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Reasons for Moving is an interdisciplinary and multilingual performance exploring the intergenerational scars of geopolitical displacement. Its script collects the writings of the collaborators and their families’ biographies, alongside found text on the circulation cycles of migratory animals and the natural world.

The title comes from the final two lines of Keeping Things Whole, by the late Canadian poet Mark Strand: “we all have reasons for moving/I move to keep things whole.” Combining fictional and non-fictional stories, the ensemble investigates painful pasts as much as the present as a path forward. 

Reasons for Moving is especially relevant for local audiences, given Minnesota’s long history with displaced and displacing populations — hosting and uprooting is part of its fabric.

Performer/collaborators are: Kalala Kiwanuka-Woernle, whose mother first left Uganda for the UK, and then arrived in the US on a student visa; Mai Moua Thao, whose parents are refugees from Laos by way of Thailand; and Skye Reddy, whose family lost their ancestral homelands in the colonial Partition of South Asia. Directed by Cláudia Tatinge Nascimento with media and sound design by Eliot Gray Fisher, lighting design and technical direction by Thomas Barrett, and costume design by Lynn Farrington.

James Sewell Ballet performs as special guests with the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus.

Step into a world of inclusivity, artistry, and self-expression with This is Me, a captivating concert experience brought to you by the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus (TCGMC) with special guests. Set against the majestic backdrop of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, this event promises to be a celebration of diversity, acceptance, and the transformative power of music.

James Sewell Ballet is thrilled to be performing as special guests in Every BODY, a groundbreaking commission led by TCGMC featuring over 200 singers on stage and professional dancers, exploring the complexities of body image, identity, and self-acceptance.  From the graceful movements of a dancer to the soaring melodies of a choir in harmony, Every BODY celebrates the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. It challenges societal norms and embraces the idea that our bodies are not something to be ashamed of, but rather, gifts to be cherished and celebrated.

Friday, June 21, 7:30pm
Saturday, June 22, 7:30pm

Purchase tickets.

For more information about this inspiring collaboration, click here.

DanceCo returns to the stage this summer with a series of free, interactive, family-friendly performances. Wolf Tales is a mashup of the familiar fairy tales Peter and the Wolf, Little Red Riding Hood, and the Three Little Pigs. The story is told by the Wolf, who is not big or bad, just misunderstood — and wants to set the record straight!

The show starts with an exciting, kid-focused workshop where audience members can learn and practice interactive parts of the show. Then, the DanceCo Artists take the stage for a 45-minute performance with opportunities for the audience to join the dancers on stage! Get ready to be a part of the magic. 

Saturday, June 22, 10:00am and 11:30am
Minnehaha Falls Park Pavilion
4825 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417

Saturday, June 29, 10:00am and 11:30am
Capri Theater Paradise Hall
2027 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411

Saturday, July 6, 10:00am and 11:30am
Father Hennepin Bluffs Park Bandshell
420 Main St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Saturday, July 13, 10:00am and 11:30am
Lyndale Gardens Amphitheater
6400 Lyndale Ave S, Richfield, MN 55423

All shows are free!

DanceCo is a professional performance company creating original, interactive dance narratives for young people ages 3-103! Directed by Matthew and Brittany Keefe and Karla Nweje. Performed by Emily Compaan, Cassie Edlund, Matthew Keefe, Jennifer Mack, Karla Nweje, Emily Pitts, Leeah Schuhwerck, Zachary Tuazon, and Maria Vitelli. 

To learn about DanceCo and our professional artists, go to www.DanceCoMN.com. 

Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre presents REUNIÓN-Decameron, an extraordinary celebration of artistic resilience with internationally acclaimed flamenco artists.

Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29 at The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University.

The cast includes dancers/choreographers Fanny Ara, Emilio Ochando, Isaac Tovar, and Susana di Palma. Renowned guitarist and composer, José Luis de la Paz, and guest flamenco singer and percussionist, Francisco “Yiyi” Orozco, will add a vibrant energy to the show. The Zorongo Ensemble will also premiere a new piece choreographed by Fanny Ara, “Les Dames en Bleu.”

Tickets are $37 for general admission and $20 for students. Available through The O’Shaughnessy ticket office; 651-690-6700, or in-person.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.