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Threads Advanced/Professional Summer Intensive and Audition Workshop

Threads Dance Project will hold its first ever Advanced/Professional Summer Intensive and Audition Workshop this August at the Threads Dance Nexus. Registration is now open! 

This program provides participants with a rigorous exploration of techniques as well as the opportunity to explore and enhance the performative elements of dance via repertory class. Classes for the advanced/professional Intensive include ballet, modern, improvisation/jazz, and repertory class.

August 1-5, 2022
10:00am–3:30pm
Ages 18+
Tuition: $225
Participants must register and balances must be paid in full by July 18th.

More information at: https://www.threadsdance.org/summer/.

Registration online at: https://bit.ly/TDPIntensive

ARENA DANCES – Registration Open for Instinct Movement Intensive

Join ARENA DANCES for one week of movement classes taught by guest artist Shane Larson, member of the renowned Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. Participants will practice contemporary dance technique and learn a new original work as a part of this intensive. Targeted for the high-intermediate to advanced level dancer.

Instinct: August 15-20, 2022
Monday–Saturday, 10:00am-3:00pm
Class: 10:00-11:30am
Rehearsal of new work: 12:00-3:00pm

During class, dancers will build a bottom to top, floor to standing modular class that deepens with task-based repetition, while encoding new movement pathways through basic shapes. Students are encouraged to learn-by-doing, rather than to learn and ‘perform’, relying on muscle memory to strengthen pathways. Architectural forms of the body are created, deconstructed, and recycled within the containers of momentum and temperature, offering a full-body, far-reaching experience of movement.

After class, dancers will focus on creating—using skills as scaffolding for building material as a community. We’ll spend time talking about memory and time, graphing separate experiences together to focus and distill common patterns, shapes, and anecdotes. The final object created will be an investigation that is distinctly your own and something that can be taken into future experiences.

Shane Larson was raised in Minnesota, where he received his early training at the St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists. He graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, with a BFA in Dance and a minor in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies. He also studied at SEAD in Austria. Since living in New York City, he’s branched out to collaborate with punk musicians, film makers, improvisational music ensembles, and site-specific visual artists. He is also a multimedia video artist making collage-based work about memory. Shane joined the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company in 2015.

Ages 16+. Intensive capped at 15 participants.
Registration opens May 15 and must be completed by August 1.
Early Bird: $475 – register by July 15.
General: $550.

Photo by Jim Coleman

Erin Thompson Teaches Advanced Contemporary Classes in Person and On Zoom

Erin’s advanced level contemporary hybrid class through Zenon Dance School includes floor work, standing warm-ups, and phrase work, all designed to enhance the healthy use of joints and muscle groups as dancers release their weight fully into the support of the ground. Experiential awareness, body mapping, improvisation, and creative work are included as dancers channel their own expressive artistry within the movement. The delightful Dean Magraw will accompany on guitar.

Thursday mornings, 9:30-11:00am

Registration is open through Zenon’s MindBody portal and closes ten minutes before class.
See you in person or virtually soon!

Contact Improvisation Twin Cities

This is a weekly jam.  We meet Mondays at The Center for Performing Arts in Minneapolis. Entrance through new wing on 38th Street.

6:30pm: Opening circle. Short guided warm-up followed by an open jam.

8:20pm: Closing circle
8:30pm: Jam ends

All levels of ability welcomed. A sliding scale for rent donation is appreciated starting at $5.

The Center for Performing Arts requires a negative test within 72 hours for those who have not received 1 (J&J) or 2 (mRNA) vaccines. The building requires masks in dance spaces, but are optional in lobby areas.

The Arena – GYROKINESIS® Method with Non Edwards

Saturdays, 12:00-1:00pm at The Arena
GYROKINESIS® Method with Non Edwards

Drop in rate is $17.
Buy a 10-class card and save.
Register
Ages 16+

GYROKINESIS® Method offers exercises rooted in full-body movement that build skill in coordination and proprio/interoception. We will work on the seven spinal movements, joint articulation, and cultivating strength with coordinated breath while transitioning through sequences with fluidity.

The GYROKINESIS® Method addresses the entire body, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion, and creating functional strength through rhythmic, flowing movement sequences. Learn more through this short video or Non’s FAQs.

Many exercises will be performed seated – chairs are provided. Students should bring a mat to class if possible.

Photo courtesy of Armour Photography.

GYROKINESIS® is a registered trademark of GYROTONIC Sales Corp and is used with their permission.

The Arena – Contemporary Flow with Mathew Janczewski

Mathew’s work is best described as contemporary, spanning an array of styles – from quietly evocative to physically demanding, full of spiraling momentum that draws energy into the core and spreads it out like disco ball beams of light. At times, movement focuses on the dancers’ bends and folds, creating shape as one shifts and moves, forging moments of connection.

Class focuses on opening up curiosity, finding internal pathways within the body and the contrast of those same pathways. An assortment of texture, speed, density, length, force and resistance will be taught to open these skills.

Fridays, 10:00-11:30am
Summer Session: May 13-July 29
Register
Drop-in rate is $17 with flexible pricing. Free parking on side streets Aldrich, Bryant, Colfax, 31st, etc.

Mathew Janczewski’s inquisitive, immersive and heartfelt approach to contemporary dance reaches beyond the surface and holds the viewer in its embrace. With over 35 works in his repertoire and more than two decades of experience as a choreographer, Mathew has cultivated a highly diverse and mesmerizing style of movement.

