Performances and Events

Inspired by the one-act opera by Gian Carlo Menotti, this delightful ballet tells the story of a little boy with a disability and his widowed mother, and their life-changing encounter with three kings following a star to Bethlehem. Its themes of faith, forgiveness, healing and compassion celebrate the spirit of Christmas.

Conceived and choreographed by James Sewell, the 50-minute production uses several movement styles, including the visual/gestural style of American Sign Language. The choreographic combination of ASL with traditional ballet provides a visually compelling experience that holds special appeal and meaning for hearing and hearing impaired audiences. The Shepherd’s Dance section invites the participation of several additional cast members from the presenting community.

Presented as part of the Westminster Performing Arts Series.

The Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3 evening shows include a Christmas Dinner.

Introducing The Snow Queen! Travel to magical lands through this sparkling holiday production that will warm you from the inside out. From the screen to the stage, Ballet Co.Laboratory’s original 2020 ballet made for film will be transformed for the theater with newly expanded scenes and choreography. 

Join us December 2-4, 2022 at The Cowles Center for Dance and Performing Arts as we follow Gerda, a little girl filled with moxie on a quest to rescue her brother, whose heart has been frozen by an icy fragment from the Snow Queen’s enchanted mirror.

Tickets are available here.

Join Mathew Janczewski, Founder and Artistic Director of ARENA DANCES, every first Saturday for Floorwork: a communal conversation and shared meal while contemplating the culture and climate of dance today in the Twin Cities. Floorwork was developed to hold conversations and knowledge-sharing spaces for creatives.

The next Floorwork is:
Saturday, December 3 from 3:00-5:00pm
RSVP today, Wednesday, November 30 here.

This December Floorwork will focus on Advancing Dance in Our Community. We will ask this question together:

• What sequential action steps are needed to advance dance within our community?

Conversation will be held over a communal meal – bring your own dish to share in our potluck! ARENA DANCES will supply beverages, plates, napkins, and utensils.

Join Kayla and the artistic team for the virtual premiere of object permanence followed by a Q&A chat. For those who caught object permanence at Choreographers’ Evening, this screening is of the entire work; 15 minutes in length.

object permanence is an act of curiosity pursuing my enduring wonder about visibility or lack thereof in a time of perpetual display. Object permanence is a concept studied in developmental psychology, it refers to the understanding that people, places, and things continue to exist even when they can no longer be sensed. I stumbled across this idea during my research, it captured my attention, and has since been revealing what it wants discovered through the creative journey of building this screendance.

Choreography, dance, cinematography, and editing: Kayla Schiltgen
Original composition and music: Dean Sibinski
Production assistance: Eric Elefson

December 4 at 4:00pm
Price: $15

Join us for our first TU Dance Winter Showcase and the inaugural performances of CULTIVATE, A Trainee Program – featuring works created by local and national guest artists for CULTIVATE, and for The School at TU Dance Center’s Pre-Professional Levels 4 and 5.

The CULTIVATE dancers will perform works by renowned choreographers Alanna Morris from I A.M. Arts and Gregory Dolbashian from The Dash Ensemble, while Levels 4 and 5 students will showcase works by New York choreographer Stephon Williams and also Alanna Morris. Let’s celebrate these inspiring dancers and their dedication!

December 9 and 10
Doors at 6:30pm. Show at 7:30pm.

December 11
Doors at 1:00pm. Show at 2:00pm.

To purchase tickets, click here!

Get the best seat in the house by securing your Who Brought the Humbug? tickets today!

Ricci Milan and the artists of Rhythm Street Movement are back December 9-18 with the fun, funky, hilarious show that pairs live music with amazing tap dance for a unique mix of comedy, drama, and mystery that’s sure to be a memorable evening for the whole family. This year Rhythm Street is bringing new music, new choreography, and new dancers to stage to help celebrate the holiday season!

Regular, in-person single tickets are $45. Student/senior tickets are $35.

Audiences are invited to boost their holiday cheer by getting close to the action at a front-row cabaret-style VIP table. VIP tickets will enjoy the performance with a complimentary sparkling drink, macarons from Nikkollette’s Macarons, and a more immersive experience.

Pay-As-You-Are tickets are available for our Saturday, December 17 matinee performance at 2:00pm.
Click here to learn more about our Pay-As-You-Are tickets.

Tickets now available for the 20th anniversary of The Nutcracker by Rochester Dance Company!

The Nutcracker is a show for all ages, so come be part of the audience for this local holiday tradition. You will get to experience the magic of Clara and her friends on Christmas Eve and meet the colorful characters she encounters on her dreamy adventure.

Saturday, December 10 at 2:00pm and 6:00pm
Sunday, December 11 at 2:00pm

At the Mayo Civic Center Presentation Hall. Get your tickets now through Ticketmaster.

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.

Ballet Minnesota’s thirty-fourth annual The Classic Nutcracker returns to the O’Shaughnessy! Come celebrate this annual family holiday tradition this December 16-18!

For novices to the ballet, this holiday story begins on Christmas Eve. We join a young girl, Clara, her mischievous brother, Fritz, and their family hosting a Christmas party. A latecomer to the party is Clara’s mysterious godfather Drosselmeyer. He presents her with a marvelous gift, a nutcracker doll. As Clara goes to sleep that night, we are transported into her dream of the Rat King fighting the Nutcracker and his army of toy soldiers. The Nutcracker Prince escorts Clara through an enchanted snow-covered forest and on to his Kingdom of the Sweets where Clara accepts the throne from the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Enjoy the return of this classic holiday favorite!

Tickets now on sale for HDC’s Clara in the City: A Nutcracker Tale!

Make the most of your holiday season: come see this lovely show sure to be a delight for people of all ages.

December 16 at 7:00pm
December 17 at 12:00pm and 6:00pm

At the  Eisenhower Community Center in Hopkins
https://buy.tututix.com/hopkinsdancecompany

Zenon Dance School – Zone Fall Showcase

New choreographic works by Kendall Kramer and Ruby Josephine Smith, plus guests!

Zenon Dance School’s Zone Program will feature Zenon instructors Kendall Kramer and Ruby Josephine Smith in two new works performed by the Zone dancers! Plus, special guest showings by the Beginning/Intermediate Jazz class with Jennifer Glaws and Beginning Jazz with Allison Rubin-Forester.

Zone is an intensive adult dance program for all levels, ages, and dance backgrounds, who wish to deepen their dance journey and experiences. The program offers two tracks and new movers are welcomed through a brief and relaxed audition.

Performance Group – for movers with a strong intermediate/advanced level of dance technique who are searching for opportunities to perform with local choreographers.

Technique Group – for movers to enhance creative and technical skills and explore different genres of dance.

Zone is a platform for emerging and established choreographers to create work and explore material, while celebrating Twin Cities movers.

Friday, December 16 and Saturday, December 17 at 7:30pm (in-person, masks required).

On-demand available December 21-January 4, registration required.

Tickets: Free. Pay-What-You-Wish. Registration required.