Seeking Dancers for New Work

Independent choreographer Hannah MacKenzie-Margulies seeks three dancers/creative collaborators for a new contemporary dance work (tentatively titled “Rat Race”) that will be developed in Minneapolis with mentorship from Doug Varone and presented in New York City at the Doug Varone and Dancers’ eighth annual Choreographer’s Showcase from August 4-5, 2023. 

Rehearsals will be held between July 3 and July 31 with schedule and location determined based on cast availability. Dancers should be prepared for roughly 24-26 hours of rehearsal over the course of the month and must be available for tech and performances in New York from Thursday, August 3-Sunday, August 6.

Selected dancers will be hired as independent contractors and compensated with a stipend of $500 plus roundtrip airfare and three nights of accommodations in New York City. 

For more information and to apply, see this Google Form. Applications will close at midnight CT on Wednesday, June 28. All are welcome and encouraged to apply. For accommodations or questions, please email ziessel@gmail.com.

Gaga Improv Jam with Berit Ahlgren – James Sewell Ballet

Free improv jam with Berit Ahlgren on Friday, June 30 from 7:00-8:00pm at Peavey Plaza – open to all!

Berit Ahlgren leads Gaga for all, with live musical accompaniment by Joe Strachan (keyboard). We encourage all visitors to the Plaza to jump in—all ages and abilities are welcome! Berit will lead a portion with spoken prompts and dance-along inspirations.

Gaga provides a framework for discovering and strengthening the body and adding flexibility, stamina, agility, and skills including coordination and efficiency while stimulating the senses and the imagination. Participants awaken numb areas, increase their awareness of habits, and improve their efficiency of movement inside multilayered tasks, and they are encouraged to connect to pleasure inside moments of effort. Berit guides the learning process to permeate the boundaries of dance, carrying through to all aspects of the participant’s life.

Sampradaya – Ensemble Bharatanatyam Concert by Kala Vandanam

Sampradaya – The Sanskrit word is by definition, “tradition.” In practice, it represents transference while infusing innovation. Tradition sustains beauty and provides foundation and framework. From tradition, we imbibe, create, iterate, and share. Sampradaya lights the next lamp.

Kala Vandanam presents a twentieth anniversary (in our twenty-first year) ensemble Bharatanatyam concert with live music, celebrating signature choreographic works of the great masters who lit our lamps.

We are honored to make our Cowles Center debut with this concert. Tickets are Pay As You Are.

Kala Vandanam was founded by Suchitra Sairam in 2002, grounded in the beauty and depth of the South Indian dance form Bharatanatyam. Through grooming new generations of dance artists, community outreach, stage performance, and aesthetic presentation, Kala Vandanam’s holistic work seamlessly bridges East and West, past and present, dynamism and serenity.

Described by audiences as having “brought exceptional grace and beauty into the city” and as “formidable.” Leaving audiences feeling “elated” and “entertained, educated, and uplifted at the same time.” Kala Vandanam “showed us that even though the language and historical context differ, communication, emotion and the human experience are transcendental.”

July 1 at 7:00pm

James Sewell Ballet Workshop Performance

James Sewell Ballet company members, intensive students, and friends present samples from recent rehearsals of work taking shape for the 2023/24 season. Featured works include:

  • New choreography by Shohei Iwahama. Originally from Japan and currently touring internationally with Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, Shohei’s completed piece will be premiered at the Cowles Center in April 2024.
  • James Sewell’s Doo Be Doo (premiered in 1994) combines high-energy playful antics with stunning technical feats. This remount will also be shared at the Cowles Center in April 2024.
  • JSB friend Berit Ahlgren shares choreography developed specifically for the intensive students.

The event will include several other surprises that spark the joy and wonder that dance can inspire!

Admission is free!
July 1 at 6:00pm

21st Annual Dances at the Lake Festival — Free Public Arts Event

Ray Terrill Dance Group presents the 21st annual Dances at the Lake Festival!

Join us for two free, open-to-the-public concerts at the Rose Garden at Lake Harriet.
Friday, July 14 at 7:00pm
Saturday, July 15 at 7:00pm

The festival features a variety of dance forms performed by both professional adult and youth companies. The “stage” for the shows is the large grassy area between the two fountains near the Rose Garden at Lyndale Park Garden. Audience members are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket and some snacks, drinks, or a picnic and enjoy the unique opportunity of seeing dance performed at the Rose Garden.

