Dance | Education | Film | Music | Theater | Visual Arts | Words | Artist Resources
Anu R Sharma's Leela Dance Theater: Classical Indian theater and dance—Leela Dance Theater is a non-profit organization dedicated to the perpetuation of classical dance and drama that originated in the Indian sub-continent. It endeavors to enrich the culturally inclined mind, by presenting original, innovative, and intellectually stimulating programs that bring the heritage of the East to the West. The staff of Leela Dance Theater believe that all art must evolve to sustain its brilliance, so its works incorporate both traditional and experimental elements
Ballet Arts Minnesota—Ballet Arts Minnesota, located in downtown Minneapolis, strives to cultivate and advance ballet through ballet performances in traditional and contemporary forms. BAM is committed to opening this art form to students and audiences of all backgrounds in order to ensure dynamism in the development of the art form and to enrich the life of our community.
Ballet of the Dolls—The mission of the Ballet of the Dolls and its education and outreach programs is to engage and foster dance appreciation in the community by creating, performing, and teaching dance and theatre, using both novel and traditional concepts. Its work is based in storytelling and grounded in the respected heritage of ballet, with an esthetic of style and modernity. The result is an off-beat mix of art forms that creates spirited entertainment within an intimate, theatrical experience.
Christopher Watson Dance Company—Since its founding in 1991, the Christopher Watson Dance Company was established to present the choreography of Artistic Director Christopher Watson. Watson's choreography has been variously described as buoyant, lyrical, and dramatic. In addition, the company also sponsors related dance activities within the community. These include dance workshops for varying ages, master classes, lecture demonstrations, and ongoing dance classes at the Christopher Watson Dance Center.
Corning Dances and Company—CD&C was founded in 1981 by Beth Corning in Stockholm, Sweden. Attracting major artists from the Cullberg Company, The Royal Swedish Opera, and Swedish National TV, the company quickly won international distinction for the singularity of its choreography and the freshness of its artistic vision. In 1993, the company moved to Minnesota. Since then, Corning has been presented by the Walker Art Center, The Weisman Art Museum, and The Southern Theatre, among others, as well as touring regionally and nationally. Noted for its sophistication, craft, clarity of theatrical concepts, humor, lyrical musicality, and provocative material, the company has been recognized by numerous major grants and honors as well as creating commissioned works for companies both here and abroad.
Dancing People Company—A modern dance company dedicated to performing the works of choreographer and artistic director Robin Stiehm.
Ethnic Dance Theatre—Ethnic Dance Theatre (EDT) is the only professional international dance company in the Upper Midwest - and one of only a few in the country - dedicated to the artistic performance and preservation of world music, song, and dance. The only professional dance company in Minnesota with its own Vocal Ensemble and Folk Orchestra, EDT has brought 55 different cultures and traditions to life in colorful and spellbinding performances.
James Sewell Ballet—With performances in 40 Minnesota communities, 24 states, and Bermuda, Minnesota's James Sewell Ballet has earned international acclaim for innovation, musicality, technical expertise, and engaging presentation. The JSB seeks to create an exceptional dance experience by combining the choreography of James Sewell, performances by the dancers, and the engagement of audiences combine with the classical virtues of ballet, the freedom of modern dance, and the spirit of vaudeville to create an exceptional dance experience. The company's eight dancers perform annually in St. Paul, Rochester, St. Cloud, and throughout the United States.
Jawaahir Dance Company—Jawaahir Dance Company is dedicated to presenting Middle Eastern dance as a living art form, to bringing the rich folkloric heritage of the Middle East to the theater stage, and to providing education about the dance in its authentic form for dance students and the general public.
Minnesota Ballet—The Minnesota Ballet is based in Duluth but tours internationally and throughout the country. Under the artistic and executive leadership of Allen Fields, the Ballet offers original works that range from classical ballet and modern to highly theatrical ballroom and jazz motifs.
Minnesota Dance Theatre—Under the direction of choreographer and artistic director Lise Houlton, Minnesota Dance Theatre seeks to perform great dance created by contemporary masters along with 20th century classics from choreographers as renowned as Sir Frederick Ashton and Antony Tudor.
Ragamala Music and Dance Theater—Ragamala presents dance, music, and poetry, blending the East and West in unique and innovative programs that reflect the multicultural world in which we live. Old forms are used in new ways, retaining much of the past to enhance our experience in the present. Based in Bharatanatyam, the ancient, classical dance of southern India, Ragamala's work provides a bridge between cultures both ancient and modern, exploring a living poetry for the stage.
Ressl Dance!—Based in Duluth, Doris Ressl's recent collaborations with Minnesota dance artists reflect her commitment to creating and presenting dance in northern Minnesota. Doris Ressl's commitment to dance is also a commitment to community. Ressl's creative works involve collaboration. The central focus of her artistic vision is holistic—a sharing of thoughts and creative forces to communicate with the public. Ressl uses site-specific public performances to explore her beliefs in the power of artistic collaboration through the collective process.
Rosy Simas Dance Projects—Rosy Simas is an improviser and choreographer living in Minneapolis. She is a tribal member of the Seneca Indian nation. Rosy began dancing and singing as a young child in school and at pow-wows. She's studied theater, dance, and voice in New York City. Her company seeks to collaborate on improvised creations with dancers, musicians, poets, and actors.
Shapiro and Smith Dance—Founded in 1985, the company is a modern dance collaboration between Danial Shapiro and Joanie Smith. Shapiro and Smith Dance has a reputation for performing tales of beauty and biting wit that run the gamut from searingly provocative to absurdly hilarious. Dancing with immense physicallity and emotional depth they have earned an international reputation for virtuosity, substance, craft, and pure abandonment.
Stuart Pimsler Dance and Theater—A theater company that dwells in emotions as well as issues, creating complex theater dance pieces that explore life and death, relationships and identity.
Tapestry Folkdance Center—Since 1983, Tapestry Folkdance Center has provided opportunities to participate in the joys of dance and music from around the world. Weekly, Tapestry offers Swing, International, Contra, Scandinavian, and English country dancing to the dancing public. Dancers with all levels of experience are welcome. Teaching is offered at the beginning of most dances.
Vox Medusa—Vox Medusa is a multimedia modern dance company that often creates performance art installation "parties" with an artistic theme.
Zenon Dance Company—Zenon Dance Company has been performing modern and jazz dance since 1983, drawing from a repertoire that ranges from works created by emerging and ground-breaking young choreographers to pieces by nationally and internationally renowned masters. Zenon is known for performing emotionally charged choreography with technical acuity and generous personality.
