Performances and Events

Time Piece is a moment of convergence between Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre, the Flying Foot Forum, and Katha Dance Theatre bringing the punch, power, and poetry of the human heart and human nature to the matter of time. Each company brings its earthy folk roots and deep connections to their forms while expanding and expressing a creativity that still rings true in these complex modern times. The evening will also include collaborations between these three remarkable percussive dance powerhouse companies, finding new flavors and powers within this melange.

May 8-11 and 15-18
Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm
Location: Park Square Theatre — Andy Boss Thrust Stage
Tickets: $20-$30 plus fees

World premieres include Flying Foot Forum’s “Dandelions or How to Love Your Life”—a romantic, poetic, musical, meditative, extravaganza in nature with live music by Joe Chvala, Karla Grotting, Molly Kay Stoltz, Brandyn Tapio, and Anthony van de Ligt. Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre will premiere “Amor de Dios”, about the stolen babies of Spain, with live flamenco music by Ben Abrahamson, Alfonso Cid, and Tessa Nichols-Meade. Zorongo Flamenco’s Company will also re-stage a favorite traditional flamenco piece, “Jaleos”, choreographed by La Conja. Katha Dance Theatre’s “Rhythms of the Soul: A Kathak Odyssey” is a captivating performance that celebrates the art of Kathak, a classical Indian dance form. Katha Dance Theatre brings its mesmerizing, precise, and pulsating footwork, working against its graceful and detailed carriage, articulate hands, and expressiveness to create peak storytelling in this vibrant and bold evening of thrilling percussive dance works.

We invite you to witness the Young Dance company explore Inner Connectivity, Outer Expressivity, a concept drawn from the work of Rudolf Laban and Irmgard Bartenieff, onstage May 9-11 at Luminary Arts Center.

This collection of dance works explores the vital link between our inner world—thoughts and feelings—and physical expression. By cultivating this inner harmony, we unlock greater ease and authenticity in communicating ourselves to the world.

The performance features work by guest choreographers Lainey Lee, Gretchen Pick, Judee Shuǐ Xiān, and Laurie Van Wieren. Dancers from Young Dance’s All Abilities Dancing 2, Breaking 2, Hip Hop 2, Modern 4, and Choreography classes will also present work on this program.

Performances:
Friday, May 9 at 7:00pm — audio described
Saturday, May 10 at 7:00pm — ASL interpreted
Sunday, May 11 at 5:00pm

The Young Dance company is a group of passionate dancers committed to exploring themselves and their world through dance. Dancers ages 7-18 work with professional artists to investigate and collaborate on choreography related to the year’s theme and present their work in a high-quality, innovative performance.

Welcome to HoneyWork’s Cedarbacke II! This work-in-progress showing is an extension of Cedarbacke I, which premiered April 2023. Now, two years later, with a new cast and setting, we’re presenting what’s in the works for the next chapter of this three part project.

Thursday, May 15 at 5:30pm and 7:00pm
Tickets: $15-$50

Join us at the Tek Box at Hennepin Center for the Arts for a night you won’t want to miss. Come and experience the magic of Cedarbacke II. See you there!

This activity is funded, in part, by an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State’s general fund.

Sway through the streets of 1950s Paris with Peter Davison’s An American in Paris. This ballet is inspired by the musical starring Gene Kelly and set to memorable George Gershwin melodies, such as “I Got Rhythm.” Follow along as Jerry, our aspiring American painter, works to succeed in both art and love.

Choreographed by Peter Davison and performed by The Company and School of Ballet Co.Laboratory.

Friday, May 16 at 7:00pm
Saturday, May 17 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, May 18 at 2:00pm

Tickets:
Adults: $40
Seniors: $35
Children/Students:$30
Group (15+ tickets to the same performance): $35

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 are $15-$35, 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

ORACLE is an awe-inspiring outdoor theatrical experience transporting audiences to a realm where nature, myth, and art collide. Experience the myth and majesty of Ancient Greece as critically acclaimed Vox Medusa, in collaboration with Infiammati FireCircus, ignites the stage this May with ORACLE! This mesmerizing fusion of mythology, dance, music, theatre and fire performance is set against the enchanting backdrop of Caponi Art Park’s Theater in the Woods.

ORACLE is a stunning outdoor theatrical experience, blending haunting electronic music, riveting contemporary dance, electrifying breakdance, soul-stirring choral arrangements, vibrant light design, and heart-pounding fire performance. This outdoor spectacle revives the ancient traditions of the Oracle of Delphi through six spellbinding performances, created by a stunningly talented 28-member ensemble​, where every moment unfolds under a canopy of lush trees.

