Maybe it’s just me, but the current season seems to be multilayered: Within five days it was 80 degrees and then shifted to a quick moment of snowflakes lightly falling on my windshield. Seasons can quickly shift, overlap, flow and go, mirroring life quite well…or vice versa.
Hello, I am Arneshia Williams, a relatively new member of the DanceMN Steering Committee. I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of you – human beings who love dance and who love art – and look forward to meeting those who I haven’t crossed paths with yet. I write to connect and share in possibilities.
I joined DanceMN having been graciously asked and because curiosity led me to openness. I was curious about the dance focused newsletter that I previously submitted postings to AND I was curious about how I could support the dance arts community through the DanceMN forum. I’m still figuring out how to contribute and am appreciating learning about some of the histories of dance in Minnesota from fellow steering committee members. DanceMN’s new vision is that All are connected to dance in Minnesota.
This vision moves hand-in-hand with the mission of increasing visibility and vitality for Minnesota dance. In this current season, or layer of seasons, I wonder what that is? How do we foresee the vision and mission working together? How do you, the Minnesota dance community, envision DanceMN contributing to the visibility and vitality of dance in Minnesota? How has DanceMN contributed in the past? How does it contribute now?
In this current season, DanceMN is shifting by bringing in new members, ideating about future possibilities, and discussing past history. We ask you to consider joining us in the present and future possibilities in a few ways. One, what dance history is part of the Minnesota dance community? What knowledge do you have? DanceMN is a part of the dance community and we want to hear from you, important people who are part of the full dance community. You can answer these questions and pose your own, as well as see what others have to say in the comments on our GiveMN page. Second, DanceMN is currently in its Fall fundraising season. Would you consider donating to help us maintain the ability to produce the DanceMN newsletter?
We appreciate you considering making a contribution to DanceMN in this season – or mix of seasons – by voicing dance histories and assisting us in the ability to produce the newsletter. Whatever you decide, we give thanks in advance. And, thanks for taking time to read this.
Arneshia Williams
DanceMN Steering Committee
Ashley Chin-Mark
Rahila Naomi Stadem Coats
Joanne Gordon
Sarah LaRose-Holland
Jim Lieberthal
Alys Ayumi Ogura
Eve Schulte
Julie Warder
Arneshia Williams
DanceMN Co-Editors
Annie Carlson
Non Edwards