Archive

Seeking Dancers for a New Multimedia Performance Project

Seeking one to three dancers for a new multimedia performance project, Ashwini Ramaswamy’s Invisible Cities
Premieres in January/February 2023

Commissioned by The Great Northern Festival and The Cowles Center
Creative residency partner: The National Center for Choreography in Akron, OH

Ashwini Ramaswamy’s Invisible Cities is a large-scale reimagining of Italo Calvino’s metaphysical/philosophical novel. With Invisible Cities, she deepens a unique choreographic methodology anchored in the South Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam and collaboratively reinterpreted by dancers of four distinct cultural backgrounds/dance lineages (Bharatanatyam, led by Ramaswamy; Contemporary/Gaga led by Berit Ahlgren; Contemporary/African Diasporic led by Alanna Morris-Van Tassel; and Breaking led by Joseph ‘MN Joe’ Tran). 

Ashwini and Alanna are currently seeking 1-3 dancers for the Contemporary/African Diasporic group. Interested candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of dance experience. Ideal candidates are generative collaborators (enjoy making contributions through generating movement and ideas), imaginative, and move with spirit. It is also important to note that since this is a long term commitment, Ashwini and Alanna are most interested in artists who desire to grow and deepen their craft with a group of collaborators over a period of time. 

Important dates:

August 10-13, 2021: Introductory residency in Minneapolis
March 2022: Possible residency in at the Kohler Center in Sheboygan, WI
August 2022: Residency at the National Center for Choreography in Akron, OH
Fall 2022: rehearsals
January/February 2023: Premiere at the Cowles Center, possible touring afterwards

Please send video excerpts from 3-5 different dance works; if the excerpt is group choreography, please specify which dancer you are. Each clip should be a minimum of three minutes in length. Total video length should not exceed 20 minutes.

Cassandra School Online and In-Studio Classes

Join our dance-learning community of all ages, sizes, and levels of experience to participate in the creative expression and health and fitness benefits of Middle Eastern dance. The beauty of this dance form is that it makes you feel wonderful in your own body.

We now offer three in-studio classes for intermediate and advanced belly dance students each week, as well as continuing Zoom online learning for all classes, including beginning belly dance!

Go to cassandraschool.com to choose from our ongoing classes, register, and pay in advance using PayPal. All class registrations close at 8:00pm CT the night before each class. Purchase four or more classes and receive a $2 discount per class!

TU Dance Center: Renting TU Dance Center

TU Dance Center is available for rental when not in use by the school.

TU Dance Center features:

Reception area and front desk for check-in or event use. Access to adjacent dressing room and green room with kitchenette are available upon request.

Both studios: sprung dance floor with Marley-type surface by Harlequin, wall of mirrors, portable ballet barre units 10′ in length, room-level sound system with CD and mini-jack inputs, 50′ LCD TV cart for presentation and videoconferencing. Large windows providing ample natural light.

Studio 1 only: a curtain that can be drawn on entire mirror, wall-mounted ballet barres of 27′ and 33′.

Studio 1: 60′x34′
Studio 2: 46’x21′

TU Dance Center: Children and Teen Summer Program

The TU Dance Center 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.

Registration Deadline: June 30, 2021

Creative Movement: July 19-23
A one-week program for children ages 5-8 where students will experience the connection between movement and creativity.

Bridge Level: July 12-24
A two-week program for students ages 9-13 preparing for a deeper engagement in dance that includes introductory dance technique classes with a focus on the creative process.

Teen 1: July 5-24
A three-week program, typically for students aged 14-19, where students learn the fundamentals of dance while exploring individual artistic expression with a focus on modern technique, Hip-Hop and African Dance as well as workshop/choreography.

For more information and to register visit https://www.tudance.org/summer/ or contact School Coordinator Maxine Yamazaki at education@tudance.org or (612) 235-7634.

Scholarships available!

Zenon Summer Session Online and In Person

Zenon Dance School is very excited to begin our summer session with virtual and hybrid classes all summer long!

MONDAY
5:30pm: Cardio Dance Jam with Ariel Linnerson
5:30pm: Ballet for Contemporary Dancers with Anne Lentz

TUESDAY
9:30am: gaga/people with Berit Ahlgren
5:30pm: All Levels Hip Hop with Arturo Miles
7:00pm: Beginning Jazz with Allison Rubin-Forester

WEDNESDAY
9:30am: Composition/Improvisation with HIJACK
5:30pm: Intermediate Contemporary/Modern with Ruby Josephine Smith – HYBRID
5:30pm: Beginning Ballet with Lisa Erickson

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

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

SATURDAY
9:00am: Yoga with Ariel Linnerson
10:00am: Tap with Dorian Brooke
10:15am: Youth Hip Hop, Ages 6-9 with Erin Sheppard
11:00am: Youth Ballet I, Ages 5-7 with Sarah Bartlett
11:15am: Youth Ballet II, Ages 8-10 with Kendall Kramer
12:00pm: Beginning 2 Ballet with Benjamin Johnson

Register online today!

