Archive

Katha Dance Theatre Presents: Shaamya – Of Equality

Katha Dance Theatre (KDT) is excited to present the world premiere of Shaamya – Of Equality–their latest collaboration with composer J.D. Steele and choreographed Rita Mustaphi, KDT’s Artistic Director–at the Park Square Theatre in St. Paul, MN on November 19-21, 2021.

Inspired by the poetry of writer and activist Kazi Nazrul Islam (1899-1976) and using a mixture of multicultural dance, music, and spoken word poetry, the show juxtaposes past and present fights for racial, cultural and gender equity.

Equality will be set to a live rendition of original compositions by Twin Cities musical legend J.D. Steele, who will be accompanied by pianist Billy Steele and vocalist Jevetta Steele, as well as drum artist Abhinav Sharma. It will also include poetic contributions by Somali poet and playwright Ifrah Mansour, who will perform her acclaimed poem “I am a Refugee” onstage alongside Mustaphi and Steele.

In addition to KDT’s Kathak dance ensemble, contributions from dancers of multiethnic backgrounds will fill out the show, including ballet, flamenco, tap, and hip hop.

Runtime: 80 minutes. Single tickets are available here.

Showtimes:
November 19: 7:30 pm
November 20: 7:30 pm
November 21: 2 pm | American sign language (ASL); post-show discussion

This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov. It is also supported by a grant from St. Paul’s Cultural STAR program.

Facilities Coordinator – Threads Dance Nexus

The Karen L. Charles Threads Dance Project and Threads Dance Nexus are seeking a Facilities Coordinator.

The Facilities Coordinator is a multifaceted role responsible for shoring up the logistical and operational foundations of the organization. This position is reports directly to the Managing Director and provides broad exposure to a variety of arts administration careers – opening the door for future exploration.

Contact Managing Director Rae Charles Harge to apply: rcharlesharge@threadsdance.org

Responsibilities:

  • Manage studio rentals (60%)
  • Bill processing and recordkeeping (20%)
  • Social media marketing (15%)
  • Donor and funder prospecting (5%)

Education:

  • HS Diploma or equivalent
  • BA/BS in Dance, Business Administration, Arts Administration or related fields a plus

Qualifications:

  • Must have reliable transportation to the Threads Dance Nexus, 2213 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis, 55404; as well as ability to work remotely
  • Interest/experience in concert dance, dance education, and non-profit organizations
  • Proficient in MS Office Suite, Google Suite, and basic computer literacy
  • Proficient in major social media platforms including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Proactive and forward thinking
  • Strong attention to detail, sense of integrity and work ethic
  • Strong verbal communications skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively
  • Ability to effectively multi-task, adapt responsively, and work independently
  • Strong time management skills

Compensation: Part-time, 10-15 hours a week at $13-14.50/hour. Additional benefits and discounts are available.

UNICORN SWEAT with Annika and Abigail

Unicorn Sweat is a dance party workout celebrating the joy of moving to pop music and the liberation of all bodies.

The teachers for this class are Abigail Whitmore (she/her) and Annika Hansen (they/them, she/her).

This class takes place on the last Saturday of every month from 11:00am-12:00pm at The Arena. $17 drop-in. Discount cards available.

UNICORN SWEAT
Saturday, October 30

This initial class is a special HALLOWEEN edition. Come dressed up and have some fun!

Twin Cities Ballet’s Mini-Nutcracker

You are invited to “The Mini-Nutcracker,” a delightful abbreviated version of Twin Cities Ballet’s classic, A Minnesota Nutcracker. “The Mini-Nutcracker” is designed to introduce children to the magic of the family favorite.

This beloved holiday tradition with soaring music by Tchaikovsky promises to hold the attention of even the youngest theatergoer. Suitable for all ages, this version is less than an hour and is performed by cast members of Twin Cities Ballet’s full-length production. A perfect holiday treat!

TCB’s “Mini-Nutcracker”
Tuesday, November 30
Two shows: 11:00am and 6:00pm
 $12-$15

The Cowles Center is Hiring an Audience Services Manager

Join our team! The Cowles Center is looking for an Audience Services Manager – a crucial part of our day-to-day operations and Box Office oversight. Do you have customer-facing, sales, or membership experience? This could be the role for you!

The Audience Services Manager plays an important role in the day-to-day operations at The Cowles Center, creating a welcoming and safe environment for patrons attending events throughout The Cowles Center complex. This position is responsible for all aspects of The Cowles Center’s box office and front-of-house operations, including supervising a part-time staff of events associates, managing The Cowles Center’s volunteer program, and overseeing all ticketing activity and patron interactions. The Audience Services Manager reports directly to the Director of Operations and Production.

This is a full-time hybrid position with benefits. Salary range: $41,000-$47,000.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a candidate is identified.

Moving Practice with José A. Luis

Moving Practice is a weekly class series for professional dancers. Classes prioritize rigor, diversity of contemporary aesthetics, variety of class content, and commitment. Professional level dancers of all styles are welcome.

Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30AM at The Arena
José A. Luis teaches throughout November.