The Arena – Contemporary with Elayna Waxse

Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30pm at The Arena
Contemporary with Elayna Waxse

Drop in: $17. Buy a 10-class card and save!
Summer Session: May 11-July 27
Register

This class contextualizes contemporary dance technique as an ongoing process of body awareness within larger ecological systems. How we exist in our bodies replicates how we exist in the world. Utilizing improvisation, set phrasework, somatic exercises and conversation, we will explore physical prowess, sensitivity and authenticity of movement experiences.

Elayna Waxse (she/they) is a Twin Cities-based performer, dance educator, and choreographer who hails from Overland Park, Kansas. Professionally, Elayna has worked with Minnesota Dance Theatre, Colorado Ballet/Colorado Ballet Studio Company, Black Label Movement, BodyCartography Project, Hatch Dance, and with Cie. Ismael Ivo at ImPulsTanz Vienna International Dance Festival 2014. They were a member of TU Dance from 2012 to 2019, and were part of the original creation team of Come Through, the collaboration between TU Dance and Grammy-award winning musical group Bon Iver. Through this collaboration Elayna performed at the Hollywood Bowl (LA, CA), the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Washington, D.C.), and at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival (Manchester, TN). Their choreographic work has been supported by Minnesota Dance Theatre, Threads Dance Project, University of Minnesota Opera Theatre, St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, Ballet Minnesota’s MN Dance Festival, Zenon Dance Zone, 9×22, and Future Interstates. She is a 2019 recipient of a McKnight Fellowship in Dance.

The Arena – Rent Space with Us

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

Our space offers:

  • 1,305 square feet (30×40) of sprung floor
  • Marley dance flooring
  • Full wall-length mirrors (with curtains for covering if preferred)
  • Free wi-fi
  • Changing room

We are situated on multiple bus lines, including the 21, 4, 23, 612, 18, with plenty of FREE side street parking around the building.

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

ARENA DANCES Seeks Board Members

ARENA DANCES seeks dance lovers and talented individuals to join our current Board of Directors!

Founded in 1995 by Mathew Janczewski, ARENA DANCES premieres cutting edge contemporary dance, innovative programming – from educational outreach to activism panels and arts development meetings – and brings dynamic vision to the Twin Cities’ vibrant arts community.

Our board members contribute 10-15 hours per month towards the development and support of ARENA DANCES’ mission to make dance accessible to all through the presentation of contemporary dance, educational outreach, and community gatherings to inspire, promote dialogue and diversity. Come join us to network, share and build your knowledge and skills.

Requested roles to be filled are:

Marketing Specialist
ARENA DANCES seeks mission-aligned marketing minds with a heart for contemporary dance to join our actively growing board! Utilize your public relations skills to strengthen the presence of one of the most successful dance organizations in Minnesota.

Two-three years of progressive experience with print and digital marketing campaigns, social media strategies, and public relations is required. Previous board experience, project management, and word press knowledge are a plus!

Finance Focus
ARENA DANCES seeks talented financial minds with a heart for contemporary dance to join our actively growing board! Use your financial prowess to assist our current Board Treasurer to strengthen one of the most successful dance organizations in Minnesota.

At least two years of progressive experience in budget management, financial aptitude, and strategic planning, along with knowledge of Quickbooks Online is required. Previous board experience, as well as knowledge of grant funding cycles, are a plus!

Event/Benefit/Fundraising  Member
ARENA DANCES seeks creative souls with a heart for contemporary dance to join our actively growing board! In this position, you will be able to utilize your event management skills to execute fundraising and donor stewardship events for one of the most successful dance organizations in Minnesota.

At least two-three years of progressive experience with cultivating in-kind donations, corporate philanthropy, donor development, and community engagement are required. Previous board experience, nonprofit experience, and event certification(s) is a plus!

Zenon Dance School – Spring Classes In Person and Online

Zenon Dance School is excited to welcome you back for another season of dance this spring!

Spring Session runs March 28-June 5, 2022. No classes May 28-30.
Classes are held in person unless otherwise noted.

Monday
9:30am: Intermediate 2 Contemporary with Joanna Lees
11:15am: gaga/people with Berit Ahlgren
3:30pm: Cardio Dance Jam with Ariel Linnerson – Online
5:30pm: Contemporary Floorwork with Javan Mngrezzo

Tuesday
7:00pm: Beginning 1 Jazz with Allison Rubin Forester – Hybrid

Wednesday
9:30am: Composition/Improvisation with HIJACK – Online-only: May 25
11:15am: Intermediate Ballet and Strength Training with Nic Lincoln
5:30pm: Beginning 1 Ballet with Lisa Erickson – Online
5:30pm: Intermediate Contemporary with Ruby J. Smith
7:00pm: All Levels Hip-Hop with Averie Mitchell-Brown

Thursday
9:30am: Advanced Contemporary/Modern with Erin Thompson – Hybrid
5:30pm: Afro Modern with Roxane Wallace – Online
7:00pm: Intermediate Modern with Dustin Haug – Hybrid

Friday
10:00am: All Levels Jazz with Erinn Liebhard and Karla Grotting – Hybrid
12:00pm: Intermediate 2 Ballet with Penny Freeh – Hybrid

Saturday
9:00am: All Levels Yoga with Ariel Linnerson – Online
10:00am: All Levels Tap with Dorian Brooke – Final Date: June 4 
10:00am: Beginning Modern with Roxane Wallace
11:00am: Musical Theatre Jazz with Dorian Brooke – Final Date: June 4
12:30pm: Beginning 2 Ballet with Ben Johnson

Sunday
10:15am: Creative Movement for ages 3-4 with Kendall Kramer
10:15am: Creative Movement for ages 5-6 with Margaret Ogas
11:00am: Youth Ballet for ages 7-10 with Kendall Kramer
12:00pm: Youth Modern for ages 10-14 with Kendall Kramer