MotionArt First Friday Improv Gathering

Friday, June 7
6:30–8:00pm
Center for Performing Arts, Studio 105w, next to 38th Street entrance.

This event is open to people of all ages and abilities. Enjoy being present in the moment, responding to other dancers, finding new ways of moving, and discovering form as it emerges during this fun evening of creative movement. We’ll begin with an informal warm-up, then improvise together based on movement ideas offered by participants. 

Musician Dave Stagner will enhance our in-the-moment creations with his incredible guitar playing, and Klee Burke will help us wind down with her beautiful sound bowl playing. A fun and relaxing evening for all!

Come to move, to dance, to observe, or some of each!

Suggested donation $5-$15, No one turned away for lack of funds.

BRKFST Dance Company Presented by Northrop

BRKFST Dance Company presents two wildly different works of art in celebration of their 10-year anniversary. BRKFST continues to “show us the future of dance” (Star Tribune) with STORMCLUTTER, a world premiere co-commissioned by The Cowles Center and Northrop, with composition by company member Renée Copeland. Their unique style of breaking and storytelling shines through in a restaging of Dancers, Dreamers, and Presidents by composer Daniel Bernard Roumain. 

STORMCLUTTER is an exploration of relationships and ongoing efforts to resolve opposing states of interpersonal tension. Misunderstanding, compassion, resentment, egoism, love, loss, betrayal—moving through or attempting to compartmentalize complex dynamics between family and friends and the emotional baggage collected over time becomes an overwhelming task, while maturation requires people to accept that which they cannot change. BRKFST members illustrate the efforts individuals may take when working to resolve the inner chaos that triggers feelings of dissociation, paralysis, and isolation.

BRKFST interprets Dancers, Dreamers, and Presidents as a commentary on American life that is filled with a mix of ambition, passion, blame, justice, hope, and love. And while this country is deemed the “land of the free,” it is riddled with systemic problems that seem impossible to overcome. For many, the “American Dream” remains just that—a dream.

Saturday, June 8, 7:30pm
Sunday, June 9, 2:00pm

Rescheduled from April 27-28 at The Cowles Center.

Guided Nature Walk

Wednesday, June 12 from 6:00-7:00pm

Meryl Zaytoun Murman will lead a guided nature walk at Prairie Island Campground. This event connects to a series of experiences, Forest Bathing along Crooked Slough, organized by PIC Director, Anne Conway. Murman will be guest facilitating a somatic-informed walk.

Shifting between inner and outer sensing to connect and attune with the processes of the natural world and our inner nature, she will guide participants through simple, mindful, embodied practices. The event is free and open to the public.

Please register.

Ethnic Dance Theatre Presents Golden Memories: A Celebration of 50 Years

Friday, June 14, 7:30pm
Saturday, June 15, 2:00pm and 7:30pm

Ethnic Dance Theatre (EDT) will present Golden Memories: A Celebration of 50 Years. This performance will feature twenty dancers, the EDT Folk Orchestra, and Mila Vocal Ensemble.

Founded in 1974, by Donald LaCourse and Jonathan Frey, EDT has been dedicated to the artistic performance and preservation of world music, song, and dance in the Twin Cities and beyond. For the past 50 years, EDT has remained devoted to this goal and has brought over 50 unique cultures and traditions to life through its performances. Golden Memories will be a celebration of this commitment.

Join EDT as they travel across the globe through 11 original choreographies from throughout the last five decades, with dances from Hungary, Germany, Egypt, Tajikistan, Mexico, and more! The production will feature live musical accompaniment by the EDT Folk Orchestra, as well as the talents of Mila Vocal Ensemble throughout the show.

Not only will EDT’s diverse dance and musical repertoire be on display, but so will their impressive costume collection. With culturally unique and accurate costumes for each number, Golden Memories will be a feast for the eyes. From the gliding steps of Ossetia to the stamping footwork of Chihuahua, Golden Memories is sure to entice and enthrall audience members of all ages and leave them tapping their toes wanting more.

