Critical Conversations – Fundamentals of Editing a Video Work Sample

The Cowles Center’s Critical Conversations: Fundamentals of Editing a Video Work Sample
Sunday, November 19
2:30-4:00pm
Cowles Center first floor Flex Space, off the main lobby

Join us for an informative experience as we guide you through the process of creating a work sample in real time. Whether you’re a budding dancer or a seasoned pro, this workshop is designed to help you enhance your skills and leave with basic fundamental tools, tips and tricks to apply to your own video projects.

Free and open to the public!
Snacks and transportation stipend provided.

Moderator: Colin Edwards, Programs Coordinator & McKnight Artist Fellowship Programs Assistant for Dance and for Choreographers

DME Hosts Cuban Modern Dance Workshops

Dance Projects by ME is excited to welcome visiting artist Heriberto Meneses Matachana for a unique workshop experience. Join Heriberto for an intermediate/advanced-level cuban modern dance class at the Cowles Center before the holidays. Experience a contemporary style of fluid strength and expression through experimentation and technique exercises.

Monday, November 20, 5:30-7:00pm
Tuesday, November 21, 10:00-11:30am

Free, suggested donation $10.
Email meli@mnidancefest.org to register.

TCB Presents Mini-Nutcracker at Lakeville Area Arts Center

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 long and is performed by cast members from Twin Cities Ballet’s full-length production. A perfect holiday mini-treat!

Monday, November 27, 2023 at 6:00pm
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 11:00am and 6:00pm
Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 11:00am

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

The Artistry of Fluid Strength with Sarah Baumert

The Artistry of Fluid Strength
November 29-February 11
A 10-week Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement Series with Sarah Baumert

Live stream classes will be taught over Zoom
Sundays, 4:00-5:00pm CT
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pm CT
No class December 24, 27, or 31.

Free Intro Class November 15!

Moshe Feldenkrais’ own personal experience of sustaining injuries on both knees led him to develop a strong interest in human movement and health, and what we can do to improve it. He defined health as the ability to recover from shock.

“Health is measured, not by the capacity to stay standing, but by the ability to be knocked down and then return to standing.” This thought became central to building his method.

In the winter Feldenkrais Series, The Artistry of Fluid Strength, we will explore Feldenkrais’ unique definition of what it means to be strong and resilient; where concepts of physics and artistry will intersect during the experiments of our Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement research. Using the playground of our own bodies and the surfaces that support us, we will study themes of skeletal support, distribution of effort, and proportional tone. Oftentimes the outcome of lessons can be perplexing to students. It can seem paradoxical that a movement can become so much easier and smoother without trying harder. We will practice building the strength of our internal resources, so we can enjoy moving with both ease and confidence in most anything that we do.

A Sampling of the lessons that will be taught in this series include:
Organizing Your Torso to Carry Your Head
Clocks Under Your Heels for Sitting, Standing, Balancing
Organizing Your Pelvis for Power and Quickness
Counterbalance and Ground Force When Lengthening Your Hamstrings
Understanding Ground Forces in Walking

Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants

Dancers: Are you a dancer anywhere in the US in dire financial emergency because of lack or loss of work?

You may be eligible for a one-time Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grant of up to $3,000 through this national program. Cycle 10 is open through December 1 for essential expenses such as housing, medicine/healthcare, and food. A recorded information session, along with guidelines and the online application, are available here. Cycle 11 will be open January 23–February 23, 2024.

This program is open to artists living anywhere in the U.S, its territories, tribal nations, and the District of Columbia. Artists with disabilities, artists of color, and artists living outside of New York are particularly encouraged to apply. The program is supported by the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation and administered by NYFA. For more information, email emergencyfunds@nyfa.org, or call 212/366-6900 x 239.

Rhythmically Speaking Call for Choreographer Interest

Rhythmically Speaking, a Twin Cities-based dance company with a mission to spark vibrancy and connectedness through jazz and American social dance ideas, a 15-year history, and a national reputation for excellence in jazz, is seeking choreographers interested in working with us.

Every summer we produce a stage show – The Cohort – that features concert dance works by Minnesota and visiting artists meant to demonstrate the width and breadth of how and what “jazz” in dance can look, feel, embody, and communicate, and we want to get to know dance artists who may be interested in working with us on this program and/or other potential future opportunities.

Eligibility: Artists 21 and older at any point in their careers who are actively creating concert dance work in jazz and/or American social dance ideas (ex: tap and hip hop styles) are welcome to submit. Please visit this information sheet for full details and this page on our website to find out more about this past year’s program.

Submit: Fill out this Call for Choreographer Interest Form, which will ask for contact information, a bio, a short artist statement, and video samples of stage works.

Submissions will be collected into an ongoing record of people and their works that may be a good fit for us to present as a part of future summer Cohort productions or other projects we have not yet even imagined. Submissions received by December 1, 2023, are eligible to be considered for programming on The Cohort 2024, which will run August 15-17, 2024 at a TBD Twin Cities theater. Programming decisions for this show will be made by December 22.

Thank you for your interest!

CHILL: Full Charlie Brown Christmas Soundtrack – Live Music and Dance

It’s back! After a four year hiatus, Rhythmically Speaking is thrilled to bring back to the community our unique and quirky show that feels like a warm hug and has become a Twin Cities holiday favorite – CHILL: The Entire Charlie Brown Christmas Soundtrack, Played Live and Danced!

At the Amsterdam Bar & Hall in downtown St. Paul

Friday, December 1 at 7:00pm
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 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.

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!

Pilates Teacher Training at Paragon Pilates and Physical Therapy

Balanced Body® Reformer 1 Instructor Training
December 1-3, 2023

Friday, 4:00-8:00pm
Saturday, 11:30am-6:00pm
Sunday, 9:30am-4:30pm

Fee: $549 + $60 materials

This course introduces you to what Joseph Pilates called the ‘Universal’ Reformer, which is the centerpiece of the Pilates equipment studio and an invaluable training tool. Reformer 1 teaches you how to safely utilize the Reformer and many of the beginning and intermediate Pilates Reformer exercises. Reformer 1 also reviews common modifications and variations necessary for teaching the client in front of you and gives you the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’, empowering critical reasoning skills from the very start of your training.
Prerequisite: Movement Principles

Instructor: Matthew Hodge-Rice

Collide Theatrical 10th Anniversary Performance

10th Anniversary Performance: An Evening to Support Collide Theatrical

Saturday, December 2
6:00–10:00pm
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.

6:00–7:30pm: Silent Auction, Drinks, and Appetizers
7:30–9:00pm: Performance
Cocktail or semi-formal attire requested.

Tickets can be purchased online, or by calling 651-395-7903, ext. 701.

Floorwork: Conversations and Knowledge Sharing Potluck

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

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 with additional guest facilitators to be announced soon.
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.