh annual TCTF Concerts and Showcase shines a spotlight on the dynamic and ever-changing art of tap dance. This year’s concert features live music accompanying the best in local and national tap artists, including Jumaane Taylor and Max Pollak!

Celebrating John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme with live jazz and tap dance, Jumaane Taylor’s Supreme Love displays the spiritual, artistic and historical values that infuse human life, using a symbol of nature to transcend hope.

Max Pollak will perform All in One, an unaccompanied solo performance of uniquely arranged drum rhythms, songs, dances and stories that outline Pollak’s artistic evolution. All music is created live by Pollak, only using his body.

Covid-19: Effective September 1, 2021, all visitors to the Cowles who are attending a performance/event in our theater spaces are required to show either proof of a full course of COVID-19 vaccinations administered at least 14 days prior to the show or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the performance/event. Masks are required throughout the Cowles.