Tickets
Adults – $35
Students/Seniors – $25
Children – $15

Amez Dance Presents De Mi Corazón

One year after its official launch, Amez Dance is proud to present its debut production choreographed by Nieya Amezquita with an original music score composed by internetjunkhound.

De Mi Corazón is a love letter to the black family, specifically black fatherhood, created to explore the complexities and nuanced dynamics in the African American community; because only through reflection and empathy can we begin to truly appreciate the intricacies of our familial connections and heal from the traumas of the past.

In addition to the performance of De Mi Corazón, Amez Dance will feature new work from guest choreographer, Javan Mngrezzo. Connect during a post-show Q&A after the June 15 performance.

Friday, June 14, 7:30pm
Saturday, June 15, 7:30pm

Price: $25, with a pay-what-you-can performance on June 15

Creative Movement for Grown Folks with Jesse Schmitz-Boyd

Give your inner child the chance to dance!

Creative Movement for Grown Folks is a movement workshop with dance artist Jesse Schmitz-Boyd, designed to reclaim the imagination and joy of childhood. “CMGF” consists of a connection creating warm up, playful explorations of the elements of dance, and jubilant improvisations. All levels of ability are welcome – if you are grown but need some creativity and fun – we hope you join us.

Saturday, June 15
10:30am -12:00pm
Pay as able, suggested $5-$20.
To reserve your spot, register here.

Kick off summer with 90 minutes of frolicsome movement and creative community!

TU Dance Center: Children and Beginner Summer Programs

The TU Dance Children and Teen Program introduces the joy of creative movement and beginning dance technique. Classes, divided by age, provide a comprehensive base on which to expand by developing body awareness, coordination, balance, flexibility, strength, and musicality. Click here to download the 2024 Creative Movement Daily Schedule and the 2024 Beginning Program Daily Schedule.

Youth Beginning Level: June 17-29
This 2-week program is entry level for students typically aged 9-12 and will focus on the techniques of Modern, Ballet, Hip Hop, and African Dance. Students will learn fundamentals of dance technique along with exploring their individual artistic expression.
Registration Deadline: June 12, 2024

Teen Beginning Level: June 17-29
This 2-week program is entry level for students typically aged 13-16 and will focus on the techniques of Modern, Ballet, Hip Hop, and African Dance. Students will learn basic fundamentals of dance technique along with exploring their individual artistic expression.
Registration Deadline: June 12, 2024

Creative Movement: July 22-26
During this 1-week program, students ages 5-8 will experience the connection between movement and creativity through rhythmically driven classes aided by live percussion.
Registration Deadline: July 17, 2024

Wayfinding: Dance Film Sharing and Discussion

Join us for Wayfinding, a creative conversation and informal dance film sharing featuring short films by 2024 McKnight International Choreographer Meryl Zaytoun Murman and Winona artist Sharon Mansur. The films will explore their shared Arab/SWANA (Southwest Asian and Northern African) heritage, gender and sexuality, and diasporic bodies; a guided discussion will center on these themes. The discussion will be facilitated by Winona State Professor, Mary Jo Klinker.

This event is part of a month-long residency in Winona and the Twin Cities. There will be a variety of events that allow Murman to share her multiple artistic practices. Full residency schedule and more information.

Tuesday, June 18
7:00pm
Reservations are strongly encouraged.
This free event will be co-sponsored by Art of the Rural at the Winona Arts Center.

James Sewell Ballet: This is Me

JSB performs as special guests with the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus, June 21 and 22, 7:30pm. Purchase tickets.

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.

For more information about this inspiring collaboration, click here.

DanceCo Presents Wolf Tales — A Dance Fairytale Mashup

DanceCo returns to the stage this summer with a series of free, interactive, family-friendly performances. Wolf Tales is a mashup of the familiar fairytales 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.