Festival of Friends

Barátok Belly Dance Company proudly presents the 3rd Annual Festival of Friends Show and Artisan Market! Join us for an evening of exceptional entertainment: music, dance, comedy, and danger all in one show. You won’t want to miss some of Minnesota’s top performing groups showcasing their talents all on one stage at the beautiful LUSH Lounge and Theater in Northeast Minneapolis.

Hosted by Barátok Belly Dance Company featuring The Naughty Bawdy Brigade, The Dregs and Kazimir The Hungry.

Saturday, April 26 at 7:00pm — doors open at 6:00pm

Ticket Information
There isn’t a bad seat in this beautiful theater, but we have a ticket option for every budget. Every ticket includes a raffle ticket to use with the vendor of your choice! Any seating option can be adjusted to accommodate any size party. Please don’t hesitate to purchase the ticket of your choice, just note, you could be sat with another party. The good news is, this is The Festival of Friends, so why not make a few more while you’re here!

Bar Seating: $25 – Elevated bar seats available at bar within the theater.
General Admission: $35 – Chairs in middle of audience. Dinner service in the theater is unavailable for this option.
Elevated General Admission: $45 – Elevated seating at high-top table with 4 or 8 people per table. Purchase group tickets together to ensure you are sat together. Section located right behind General Admission.
Premium Plus Seating: $55 – Premium Seating with table and a complimentary glass of Cava sparkling wine. Premium Plus Seating is the first two rows of two tops and booth seating. Purchase group tickets together to ensure you’re sat together.

Stageside VIP Booth seating is sold out. All ticket options are for 1 seat/admission except for the VIP Booth which covers up to 10. If you’d like to enjoy dinner service, please arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime. Every ticket includes a raffle ticket, additional raffle tickets cannot be purchased. Must be present to win. Winners will be called at the end of intermission. This is an 18+ Show.

Festival of Friends Marketplace: Saturday, April 26 from 5:00-9:00pm
The Festival of Friends Marketplace will be open in the main room and is open to the public. This year’s Market Place will be featuring Codex Creations, Entwining Rose, Merlin’s Mind of Metal, Trixie’s Twisted Wonders and Twin Rituals. Only ticket holders will be able to participate in the raffle. Each show seat includes a raffle ticket to use with the vendor of your choice. The raffle will be called at the end of intermission. Must be present to win.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at BaratokBellyDance@gmail.com
and visit our website for more information.

Twin Cities Flamenco Presents Feria de Abril

The Twin Cities Flamenco Collective presents a vibrant show, Feria de Abril, featuring performances by Twin Cities talents and a lively Sevillanas dance party. Experience the passion and energy of flamenco music and dance in this engaging celebration of Andalusian culture. All are invited to join in festive Flamenco attire and learn Sevillanas dance!

April 27 at 5:00pm
At Icehouse MPLS
Tickets: $15 in advance (+taxes/fees), $22 day of show (+taxes)

Peformers: Anda Flamenco, Bobby “El Eléctrico,” Jeff Lambert, La Amistad, La Bárbara, Sachiko “La Chayí” Flamenco Dance School, Twin Cities Flamenco Collective, Zorongo Flamenco Student Performance Company, and more.

The Twin Cities Flamenco Collective is a dynamic group of Flamenco artists dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich art of flamenco in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. Through performances, education, and community outreach, the collective brings the passion, rhythm, and soul of flamenco to diverse audiences and participants. Comprising skilled dancers and musicians, the members and their guests collaborate to create vibrant and authentic flamenco experiences. Their mission is to foster appreciation for this art and culture from Andalusia, Spain, while building a supportive local community for flamenco artists and aficionados alike. For more information, visit our Facebook.

Great Indian Dance Off

Get ready to dance, compete, and win big at GIDO 2025!

Sunday, April 27, 1:00–5:00pm
Mall of America, Huntington Bank Rotunda

Calling all dancers! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or someone who just loves to move, The Great Indian Dance Off (GIDO) is back and bigger than ever—and you could walk away with up to $3,000 in prize money!

What’s GIDO?
Hosted by South Asian Arts and Theater House (SAATH), GIDO is a high-energy, bracket-style dance competition where teams battle it out in rapid-fire, 30-second rounds. Any dance style is welcome—just make sure it’s set to an Indian song!

Why You Should Join:
$3,000+ in prizes!
1st Place: $1,500
2nd Place: $1,000
3rd Place: $500
Two Audience Favorites: $250 each

Register your team today!
Teams can include up to 5 members.
Open to all ages, genders, ethnicities, and dance styles.
Only $25 per team to register (financial waivers available).

Questions? Email us at info@saathmn.org.

Share with your friends! Bring your squad, bring the heat, and bust out those dance moves! Rally your pals and become their biggest cheerleader at the epic dance-off!

Prima Classical Coaching’s Spring Master Class

Elevate your technique and artistry with an exclusive Prima Master Class led by Jacqueline McDaniel, founder and director of Prima Classical Coaching. With a distinguished career in ballet training and mentorship, Jacqueline brings her expertise to this immersive class designed to refine your precision, strength, and expression.

This master class offers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s leading coaches, gaining personalized insights to take your dancing to the next level. Don’t miss this chance to train with Prima Classical Coaching’s visionary leader and experience the difference of elite coaching.

Sunday, April 27
2:00-4:00pm
Price: $20

A Movement/Rest Gathering with Marisol Herling

A movement practice, a gathering, a rest. You are invited to come into the space and meet yourself where you’re at. Mari will offer suggestions that will move through grounded space as well as explosive movement. This will be a time to rest, or to play, in whatever ways feel good for you.