Striving for continual growth, I would like to approach class with a holistic framework. A conscious effort to connect mind, body, and soul will be explored through phrase and improv-based movement. Beginning with a mindful meditation focused on breath and body scan, we can connect ourselves with the environment. Consciously engaging in re-discovered anatomical functions to support low level phrases onto standing. Class will progress the mind-body relation through weight, energy, and intention (related to time and space) with developed movement. Ultimately, we will call on our individual essence to fully experience virtuosic phrases and each other as we prepare to step outside of class.

Pre-register at https://www.arena-dances.org/class-payment/

Drop-in $17. Flexible pricing and free parking!

Join us for Amy Jones’ Pilates mat class, 9:30-10:00AM, before Moving Practice!

TCB’s A Minnesota Nutcracker Returns to the Stage, Live and In-Person

Twin Cities Ballet’s beloved holiday classic with a Minnesota twist returns to Ames Center this December! This production retains all the magic and traditions of the classic Nutcracker ballet, but features Minnesota settings with stunning, custom-designed  Minnesota-centric backdrops, and offers audience members something truly unique: a connection to home. Deemed one of the 12 essential holiday events by MPR, A Minnesota Nutcracker is delightful entertainment for the whole family! 

This year also includes the launch of Twin Cities Ballet’s new sensory-relaxed performance series, the first of its kind in Minnesota. These performances are designed to be more accessible for persons with sensory sensitivities and families with young children through relaxed theater rules and modified sensory elements. We are thrilled to be able to share the love of ballet with people who may experience difficulties in a regular performance setting. 

In addition, TCB is offering a one-hour Mini-Nutcracker at Lakeville Area Arts Center on November 30. This short and sweet version is a perfect way to introduce young children to the magic of Nutcracker!

 Thursday, December 9 at 10:15am – sensory-relaxed show
Friday, December 10 at 7:00pm
Saturday, December 11 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, December 12 at 1:00pm and 4:30pm

Get tickets.

About Twin Cities Ballet: Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota (TCB) is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional ballet company located in the South Metro. Our mission is to make ballet approachable, relatable and fun through innovative, professional and original productions.

These activities are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Twin Cities Ballet – Dance with Me at Lakeville Area Arts Center

Join TCB’s professional ballet dancers at the Lakeville Area Arts Center for a fun-filled interactive performance event designed for families and children ages preschool through eight. The programs are less than an hour long—the perfect length for busy schedules and curious minds.

”Dance With Me” highlights age- and ability-appropriate body movement using different forms of dance, and features unique monthly themes, short dance classes, optional audience participation, and short performance demonstrations in costume by TCB’s professional company dancers. You are welcome to enjoy one, many, or all of the programs!

Tuesday, November 9
10:30-11:30am
Tickets: $6

Purchase tickets online, or by calling 952-985-4640.

Pilates Reformer 1

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

ACE (1.60)
PMA (16)

Class: Before October 29- $499.00. Regular fee- $549.00.
Manual: $50.00
Streaming Video: $10.00

Reformer 1 Instructor Training
Taught by Cari Riis Stemmler and Matthew Hodge Rice

Reformer 1 introduces you to the biomechanical foundation of the Pilates method and to the essential components of functional core strength, lumbopelvic and scapular stability, as well as assessing and correcting alignment and improving flexibility. Pre-Pilates exercises are included for teaching these key principles to your clients and classes. Reformer I includes an introduction to the Pilates Reformer, including set up and safety, beginning exercises, program sequencing and teaching tips for group classes. By the end of the course you will be able to teach a beginning Reformer class or personal training session.

Online Requirements
If you are taking this course Online, you will need to have the access to the following equipment:

  • Reformer, Balanced Body preferred. Reformer should be in good working order with appropriate springs. Preferred BB Reformer spring configuration should include at least 3 Red, 1 Blue and 1 Yellow.
  • Sitting box with a safety strap; foot loops and handles required.

Note: Our Master Instructors are used to teaching and instructing on Balanced Body Reformers. Please note that if you do not have a Balanced Body Reformer the spring resistance, general feel, and overall exercise experience may vary.

Taking online courses: While we believe there is no better way to learn movement than in person, we understand that online is a good option for many. When taking a Reformer class online, you, and your Reformer, must be completely visible to the instructor, lighting must be good enough to see detailed movement, and your internet connection must be reliable as Balanced Body is not responsible for lost class hours if your connection is unstable.

Prerequisites:

  • One year experience teaching movement
  • Movement Principles
  • 20 Pilates Reformer classes completed

Who Brought the Humbug?

Ricci Milan and the artists of Rhythm Street Movement return to The Cowles Center with Who Brought the Humbug? this holiday season!

Join us for a fun, funky, funny holiday show that the whole family can enjoy. Live music paired with amazing tap dance and a unique mix of comedy, drama, and mystery is sure to make an ­­­evening to remember.

Covid19: Effective September 1, 2021, all visitors to the Cowles who are attending a performance/event in our theater spaces are required to show either proof of a full course of COVID-19 vaccinations administered at least 14 days prior to the show or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the performance/event. Masks are required throughout the Cowles. For more information about our health & safety guidelines and getting to The Cowles Center, click here.