Archive

Zenon Dance School – Winter Xchange Program/Work-Study

We are looking for volunteers to be a part of our Xchange Program for the current Winter Session!

Xchange is Zenon’s work-study program that allows students to volunteer in exchange for dance class credit.
The Winter Session will run from January 8-March 17.

Weekday in-person shift = one class credit
Weekend in-person shift = two class credits
All online shifts = one class credit

If you are interested in working with the Xchange Program, please fill out the interest form on our website or email xchange@zenondance.org.

Black Label Movement – Company Class

Starting February 20, join Artistic Director Carl Flink for this advanced, twice-weekly, open-to-the-public company class. Each standalone class, rooted in Black Label Movement’s unique athletic style, will build on a creative idea that Flink or a Company Mover brings for that day.

Black Label Movement Company Class – Starts February 20
Tuesdays, 9:30-11:00am
Fridays, 9:30-11:00am

At Hothouse.
Drop-in: $16

James Sewell Ballet – Open Advanced/Professional Class and Coordi™ Classes

Come join the James Sewell Ballet dancers in our open professional class!
All classes are ballet unless noted otherwise. Sign up for in-person company class or virtual Coordi™ class here.

February 14-February 16
Wednesday, 9:30-11:00am CT – Leah Gallas with Eric Jensen on piano
Thursday, 9:30-11:00am CT – Yuki Tokuda
Friday, 9:30-11:00am CT – James Sewell

February 17
Saturday, 10:00-11:30am CT – Master Class with Ivan Cavallari
Click here for more information. Special reservation required.

February 19-23
Monday, 9:30-11:30am CT – Eve Schulte
Tuesday, 9:30-11:00am CT – Kerry Parker with TBA on piano
Wednesday, 9:30-11:00am CT –Leah Gallas with Eric Jensen on piano
Thursday, 9:30-11:00am CT – Yuki Tokuda
Friday, 9:30-11:00am CT – James Sewell

Coordi™ Class
Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00am taught by James Sewell.
Ongoing. Virtual-only at this time.

What is Coordi™? It’s a movement study based on multiple kinetic patterns happening at once. Physical brain teasers combine with ballet for unexpected pathways and alignments that challenge both your mind and body! Learn more about Coordi™ here

Last Day to Complete the Survey Regarding the Closing of the Goodale Theater

Please complete the survey today!

This short survey is intended to reach as far and wide a swath of the Twin Cities dance community as possible to get a sense of the challenges and needs that exist for folks who consider themselves a part of this community. Please fill it out and pass it along to the folks you know who work in dance. Today is the last day to complete the survey.

The need for a survey arose from ARENA Dances’ February 2024 Floorwork monthly community conversation event held February 3, in the wake of the public announcement that The Cowles Center will cease operations this Spring. Operations of the Goodale Theater will return to the stewardship of the City of Minneapolis. For more information on the details surrounding this closure, please visit The Cowles Center’s website.

The intent of this survey is to gather quantitative and qualitative data to 1) help our community become more informed about itself, and 2) be shared with dance advocate and Minneapolis’ new Director of Arts & Cultural Affairs Ben Johnson, Minneapolis City Council members and Mayor Jacob Frey at a town forum event for the dance community.

Sharing the information will inform those with decision-making power what our challenges and needs are at this critical juncture: the closure of a major center for our art form. Their next steps should be grounded by information representing as much of our dance community as possible.

Take the Survey

Additionally, you’re invited to a community town hall on Monday, March 4.

Letter to City Officials Regarding the Closing of the Cowles Center

Please sign this letter!

To: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minneapolis City Council Members, Staff Members Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Erik Hanson, Miles Mercer and Rebecca Fabunmi.

CC: Ben Johnson, Director, Arts & Cultural Affairs Department, City of Minneapolis

The need for a letter arose from ARENA Dances’ February 2024 Floorwork monthly community conversation event held February 3, in the wake of the public announcement that The Cowles Center will cease operations this Spring. Operations of the Goodale Theater will return to the stewardship of the City of Minneapolis. For more information on the details surrounding this closure, please visit The Cowles Center’s website.

Many community members felt it necessary to express our concerns with the closure as well, to make certain the city of Minneapolis can be educated to understand how invaluable these dance performance spaces and educational opportunities are for MN artists. Both the temporary and potentially long-term loss of this resource have a substantial impact on our dance community, its audiences, and the economic health of downtown.