Sunday, April 27 from 2:00-4:00pm

Marisol Herling is a queer, Latine artist and chef based in the Twin Cities. Marisol began dancing with TWE in 2018 after relocating from Nebraska. She has since collaborated with other MN artists and created her own work as part of the 2018 MN Fringe Festival and as a 2022 Naked Stages Fellow. Marisol is also the co-producer of a multidisciplinary show with her spouse, aimed at highlighting local and national BIPOC artists, called The LIFT. Alongside her performance work as a dance and burlesque artist, Marisol is a chef; prioritizing accessibility and sustainability in food.

Presented by the Taja Will Ensemble

Threads Dance Project: Adult Beginning Modern Workshop

Discover the fundamentals of modern dance in a welcoming and supportive environment. This six-week series introduces key techniques such as floor work, center exercises, and basic movement phrases, helping students build strength, coordination, and creative expression.

Designed for beginners and those looking to deepen their confidence in movement, this session is an extension of the early spring series but remains open to new learners.

Adult Beginning Modern Workshop:
April 28-June 9 — No class on Memorial Day (May 26)
Mondays, 5:30-7:00pm
Instructor: Lily Conforti
Cost: $135

Spring Dance Concert – Minnesota State University, Mankato

Witness the artistry and dedication of the dance faculty, guest artists, and students through original choreography and the culmination of an entire semester’s worth of work. Multiple dance styles will be presented that range from contemporary dance to urban dance.

Performances
Thursday, May 1 at 7:30pm
Friday, May 2 at 7:30pm
Saturday, May 3 at 2:00pm

Pilates Teacher Training at Paragon Pilates and Physical Therapy

Balanced Body® Pilates Chair and Barrels Instructor Training is a weekend module that encompasses both the Pilates Chairs and the Pilates Barrels courses. The Pilates chair is great for strengthening athletic clients and as an addition to group programming. The chair can be used to incorporate standing and upright core work into a client’s studio experience.

This course includes exercises, programming, and variations for the original Wunda Chair, the EXO Chair, and the split pedal Combo Chair. This module also includes exercises and variations for the Step Barrel, which is a great addition to group classes, and the Ladder Barrel, most commonly used in a studio setting. Both are excellent tools for enhancing spinal mobility and core strength.

Friday, May 2, 3:00-8:00pm
Saturday, May 3, 11:30am-7:30pm
Sunday, May 4, 9:30am-6:00pm

Fee: $649 + $120 materials
Prerequisites: Mat 1 and Reformer 1
Instructor: Matthew Hodge-Rice

Ballet Co.Laboratory is Hiring: Executive Assistant

Ballet Co.Laboratory seeks a skilled, full-time Executive Assistant. Ballet Co.Laboratory is Minnesota’s largest professional ballet company and school. Serving more than 10,000 individuals annually, the organization challenges ballet’s “traditions to exclude” by creating new dance works and education programs that celebrate individuality.

Please click here to read the full job description with the complete list of responsibilities and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities: The Executive Assistant provides high-level support to both the Managing and Artistic Directors. This trusted role plays a key role in advancing the organization’s fundraising, marketing, school, and patron engagement efforts.

Qualifications and Skills: The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented multitasker with excellent writing skills, a strong sense of customer service, experience with CRM databases, and a genuine passion for the performing arts. They are highly organized, discreet, and proactive, anticipating needs to keep projects moving forward. This position requires someone comfortable engaging with a wide range of individuals—both over the phone and in person. Interested parties must be experienced in all Microsoft Office Suite applications and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly.

Compensation and Benefits: Salary is $30,000-$32,000, depending on experience. Benefits include paid time off, professional development, free parking, tickets to performances, and free dance classes. There is a hybrid work option: work from home Mondays, in office Tuesday – Friday.

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to Rachel Koep (Managing Director) at rkoep@balletcolaboratory.org with the subject line “Executive Assistant Application – [Your Name]” by Friday, May 2.

Ballet Co.Laboratory is Hiring: Senior Marketing and Communications Manager

Ballet Co.Laboratory seeks a strategic, creative, and results-oriented full-time Senior Marketing and Communications Manager. Ballet Co.Laboratory is Minnesota’s largest professional ballet company and school. Serving more than 10,000 individuals annually, the organization challenges ballet’s “traditions to exclude” by creating new dance works and education programs that celebrate individuality.

Please click here to read the full job description with the complete list of responsibilities and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities: The Senior Marketing and Communications Manager will lead the development and execution of Ballet Co.Laboratory’s print and digital presence. This role will increase brand awareness, drive ticket sales, expand school enrollment, promote outreach programming, and steward donor engagement through compelling, mission-driven content. Responsibilities include brand strategy and content creation, digital and print marketing, public relations and community engagement, and market research and metrics.

Qualifications and Skills: The ideal candidate thrives at the intersection of storytelling and data-informed strategy. They will bring a strong background in digital marketing and video content creation, along with excellent project management skills, a keen eye for design, and persuasive writing and presentation abilities. A deep understanding of audience development and a passion for the performing arts are essential. This leader must be comfortable navigating both big-picture strategy and day-to-day execution.

Compensation and Benefits: Salary range is $45,000-$50,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid time off, professional development, free parking, tickets to performances, and free dance classes. There is a hybrid work option: work from home Mondays, in office Tuesday-Friday.

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to Rachel Koep (Managing Director) at rkoep@balletcolaboratory.org with the subject line “Senior Marketing and Communications Manager Application – [Your Name]” by Friday, May 2.