Rediscover the Oracle’s tale through a modern lens, as ORACLE reimagines the story of Delphi’s High Priestess on the fateful day Apollo lays siege to her temple. The Oracle’s voice, once a channel of wisdom and prophecy from Mother Earth (Gaea), is challenged by Apollo’s ambition. This epic tale, told from the Oracle’s perspective, follows her courageous fight to preserve her power, her legacy, and her role as a symbol of feminine strength.

Do you have a burning question for the Oracle? Your questions may be drawn by the Oracle and included in the show! Audience members may also create an offering of what they wish to let go of. These offerings will be burned by the Priestesses during the performance.

For 30 years Vox Medusa continues to find an endless well of inspiration from feminist mythology, in both muse of creativity and mission to bring awareness to domestic violence and assault. All survivors of Domestic Violence and or Assault  and those who have benefited from Minnesota women’s shelters, please contact Vox Medusa at voxmedusadance@gmail.com for a VIP experience at ORACLE.

ORACLE 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.

Join us for TU Dance’s annual Spring Showcase featuring students from The School at TU Dance Center, dancers from CULTIVATE, A Trainee Program, and students from TU Dance partner school, Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists.

The program will include CULTIVATE trainees’ self-choreographed solos as well as a work entitled “ALLHIMOD” by Yusha-Marie Sorzano. Students from the Children & Teen and Pre-Professional Programs will share technique demonstrations in modern, ballet, hip hop and African dance as well as perform in works by TU Dance Center teaching artists Sa’Nah Britt, Davente Gilreath, Suzette Gilreath, Tumelo Khupe and Anna Pinault. Please join us in celebrating these inspiring dancers and their dedication!

Friday, May 16 at 7:00pm  
Saturday, May 17 at 1:00pm and 6:00pm
Sunday, May 18 at 1:00pm 
Location: Barbara Barker Center for Dance—Studio 100
Tickets: $22 for adults; $12 for children 3 and older (General Admission, in-person only)

Matinee performances will include all students from the Children & Teen Program (except Creative Movement), Pre-Professional Program, CULTIVATE, A Trainee Program and students from TU Dance partner school, Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists.
Evening performances will include Teen, Pre-Professional Program and CULTIVATE, A Trainee Program.
Saturday’s performances will be accompanied by a bake sale, all proceeds help support the production of the Spring Showcase.

Word Dances: Poetry in Motion is a unique fusion of poetry, music, and modern dance that evokes the joys and sorrows of life, offers renewed hope, and kindles a sense of wellbeing and joy.

The performance is based on the book, Time to Soar: Word Dances and Bird Songs for Every Season, written by poet-dancer Katie Bruckbauer of Fargo, North Dakota and illustrated by Mary Jo Savageau of Bismarck, North Dakota. With birds as guides, the poetry brings messages of healing, harmony, and hope.

Sunday, May 18 at 2:00pm
Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for students

Choreographers Bruckbauer and Barb Wieland of Park Rapids, Minnesota, accompanied by a small ensemble of dancers, bring the poetry to life onstage. Viewers have called Poetry in Motion “brilliant” and “life altering.”

MN Dance Task Force (MNDTF) is a group of community members who gather and focus on better supporting the dance community in Minnesota with an intentional focus on moving toward an equitable dance ecosystem.

To sign up and be included in future communications, please email mndancetaskforce@gmail.com.

Next MNDTF Meeting: Monday, May 19
4:45-5:00pm: Welcome new visitors
5:00-6:30pm: Hybrid meeting

Join in person at Center for Performing Arts or virtually over Zoom:
Meeting ID: 850 3135 3212
Passcode: 226744

Red Eye Presents: New Works 4 Weeks Festival
May 22-June 14, Thursday-Saturday

A cornerstone of the Twin Cities arts landscape, Red Eye’s New Works 4 Weeks Festival is an annual gathering for performance works that challenge dominant culture. Each year, artist cohorts engage in mutual support and dialogue that culminates in this public sharing.

This year’s works meet our current moment: journeying, unraveling, and remembering, asking how we might stomach the horrors as well as how we might tend to seeds. The 2025 festival extends the sharing of process and emphasizes connection, with an expanded group of festival producers, an embedded writer, and post-performance engagements each week.

May 22-24: Works-in-Progress with Bri Blakey, snem DeSellier, D Hunter, Jess Kiel-Wornson, and Taylor West
May 29-31: J.H. Shuǐ Xiān and Charles Campbell
June 5-7: aegor ray and Margaret Ogas
June 12-14: Rachel Sadie Lieberman and Akiko

More information and tickets at www.redeyetheater.org.

