Archive

Walker Art Center/ARENA DANCES: Only the perverse fantasy can still save us

A major new work from Minnesota-based choreographer Mathew Janczewski interrogates binaries and asks how creative repression changes us. After receiving a diagnosis of leukemia, Janczewski learned that his condition was caused by the mutation of a single chromosome. For him, the experience brought new resonance to artist Matthew Barney’s epic five-film The Cremaster Cycle (1994–2002), which considers the embryonic stages of sexual differentiation—another biologically determined process that shapes our lives. Only the perverse fantasy can still save us takes inspiration from Barney and features an original score by Minnesota-based composer Joshua Clausen.

May 16-17 at 7:30pm
McGuire Theater
Tickets start at $15, fees included.

Only the perverse fantasy can still save us is commissioned by the Walker Art Center.

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

Photo by Galen Higgins

Ragamala Rooted: A Gala Celebration

Ragamala Dance Company invites you to celebrate and support its 32nd year at Ragamala Rooted: A Gala Celebration.

Saturday, May 17:
5:30-6:30pm: Drinks and appetizer reception with studio tours
6:30-7:00pm: Performance by the company
7:00-7:30pm: Live auction featuring unique experiences
7:30- 9:30pm: Dinner catered by award-winning Raag Progressive Indian Cuisine

Tickets are limited; secure yours by May 17!
Single Ticket: $125 ($75 tax-deductible)
Table of 6: $650 ($350 tax-deductible)
Table of 10: $1,000 ($500 tax-deductible)

The dress code is fun and festive!
For more details and to purchase tickets, visit Ragamala Rooted: A Gala Celebration.

The Chicago Tribune review of Children of Dharma states: “This intergenerational company builds exquisite, contemporary worlds with Bharatanatyam better than any American company I’ve seen.”

Laboratory II: Emerging Choreographer Program

Ballet Co.Laboratory believes in the development of the whole dancer and works to invest in artists’ professional growth. One way Ballet Co.Laboratory aids professional dance makers in evolving their artistry is through our Laboratory II: Emerging Choreographer Program. Each season, one choreographer is hired through this program to create a new, full-length, staged ballet production which is performed by the upper-level students at The School of Ballet Co.Laboratory (ages 11 – 20).

Ballet Co.Laboratory knows how difficult it can be to find paid work as an emerging choreographer. Some organizations offer free space and artists to perform their work, but many do not compensate emerging artists for their creation/rehearsal time and even fewer cover production costs such as costumes, sets, stage management, etc. The choreographer selected through the Laboratory II: Emerging Choreographer Program is not only compensated for their work and the materials/staff to create their production, but will simultaneously receive mentorship from Ballet Co.Laboratory staff in production design and arts administration to get a complete picture of what it is like to create, market, and fundraise for a new work.

The story that Ballet Co.Laboratory will be asking the 2025 emerging choreographer to draw inspiration from is the children’s book, If You Give A Mouse A Cookie. Applicants who apply can choose to present this narrative as a classical or contemporary ballet. The selected choreographer will work alongside the Ballet Co.Laboratory artistic team in selecting the music, designing scenic elements, creating costumes, and casting roles.

Choreographers applying to this program are encouraged to think critically about how ballet can continue to evolve in becoming more inclusive and forward-thinking. Rather than create a piece that is simply based on movement, artists are asked to create a production with a storyline that sparks the imagination and challenges the audiences’ perception of what ballet is.

All applicants must live in Minnesota, have had formal ballet training, and consider themselves to be an emerging choreographer.

The Oldest Deer – The Longest Path – The Highest Bough

Off-Leash Area’s newest original production, The Oldest Deer – The Longest Path – The Highest Bough, invites audiences on an imaginative journey of transformation. Set at the edge of a darkly mystical forest, a ghostly herd of deer emerge from another time and space to deliver an invitation to transformation.

In this, the company’s 36th original production, Off-Leash Area combines dance, physical theater, and original music, all performed within an installation of projection art for a most creative and immersive experience. This production also continues Off-Leash Area’s partnership with Young Dance, whose mission is transforming lives through movement.

Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31 at 7:30pm
Admission is by sliding scale, $10-30 suggested donation.

Prima Classical Coaching’s Coppélia

Experience the Enchantment of Coppélia!

Prima Classical Coaching proudly presents Coppélia, a charming and comedic ballet that has delighted audiences for generations. With graceful dancing, whimsical storytelling, and exquisite costumes, this production is perfect for ballet lovers of all ages.