2023 Dances at the Lakes Festival: Individual Artist and Dance Company Lineup
This year’s festival showcases professional artists and youth dance groups originating from Minnesota:

Amanda Sachs and Elena (Elly) Hollenhorst, Minneapolis, MN—Amanda and Elly, Co-Artistic Directors
Anda Flamenco Company and School, Minneapolis, MN—Kristina de Sacramento, Artistic Director
Ashley Ballet Arts Academy, Ballet Arts Youth Ensembles, Golden Valley, MN—Ashley Burkland, Artistic Director
Christopher Watson Dance Company, Minneapolis, MN—Christopher Watson, Artistic Director
DanceWorks, Lakeville, MN—Jennifer Mack, Artistic Director
Duniya Drum and Dance, Minneapolis, MN—Fode Bangoura and Whitney McCluskey, Co-Artistic Directors
Jawaahir Dance Company, Minneapolis, MN—Laura Crocker, Artistic Director
Keane Sense Of Rhythm Youth Tap Ensemble, Saint Paul, MN— Cathy Wind, Artistic Director
Kinetic Evolutions, Minneapolis, MN—Sarah LaRose-Holland, Artistic Director
Nritya Kalakshetra Academy of Performing Arts, Woodbury, MN—Sivanuja (Anu) Balaji, Artistic Director
Ray Terrill Dance Group, Saint Paul, MN—Ray Terrill Artistic Director
Sansai Yonsei Kai, Japanese Dance Company, Saint Paul, MN—Linda Hashimoto, Artistic Director
Tiyumba African Drum and Dance Company, Minneapolis, MN—Fatawu Sayibu, Artistic Director
Youth Dance Ensemble, Burnsville, MN—Dixie Rairamo, Artistic Director

Zenon Dance School – Camp Zenon

Discover dance with a week-long sampler camp for young artists! Not sure if your dancer has a style they like best, or looking for a way to try out something new? We’ll explore a variety of dance styles and creative movements in this one-week camp.

Informal showing on the last day. All abilities and levels of experience are welcome.

Session 1 – Ages 4-6
July 17-21, 9:00am-12:00pm

Session 2 – Ages 7-10
July 17-21, 12:30-3:30pm

Click here to learn more and register for Camp Zenon! Registration closes one week before camp begins.

Tuition: $195 – No person will be refused because of inability to pay. Need-based scholarships are available for partial and full tuition upon inquiry.

Click here to learn more about Zenon Dance School’s Youth Program. Please email info@zenondance.org or call 612-338-1101, ext. 2 with any questions. This is our office phone. If there is no answer, please leave a voicemail.

Women’s Pelvic Health Workshop

Learn more about women’s pelvic health at Paragon Pilates and Physical Therapy.

This workshop will cover:

  • Basic anatomy and function of the pelvic floor.
  • Some symptoms of a dysfunctional pelvic floor.
  • Strategies to help improve pelvic health.
  • What is pelvic health physical therapy?
  • How pelvic health strategies can be integrated into a Pilates-based practice.

Taught by Dr. Annie Chesterfield PT, DPT, OCS, CPT.  Annie is a women’s pelvic health physical therapist and nationally certified Pilates teacher. Call or email the studio for more information.

July 26 from 5:30-7:30pm
Cost: $75

Concerto Dance Summer Intensive

Concerto Dance is excited to announce that registration is now open for our third annual summer intensive. Open to advanced, pre-professional, and professional dancers ages 16 and older. Intensive includes classes in jazz and modern dance technique along with company repertoire. Company auditions will take place on August 4 following the intensive, from 3:00-5:30pm. 

Monday, July 31-Friday, August 4
9:00am-2:00pm

Full Intensive is $250 or à la carte for $50/day
Financial assistance available – please contact us for more information.

No audition required.
Register by July 1.
Learn more!

Collide Theatrical Apprentice Program

2023/2024 Apprentice Program, September 2023–May 2024

Collide Theatrical’s Apprentice Program provides the skills needed to pursue formal positions within the Collide company and in the world of theater dance. Selected apprentice dancers will take technique class with the company 3 days a week; have an opportunity to perform in a Collide show; and, for those who commit to the full 9-month program, participate in an apprentice showcase at the end of the year.

The technical classes include a variety of styles rooted in ballet and jazz, but also including tap, acting for dance, and hip hop. Apprentice dancers will also have an opportunity to participate in monthly master classes with Broadway touring dance captains and industry professionals.

This is a tuition-based program.
Scholarships are available for underrepresented artists.
Enrollment is competitive and audition based.
Video submissions accepted.

For more information, please visit www.collidetheatrical.org/apprentice-program.

Collide Theatrical Mentorship Program

2023/2024 Mentorship Program, September 2023–May 2024

Collide Theatrical’s Mentorship Program is a beginning/intermediate-level adult intensive program designed to strengthen basic dance technique in a safe and inclusive environment.

Mentorship Program participants (Mentees) will take technique class 3 days a week. The technical classes include a variety of styles rooted in ballet and jazz, but might also include tap, acting for dance, hip hop, and more. Mentees will also have an opportunity to participate in master classes with Broadway touring dance captains and industry professionals.

This is a tuition-based program.
Scholarships are available for underrepresented artists.
Enrollment is open to anyone who is committed to improving their dance technique and serious about growing as a performer; however, space is limited.
Participants must be over the age of 16.

For more information, please visit collidetheatrical.org/mentorship-program.