Pay-as-you-wish, suggested $17-70. If cost is a barrier, please email boxoffice@redeyetheater.org for discount ticket options. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

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. Off-Leash Area builds an immersive space of projection art and physical performance drawn from world mythology.

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. The Oldest Deer – The Longest Path – The Highest Bough will continue Off-Leash Area’s long run of presenting singular, imaginative, and uncompromising performance works. 

Friday, May 30 at 7:30pm
Saturday, May 31 at 7:30pm

Admission is by sliding scale, $10-30 suggested donation.

Featured Artists
Cast (all-abilities and multi-generational): Jim Lieberthal, Christine Maginnis, Piper Rolfes, Lexi Samara, Jesse Schmitz-Boyd, Julie Warder, Jennifer Ilse, and Paul Herwig
Direction and Choreography: Co-Artistic Director Jennifer Ilse in collaboration with the cast
Projection and Installation Art: Co-Artistic Director Paul Herwig
Original Music and Sound: Reid Kruger
Poetry: Athena Kildegaard

Do you love to dance but can’t stand the club scene or can’t stay up late? We’ve got the event for you!

Free Early Bird Dance Party for 21+
Saturday, May 31, 7:00-10:00pm

Come, bring your friends, party like it’s 1999, and then go to bed at a reasonable hour.
We will have great music and fancy lights to get you in the mood.

Please register as we have limited space although drop ins are welcome too!

Troupe Rendezvous presents Line in the Dirt, an aerial arts, partner acrobatic and dance production.

In this piece, five artist follow the journey of a white pine through germination, growth, weathering a storm, and finally to decay, reminding us that everything is connected. The show will also feature pieces by aerialist Josephine Hoffman and dancer Cecil “Virgo” Neal.

Bring a blanket or chair and come early to explore the sculpture park!

Saturday, June 7 at 7:00pm
Sunday, June 8 at 2:00pm

Run time is about an hour. A 1/4 mile walk is required to get to the stage from the parking lot; golf cart shuttles are available upon request.

The SOTA Movement is Minnesota’s premier street dance festival—a dynamic celebration of dance, culture, and community rooted in the powerful traditions of Hip Hop. This multi-day event unites artists, creators, and supporters to honor the vibrant spirit of street dance.

Friday, June 13 at 6:00pm
Saturday, June 14 at 10:00am
Sunday, June 15 at 10:00am
Located at Park Square Theatre in St. Paul.

From the empowering Celebration of Women in Hip Hop to high-energy battles, award winning performances, and immersive workshops, the SOTA Movement offers a platform for expression, connection, and cultural exchange. Join us in celebrating the artistry and resilience of the street dance community.

Experience the movement. Be part of the culture.

For more information and to stay updated, visit sotamove.com.

The Bloomington Center for the Arts Presents the 2025 Discover Dance Series featuring multiple local dance companies representing a wide range of styles aimed for an all-ages audience to discover the joy and power of dance!

The program includes the Continental Ballet Company performing excerpts from the classical ballet Sleeping Beauty, jazz dance works by Concerto Dance including Tradition, set to a jazz arrangement of selections from the Fiddler on the Roof score, and the jazz/funk audience favorite On Our Way, along with Threads Dance Project performing Objet de Désir Inaccessible: a poignant exploration of racism, feminism, identity and the concepts of beauty inspired by the renowned painting “Portrait of Madeleine” (formerly titled Portrait of a Negress).

Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14
7:00-8:30pm
Bloomington Center for the Arts – Schneider Theater
Run Time: Approximately 90 minutes with a 15 minute intermission
Each evening will feature the same program with performances presented by each company.

Tickets
Students/Adults: $15-$25 (+fees)
Ages 5 and under: Free

For move information, visit www.blm.mn/bca.

Strategize. Optimize. Synergize. —with us!

In this dance and theater show, performers move through a crumbling world exploring the tension between chaos and control; innocence and responsibility. It’s your first day of work, turned water cooler gossip, turned birthday party, turned breakdown. A beautiful mess of movement where we ask: what if we never figured it out?

June 20-June 23, Friday-Monday at 7:30pm
Monday show is pay-as-able.

Created by: Lily Conforti
Collaborators/Dancers: Addie Smith, Erin Evans, Juliana Johnson, Lilly King, Nieya Amezquita, Rachel Holmes, Sudarsna Mukund
Lighting: Alice Endo