Archive: Performances and Events

A collaboration of live music and dance, artists inspiring one another, exploring movement through sound and sound through movement.

Kid Villain (Alex Proctor) pairs with three passionate dancers from HoneyWorks led by Berit Ahlgren, and breathtaking musician Aby Wolf pairs with the commanding force of tap dancer Kaleena Miller.

Collaborations that each premiered earlier in 2023 now come together to be redefined and reinvestigated in a shared space.

Friday, December 22
7:00pm
Tickets $30-$40

Explore the exhibition Dance Roots: Minnesota’s Movers and Shakers, open until January 31, 2024, celebrating Minnesota’s dance community drawn from the University of Minnesota’s dance section of its Performing Arts Archives (PAA). The exhibition displays memorabilia and a network of dancers, companies, teachers, photographers, dance spaces and supporters.

Hear two book talks at the exhibition:

In December, granddaughters of Loyce Houlton read from her unpublished memoir. See website for exact info.

On January 19, at noon, hear Mary Easter reading from her autobiography, The Way She Wants to Get There: Telling On Myself. Bring your own brown-bag lunch and hear her fascinating tale.

We welcome materials from your dance work. Contact Deborah Ultan, curator of the exhibition and the archives director for further information: ultan004@umn.edu

Find “MN Dance Roots” on first floor of Elmer L. Andersen Library, in the Atrium exhibition space with book talks in Room 120.

Open during library hours: 9:00am-5:00pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday;  9:00am-7:00pm on Wednesday and Thursday.

‘Twas the Night Before… is Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show, based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. Memorable lines from this cherished classic inspired Cirque’s story about a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays.

A festive flurry of love and cheer created especially for families, ‘Twas the Night Before… features thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters, and a soundtrack including holiday classics re-invented by Cirque du Soleil. The show was conceived and is directed by Cirque du Soleil Senior Artistic Director James Hadley, a 25-year veteran of circus productions and live theater.

Evening shows at 7:30pm with multiple performances on Friday, November 24; Sunday, November 26; Saturday, December 2; and Sunday, December 3. See the link for more details.

“Dance that inspires, challenges, and entertains . . . from a variety of Minnesota choreographers and companies.” —Star Tribune

The Walker’s annual dance showcase celebrates Minnesota’s vibrant and diverse dance community with powerful performances by a roster of local choreographers and movement artists. This year’s program is curated by dancer, choreographer, and 2021 McKnight Fellow Darrius Strong, whose own work fuses ballet, hip-hop, and more to tell universal stories. Featured choreographers are Gabrielle Abram, Rick Ausland, Zoë Koenig, Jim Lieberthal, Hannah MacKenzie-Margulies, Luna Medhanie, Ricci Milan, Anna Pinault, Asha Rowland, Julie Warder, and Taja Will.

Saturday, November 25
4:00pm and 7:00pm
Tickets start at $15. No additional fees.

The Mini-Nutcracker is a delightful abbreviated version of Twin Cities Ballet’s classic, A Minnesota Nutcracker, designed to introduce children to the magic of this family favorite. This beloved holiday tradition with soaring music by Tchaikovsky promises to hold the attention of even the youngest theatre-goer. Suitable for all ages, this version is less than an hour and is performed by cast members from Twin Cities Ballet’s full-length production. A perfect holiday mini-treat!

Monday, November 27 at 6:00pm
Tuesday, November 28 at 11:00am and 6:00pm
Wednesday, November 29 at 11:00am

Tickets: $14/$18
Purchase tickets online or by calling 952-985-4640.

Saturday, December 2 at 2:00pm – Pay As You Are!
Saturday, December 2 at 7:00pm
Sunday, December 3 at 2:00pm

As the weather chills, we chill into playful original choreography and movement improvisations set to the groovy jazz tunes of Vince Guaraldi’s playful and nostalgic Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack, played live by local jazz musicians! CHILL pairs a cast of seven dynamic local dancers and a live jazz quartet – The Jazz Outlaws – to bring the entire soundtrack of the 1965 animated TV special Charlie Brown Christmas to life, and we’re making some exciting tweaks to keep the show fresh for those who have already seen it. Artist Brad Erickson will be at the 2:00pm Saturday show to offer free Peanuts-style caricatures.

CHILL offers a unique holiday outing option great for yuletide revelry-seekers of all backgrounds and ages: kids 12 and under are just $10.00, and lap-sitters are free. The show has an earlier start time and runs about an hour, making it an ideal option for families! Come experience some quirky holiday joy – and enjoy a pint and a meal while you are at it – through this festive live jazz music and dance show!

Minnesota State University, Mankato is dedicating their Fall Dance Concert to Dr. Julie Kerr-Berry on Saturday, December 2 at 2:00pm.

Julie retired in July 2023 and we’re excited to celebrate her legacy of scholarship, artistry and leadership. Dr. Kerr-Berry taught at Minnesota State Mankato from 1988-2023 and her influence and impact, both within the state and beyond in the field of dance is incredible. Please come and celebrate with Julie!

The next Floorwork is at the ARENA.
Saturday, December 2
12:00-2:00pm
RSVP is appreciated – please do so by Friday, December 1.

This December Floorwork will focus on grand visions and collective goal-setting. What is your big dream? What are you presently working on? Conversation will be assisted by Nieya Amezquita and Cheng Xiong.

Conversation will be held over a communal meal – bring your own dish to share in our potluck! ARENA DANCES will supply beverages, plates, napkins, and utensils.

10th Anniversary Performance – An Evening to Support Collide Theatrical
Saturday, December 2
6:00–10:00pm

At Mixed Blood Theatre

Help us celebrate the past 10 years and toast to the next decade, while we raise crucial funds to support the future of the company. The evening will feature a performance highlighting favorite dance excerpts from our past shows. Tickets can be purchased online, or by calling 651-395-7903, ext. 701.

Schedule
6:00–7:30pm: Silent Auction, Drinks, and Appetizers
7:30–9:00pm: Performance

Cocktail or semi-formal attire requested.

The beloved holiday classic with a Minnesota twist returns to Ames Center this December! New this year, TCB is excited to premiere its Minnesota-focused vision for the Mother Ginger dance, which features a custom-designed and built Mississippi Riverboat. This addition continues the vision of TCB to center the story in Minnesota while maintaining the essential traditions and music many love. The result is a fresh, vibrant, and monumentally Minnesota take on the beloved holiday classic. 

Deemed one of the 12 essential holiday events by MPR, A Minnesota Nutcracker is delightful entertainment for the whole family! 

Twin Cities Ballet’s A Minnesota Nutcracker
Friday, December 8 at 7:00pm
Saturday, December 9 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, December 10 at 1:00pm and 4:30pm

Tickets: Ames Center Box Office or Ticketmaster.com

About Twin Cities Ballet. Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota (TCB) is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional ballet. TCB’s mission is to connect and enrich communities by making ballet approachable, relatable, and fun, through professional and original productions and educational outreach. TCB creates original full-length story ballets as well as more abstract and contemporary works. TCB is also the first ballet company in Minnesota to develop and present Sensory Relaxed performances for families and those with sensory sensitivities, making the art of ballet accessible for many who might not otherwise be able to do so.

These activities are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through an Operating Support grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.