Saturday, June 7 at 2:00pm and 6:00pm
At Masonic Heritage Center
Tickets: $25-$32

Join us for an unforgettable performance filled with mischief, romance, and dazzling choreography as our talented dancers bring this classic tale to life. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of live ballet!

Minnesota Dance Theatre: Performing Arts Division Summer Programs

Minnesota Dance Theater’s Performing Arts Division (PAD) summer programs are designed to expand upon MDT&S’s classical ballet-based curriculum, seamlessly integrating contemporary dance styles, innovative choreography, and classical repertoire. All classes are led by the esteemed MDT faculty and exciting guest teachers, with live piano accompaniment enriching most classes.

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

Classes are taught by esteemed MDT staff, and internationally recognized choreographer, Gemma Bond (ABT and The Royal Ballet), and Katie Deuitch (Ballet Austin), among others. Stay tuned for updates!

Session Dates: 
June 9-13, 9:30am-4:00pm 
June 16-20, 9:30am-4:00pm
June 23-27, 9:30am-4:00pm 

PAD summer program classes are divided into three levels: Level 1 for ages 8-10, Level 2 for ages 10-13 and Level 3 for ages 13-18. Level placement will be determined by age and experience level and is at the discretion of MDT&S staff. Please enroll based on age, and email school@mndance for any questions.

Registration is open until Thursday, May 15.

For more information visit Minnesota Dance Theatre: Performing Arts Division Summer Program.

Minnesota Dance Theatre: Young Children’s Division Summer Camps

Minnesota Dance Theatre invites young children, ages 4-7, to fun-filled, week-long camps. Young dancers will discover the joy of movement, music, and imagination. Students will enhance their coordination, develop fundamental dance skills, and challenge their brains in learning basic choreography!

Daily ballet and jazz classes, themed arts and crafts, stretching and conditioning, story time and 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!

Students can sign up for one or both weeks, half-day or full-day options. Class sizes will be limited, with two instructors.

Week 1: Monday-Friday, June 9-13
Week 2: Monday-Friday, June 16-20
Half-day: 9:30am-12:00pm
Full-day: 9:30am-3:00pm
At the Center for Performing Arts

Registration is open until Thursday, May 15.

Threads Dance Project Youth Summer Camps

Discover dance this summer at Threads Dance Nexus!

Creative Connections for ages 4-6: June 16-20 and June 23-27, 9:00-10:15am
$125 for one week or $230 for both weeks. Need-based scholarships are available.

Young movers will explore a variety of dance styles and how dance intersects with music, numbers, art, theater, and more. They will learn the importance of healthy bodies and minds, discuss basic nutrition, and how emotions can be defined, demonstrated, and calmed using movement. This journey of creativity and self-expression will be shared in a casual showing for family and friends at the end of each week.

NexGen/YDP (Youth Dance Project) for ages 8-12: July 7-11 and July 14-18, 9:00am-12:00pm
$279 for one week or $499 for both weeks. Need-based scholarships are available.

NexGen/YDP PLUS for ages 8-12 with 2+ years dance experience: July 7-11 and July 14-18, 9:00am-1:00pm
$329 for one week or $579 for both weeks. Need-based scholarships are available.

Embark on a fun and holistic dance experience for your child in this comprehensive approach to summer dance learning. Dancers will grow in confidence, strength, and self-expression as they study ballet and modern techniques. They will learn self-care for their bodies and minds through nutrition and embodied movement exploration. Journals will be provided as a tool for self-reflection and discovery. Students will share what they’ve learned in a casual showing at the end of each week.

No prior dance experience is required. A limited number of partial and full scholarships are available – visit our website for more information.

Threads Dance Project Advanced Professional Summer Intensive

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.

Participants can choose one or both tracks and are encouraged to register for both tracks for a full immersive experience.

Performer’s Track: June 23-27 from 10:30am-2:45pm
Strengthen technical mastery and performance skills in Contemporary-Modern, African Dance, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and more.

Choreographer’s Track: June 23-27 from 1:30-5:30pm
Focus on creation with classes in Repertoire, Composition, and Improvisation, plus studies in Grant Writing, Show Production, and more.

Final Showing: Friday, June 27 from 5:30-6:00pm
Tuition: $260 per track or $449 for both tracks

For more details and registration, click here.