Drop-In GYROKINESIS® Method Classes

The GYROKINESIS® Method was developed by Romanian émigré and professional ballet dancer Juliu Horvath in the late 1970s and early 80s. Movement patterns are rhythmic, with a coordinated breath. The GYROKINESIS® Method will connect you to your center and build functional strength in parallel and rotation.

Level 1:
Friday, 10:30am – https://zoom.us/j/556949877
Monday, 10:00am – https://zoom.us/j/597696618

Foundations:
Tuesday, 6:00pm – http://zoom.us/j/85360225028
Thursday, 12:00pm – https://zoom.us/j/86006978332

All classes are 60 minutes. Drop-ins welcome any time.
Class fee is a sliding scale, $5-20 payable at http://paypal.me/nonedwards or by check. No one is turned away for non-payment.

Want to explore on your own schedule? Private sessions available, also on a sliding scale.

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

Northrop Presents ABT Across America

American Ballet Theatre will take to the road this summer, traveling by bus and truck to eight U.S. cities including Minneapolis, Minnesota. Northrop will present ABT Across America for four outdoor performances at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

The performance and seating area will be outdoors on an open lawn near the Red Barn and Bee and Pollinator Center at the Arboretum. Seating will be divided into three price zones, and seating within those zones will be general admission. Bring your own chair for the performance. VIP ticket purchases include a free chair to keep, otherwise, chairs will not be provided by the Arboretum or Northrop.

In addition to the opportunity to see America’s National Ballet Company® in this breathtaking outdoor performance, your ticket purchase will include free parking and all-day admission to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Named the Best Botanical Garden in North America by USA Today readers in 2017 & 2019, the Arboretum is known for its beautiful display gardens, award-winning tree collections, and extensive hiking and walking trails.

Threads Dance Nexus: Rent Our Space

Our 1,480 square foot space has a professional grade speaker sound system, sprung floors, barres and mirrors, is ADA compliant, and has two gender neutral changing rooms. Its large windows and garage door allow for an abundance of natural light and fresh air.

A new ventilation system and thorough cleaning between each use are compliant with guidelines for Covid-19 preparedness plans. Face coverings are required at all times and our maximum studio capacity is ten people, to allow for adequate distancing.

Conveniently located in the Seward neighborhood, we offer free parking and free side street parking. We are a five-minute walk from the Franklin Light Rail Station, and a 2-5 minute walk from nearest bus stops (lines 2, 9, 22, 67).

A nonrefundable deposit equal to one hour at the renter’s base rate is due to secure space.

To request space, please email nexusrentals@threadsdance.org.

Fifth Annual CANDY BOX Dance Festival – Performances, Master Classes, and More

CANDY BOX Dance Festival is an annual, eclectic gathering of performances, work-in-progress showings, master classes, and choreographic discussions. A one-of-a-kind event in the Twin Cities, the fifth annual festival features a range of aesthetics and choreographic voices to offer a diverse array of treats! The Festival’s three main features include Featured Artists’ Performance, Happy Hour Artists’ Showings, and Master classes.

Featured Artists – Shared bill featuring the works of HIJACK, Viva la Pepa, Judith Holo Shuǐ Xiān

Happy Hour Artists – Works-in-Progress by Slo Dance Company, Annika Hansen and Abigail Whitmore, HoneyWorks, Body Watani, and Borealis Dance Theatre

Masterclasses with Annika Hansen and Abigail Whitmore, Judith Holo Shuǐ Xiān, Pedro Pablo (Viva la Pepa), Slo Dance Company, and HIJACK

July 12-16 at PAIKKA
Visit https://www.arena-dances.org/candybox2021-live-dance-festival/ to learn more!
Tickets on sale now!

Mentorship/Coaching for Pre-Professional Dancers

About AMVTP’s Mentoring/Coaching Program:

AMVTP’s mentoring/coaching program is a one-year mentorship open to a young professional entering their junior year of high school in Fall 2021 and graduating in the class of 2023. This program is for a self-driven, self-motivated and focused female dancer of colour looking to pursue a career in dance. The mentee will work with AMVTP Artistic Director and independent Dancer-Choreographer, Alanna Morris-Van Tassel, on post-secondary school/college-preparedness as well as life and business skills.

This mentorship includes research on scholarships ($$$); a solo dance commission (for auditions and scholarships); college essay review and editorial assistance; and letters of recommendation (as needed). The mentee will have access to Alanna’s global network of dance artists, including top educators at leading educational institutions, directors, dancers and choreographers working in a multiplicity of backgrounds—companies as well as freelance–encompassing a wide range of aesthetics, and geographies.

Secondly, Alanna is working as a YoungArts ambassador this summer and would love to leave you with information about how your students can apply (and win up to $10,000 towards their education) while nurturing their artistry and receiving mentorship and coaching from an array of notable dance professionals.

Image credit: Michael Slobodian (courtesy of TU Dance)

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.