Additionally, you’re invited to a community town hall on Monday, March 4.

Also, please reach out to your City Council Members and Mayor Frey and share your perspective/wishes/concerns.

The Arena – Space for Rent

Located in the heart of the Lyn-Lake community, The Arena is available for your rehearsal, class, and event needs!

Hourly rates range from $15-$25, with discounts/special offerings available to BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ communities. Inquire for savings.

Our space offers:
1,305 square feet (30×40) of sprung, Marley dance flooring
Wall-length mirrors with curtains for covering if preferred
Changing room
Access to multiple bus lines, including the 21, 4, 23, 612, and 18

To request space, please email Mathew at arenadances@gmail.com.

MotionArt Adult Modern Dance Classes

MotionArt’s mission is to share the art of dance and the joy of movement with people of all ages and abilities. We strive to enrich lives by fostering creativity, body awareness, and self-expression in a fun, non-competitive, welcoming environment. We offer ongoing dance classes in-studio, on Zoom, and outside (weather permitting).

Paying the regular rate helps keep our organization afloat; however, no one will be turned away for inability to pay. There is also an option to pay what you can.

Please go to motionartmn.org to sign up for classes, or contact Pam Gleason for information.

Ageless Dance
Mondays, 4:00-5:15pm – Center for Performing Arts, Studio #105
Thursdays, 4:00-5:15pm – Center for Performing Arts, Sunroom

Beginning Modern Dance
Tuesdays, 5:00-6:15pm – Zoom only

Intermediate Modern Dance
Wednesdays, 10:30am-12:00pm – Center for Performing Arts, Sunroom

Mixed-Level Modern Dance
Tuesdays, 7:00-8:15pm – Center for Performing Arts, Sunroom
Saturdays, 4:00-5:30pm – Hybrid: Zoom and Center for Performing Arts, Sunroom

Rent the Young Dance Studios

Two photos of the Young Dance "Teal" studio

Young Dance has two large studios available for rent in the Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul. Easily accessible by the Green Line light rail, the 16 and 67 Bus Lines, and with ample parking in the Fairview Business Center parking lot. The space is fully ADA accessible, with ramps to the sprung studio floor and automatic door openers.

Rentals are currently available:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 8:00am-4:00pm
Tuesday, 11:00am-4:00pm
Friday, 11:00am-4:00pm and 6:30-9:00pm
Saturday, 3:00-9:00pm
Sunday, 8:00am-3:00pm

The studios are newly equipped with sprung Harlequin Marley flooring, a Bluetooth speaker system, and wifi. A projector with AV adapters is available by request. Studio 2 has ballet barres and a mirror. The studio has a clear COVID safety plan, including regular disinfecting of all floors and surfaces and a new HVAC system that refreshes the air 7-8 times per hour.

Studio 1: Measures 41′ x 38′ and rents at $25/hour
Studio 2: Measures 38′ x 38′ and rents at $20/hour

To book the space, email jules@youngdance.org or call 612-423-3064. Payment, signed agreement, and liability waiver are required with rental confirmation.

Studio Stories: Reminiscing on Twin Cities Dance with Maria Genné

Studio Stories is back for its 13th season beginning with Maria Genné, Episode 143.

Maria is the founder and director of Kairos Alive, a national award winning dance company that creates interactive dance, music and story programs for intergenerational participants designed to tap into the artistry and creativity of older adults and invite them to be central collaborators in the artistic process of dance, music and storytelling.

Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.

Tuesday Ballet with Lisa Erickson

Please join Lisa Erickson for Open Ballet on Tuesdays from 5:30-7:00pm in the Sunroom at the Center for Performing Arts!

A ballet teacher with 35+ years of experience teaching all levels and ages, Lisa’s welcoming ballet classes naturally guide students in refining their alignment, balance, and technique, while also discovering the value and importance of the use of weight in their dancing. Coupled with individual attention, feedback, and humor, students experience expansion and growth in body and mind – and experience joy in the process!

Students are encouraged to expect success and mistakes! Only when we allow ourselves to take chances and risk failure can we grow to our full potential. Everyone is invited and welcome. Come play and see for yourself!