Archive: Workshops, Intensives, Master Classes, and Open Houses

Strange Loop Projects is excited to host a Mime Workshop with Myron Johnson.

Step into the world of physical storytelling in this immersive mime workshop led by renowned choreographer and theater-maker Myron Johnson. Rooted in classical mime technique and expanded through contemporary performance practice, this workshop invites participants to explore how the body alone can create entire worlds. Through foundational exercises, illusion-based movement, and neutral mask work, participants will develop tools for creating space, character, and narrative without words.

Expect a physical warm-up and classic mime technique, illusion-based movement and spatial creation, neutral mask exploration (provided), and collaborative storytelling and creation. The workshop culminates in a guided creative process where participants devise a short mime theater piece, applying the techniques explored throughout the session. This is a dynamic, full-body experience for performers, dancers, actors, and curious creatives alike. No prior experience required.

Saturday, May 16 from 12:00–2:30pm
Location: Strange Loop Laboratory
Pay as you’re able with suggested $25. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Recommended for ages 14+. No experience necessary.
Reserve a spot here!

Free parking is available under the bridge next to the Basilica. Metered street parking and paid lots are available on surrounding blocks.

Myron Johnson is a choreographer, director, and founding Artistic Director of Ballet of the Dolls. With over three decades of creating original work for stage and beyond, his practice spans dance, theater, and opera. He studied mime in Paris with Marcel Marceau, grounding his work in a rich tradition of physical storytelling.

Join us this spring for a one-day intensive workshop designed to energize body and mind, beginning with a shared coffee (or tea) and moving into a day of training, creation, and connection.

Sunday, May 24 from 10:30am-3:00pm
A-Mill Dance Studio
Led by Artistic Director Ruby Josephine Smith.

Registration
Early Bird Registration (April 20-May 20): $65
General Registration (May 21-May 24): $75

Together we will flow, sweat, explore, partner, create, and converse through technique, repertory, improvisation, and collaborative process. Participants will experience movement inspired by recent RJDT works, including Grounds, while diving into their own creative ideas.

Tamin Totzke and Lindsay Forsythe are facilitating a 3-hour Contemplative Dance Practice (CDP), consisting of three 1-hour cycles: 15/20/25 minute format, back-to-back, with no pauses in between. CDP is a meditation-based movement practice developed by Barbara Dilley, and cultivates present-moment awareness, spontaneous movement, and group awareness. Please read this link to learn more details. 

Saturday, May 30 from 12:30-4:00pm
Location: Center For Performing Arts, Chapel Studio
$10-20 suggested

A chime will begin the practice promptly at 1:00pm. The extra half hour allows time for opening and closing circles. We request that you do not enter mid-practice, however you may begin the first cycle with the group and leave thereafter if needed. Bring a cushion for comfort if you wish—a limited number will be provided. All are welcome.

In this energetic, creative class, students ages 8-12 explore the dance elements of Space, Time, and Energy while building kinesthetic awareness and confidence. They learn foundational Modern Dance skills and movement vocabulary, and they also get to improvise and create their own dances. No previous experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to move!

Two mini sessions – sign up for either or both:
Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30pm
Session 1: June 10, 17, and 24, and July 1
Session 2: July 8, 15, 22, and 29

Cost: $60 for 4 classes
Instructor: Kim Lewis

Minnesota Dance Theatre’s (MDT) Summer Program is designed to expand upon MDT’s classical ballet-based curriculum, seamlessly integrating contemporary dance styles, innovative choreography, and classical repertoire in a conservatory-type setting. All classes are led by the esteemed MDT faculty and exciting guest teachers, with live piano accompaniment enriching most classes.

All classes are aimed at dancers who have mastered the fundamentals of ballet technique. Classes will include: ballet technique, pre-pointe, pointe, men’s repertoire, choreography, contemporary, partnering, jazz, character, strength and conditioning, and more.

Session Dates: Monday, June 15-Thursday, July 2
Week 1: Monday, June 15-Friday, June 19
Week 2: Monday, June 22-Friday, June 26
Week 3: Monday, June 29-Thursday, July 2

The 2026 Summer Program is divided into 3 levels:
Level 1: Ages 8-10
Level 2: Ages 11-13
Level 3: Ages 14-18

Please register for the level that coincides with your dancer’s age. Please note that placement classes will occur every Monday of each week, and that level placement is subject to change. Class sizes will be limited.

Registration is open until Monday, May 18. For more information regarding guest teachers, sample schedule, and discounts, please visit mndance.org/summer-program.

The Threads Dance Project Advanced/Professional Summer Intensive is an intensive workshop that explores advanced dance techniques to enhance both performance and choreography for professional and pre-professional dancers. Class schedule and faculty announcement forthcoming.

Participants can register for the Performer’s Track, Choreographer’s Track, or both. We encourage registering for both tracks for the most immersive experience!

Performer’s Track: June 22-26 from 9:30am-2:15pm
Strengthen technical mastery and performance skills in Contemporary-Modern, African Dance, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and more.

Choreographer’s Track: June 22-26 from 12:15-5:00pm
Focus on creation with classes in Repertoire, Composition, and Improvisation, plus studies in Grant Writing, Show Production, and more.

Final Showing: Friday, June 26, 5:00pm
Tuition: $300 per track or $475 for both tracks

Company Audition: Saturday, June 27, 9:00am-12:30pm

Discounts are available for current and former Threads company members and Tapestries alumni. For more details and registration, click here.

This summer, give your child the gift of movement, creativity, and connection. NexGen offers two age-based camps:

Young Movers Project (YMP) for ages 7-9 and Young Dancers Project (YDP) for ages 10-12 are designed to nurture young dancers in a joyful, supportive environment. An additional 1-hour extension is available for dancers ages 10-12 with over 2 years of dance experience, called YDP+ for ages 10-12.

Dancers will explore ballet and modern dance, with additional classes such as hip hop, jazz, or nutrition, while building confidence, strength, and self-expression. Each week includes creative exploration, age-appropriate wellness and nutrition conversations, and a casual end-of-week showing to celebrate their growth. Families join a community that values inclusivity, artistry, and whole-child development, where every dancer is seen, supported, and encouraged to flourish.

Register for Week 1 (July 6-10), Week 2 (July 13-17), or both.
YMP and YDP are $499, and YDP+ is $599.
Spots are limited—secure your dancer’s place and watch them grow in confidence, strength, and creativity!

Click to learn more and sign up today!

In these fun-filled weeklong camps, young dancers discover the joy of movement, music, and imagination. Students enhance their coordination, develop fundamental dance skills, and challenge their brains in learning basic choreography!

Ballet classes are held daily in the morning, and are supplemented with afternoon jazz classes, choreography, themed arts and crafts, stretching and conditioning, story time, dance media, and more. An end-of-week showing for parents and families gives dancers a “performance” opportunity to share all they have learned throughout the week!

July 6-10: Theme is “Adventures at Sea”
August 3-7: Theme is “Forest Creatures”

Schedule: Monday-Friday
Half-day: 9:30am-12:30pm
Full-day: 9:30am-3:00pm

The Young Children’s Summer Program is divided into three classes by age:
4-year-olds (half-days only)
5-6 year olds (full and half-days available)
6-7 year olds (full and half-days available)

Registration is open until Monday, May 18. For more information regarding schedule, instructors, and pricing, please visit mndance.org/summer-program.