MN Dance Force

Open Call for CANDY BOX Happy Hour Early Career Choreographers - Due October 30

ARENA DANCES is excited to announce an open call for early-career choreographers for a new choreographic commission as part of the 11th annual CANDY BOX Dance Festival (CBDF), May 3-8, 2027, at the Southern Theater in Minneapolis. This opportunity supports emerging choreographic voices through a commission, free rehearsal space, feedback and mentorship, production support, and a public presentation of new work.

Eligibility

Open to early-career choreographers of all backgrounds and dance styles. For this opportunity, early career is defined as having more than 2 and fewer than 10 years of experience creating independent choreographic work outside of a degree-granting program.
Applicants must have previously completed at least one original choreographic work.
Selected choreographers must participate in 1-2 open rehearsal/feedback sessions during the creation process.
Selected Choreographers Receive

$1,000 commission fee, plus suggested donations collected at the artist’s performance.
Up to 30 hours of free rehearsal studio space at The Arena.
Collaboration with a professional production team.
Promotional support through ARENA DANCES’ communications and media partners, including graphic design.
Wide-angle video documentation of the final showing.
Important Dates

Application Deadline: Friday, October 30 at 4:30pm CT
Selected Choreographers Announced: November 16
Creation/Rehearsal Period: January-May 2027
Performance: One evening from 5:30-6:30pm; Monday, May 3 or Tuesday, May 4, 2027
Application Requirements

Choreographic Proposal: Describe your proposed work, including its concept, movement approach/style, and artistic vision.
Feedback and Mentorship: Briefly describe what you hope to gain from dialogue and feedback during the creation process. Identify 2-3 potential mentors or artistic voices you would be interested in engaging during these sessions.
Previous Work: Provide links to video excerpts of previous choreographic work.
Availability: Confirm your availability for the May 3 and/or May 4 performance dates.
How to Apply: Email application materials to [email protected] with the subject line: CANDY BOX Commission Application – [Your Name]. Applications must be received by 4:30pm CT on Friday, October 30.

Selection Process: A selection panel will review applications based on artistic vision, originality, and feasibility. Two choreographers will be selected for the 2027 CANDY BOX commissions.

Questions may be directed to Mathew Janczewski at [email protected]. We look forward to learning about your work and supporting new choreographic voices through CANDY BOX Dance Festival.

Sign up/follow for dance info here or at link below: DanceMN.org

Upcoming through October 11th as seen at https://dancemn.org/

Body Watani Presents: Khalas Fest – Thursday - October 1
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/performance-a-call-to-prayer-zaquia-luisa-salinas-tickets-1999416139496?aff=oddtdtcreator

Body Watani Presents: Khalas Fest – Friday - October 2
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/performance-there-are-no-words-so-may-it-be-the-end-shuhada-tickets-1999416748317

Off-Leash Area’s 10th Anniversary Neighborhood Garage Tour - October 2 + October 3
https://ticketstripe.com/organizer/9376147663345632

KNOWN / UNKNOWN at Luminary Arts Center - October 2 to October 4
https://my.luminaryartscenter.com/3391

Dance Hang: A Community Hang Out - October 3
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfH5xv4597U31.../viewform

Body Watani Presents: Khalas Fest – Saturday - October 3
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/performance-intifada-incantations-tickets-1999417985016?aff=oddtdtcreator

Dance at Midway Music and Arts Fest - October 3 to October 4
https://www.midwaymusicandart.org/

Dance Hang: A Community Hang Out - October 3
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfH5xv4597U31.../viewform

Moriah Evans: }[…/+*^%€£¥$&@!!!!^^^]{ - October 9 to October 10
https://www.walkerart.org/whats-on/moriah-evans/

Emily Johnson / Catalyst: Overflow Radio Presented by Northrop - October 9 to October 12
https://www.northrop.umn.edu/events/emily-johnson-catalyst-overflow-radio-2026

Continental Ballet Company – B**r and Ballet, and Brunch with the Ballet - October 9 to October 10
https://ci.ovationtix.com/37021/production/1286900?performanceId=11854952

Young Dance Hosts 6th Annual Fall Fling - October 10
https://youngdance.org/calendar/fall-fling-2026/

Katha Dance Theatre Presents: Rang-E-Ishq – Colors of Love - October 10 to October 11
https://www.stkate.edu/oshaughnessy/events/katha-dance-theatre-presents-rang-e-ishq-colors-of-love

Ananya Dance Theatre Premieres PREM – Love: An Occupation - October 10 to October 17
https://southerntheater.org/shows/prem-love-an-occupation

PERFORMANCE: intifada incantations an experiment in wielding ripples of vibration

Sign up/follow for dance info here or at link below: DanceMN.org

Upcoming through October 4th as seen at https://dancemn.org/

loveDANCEmore Presents CIRCULATION DESK: Drama Tops - September 24
https://events.humanitix.com/circulation-desk-drama-tops

DELUXE by ARENA DANCES at Luminary Arts Center - September 25 to September 26
https://my.luminaryartscenter.com/3326

KIN Partnerships at Red Eye: DADS – Drama Tops - September 25 to September 26
https://redeyetheater.org/performances/kin-drama-tops

Off-Leash Area’s 10th Anniversary Neighborhood Garage Tour - September 25 to October 3
https://ticketstripe.com/organizer/9376147663345632

Silent Wing – The Legend of the Feathered Robe - September 26 to September 27
https://southerntheater.org/shows/silent-wing-the-legend-of-the-feathered-robe

Paul Taylor Dance Company with Live Orchestra - September 26
https://www.northrop.umn.edu/events/paul-taylor-dance-company-2026

Body Watani Presents: Khalas Fest – Thursday - October 1
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/performance-a-call-to-prayer-zaquia-luisa-salinas-tickets-1999416139496?aff=oddtdtcreator

Body Watani Presents: Khalas Fest – Friday - October 2
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/performance-there-are-no-words-so-may-it-be-the-end-shuhada-tickets-1999416748317

MNIDF 2026 – Ecuador - October 2 to October 3
https://www.southerntheater.org/shows/minnesota-international-dance-festival-ecuador

Life in the Dreamhouse - October 3
https://www.balletcolaboratory.org/life-in-the-dreamhouse

Dance Hang: A Community Hang Out - October 3
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfH5xv4597U31n6o4Yt18quBKOTwO_crXWipyXYMt8KqSdVQQ/viewform

Body Watani Presents: Khalas Fest – Saturday - October 3
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/performance-intifada-incantations-tickets-1999417985016?aff=oddtdtcreator

PERFORMANCE: A Call to Prayer · Zaquia Luisa Salinas A moving meditation, inviting us to honor our ancestral inheritances, and call into existence destruction, restoration and hope.

We are excited to announce an audition for the upcoming Stark Dance and Black Label Movement show at the Cowles Center in March!

Stark Dance returns to the Minneapolis stage at the Cowles Center’s Goodale Theater, marking the group’s first full-length concert since 2018. In recent years, Artistic Director Daniel Stark has focused on smaller projects and choreographic commissions; this program brings the group back together for an evening that moves across a broad emotional spectrum—from laugh-out-loud humor to profound moments of sadness.

The concert features six works: four choreographed by Stark, including one created on movers from Black Label Movement, and two by guest artists. Acclaimed Twin Cities choreographer Carl Flink, one of the region’s most prominent dance artists, will create a new work for the program. Known for his distinctive choreographic voice and the success of Black Label Movement, Flink brings a major artistic presence to the concert. A second commission will support an emerging, locally based choreographer, reflecting Stark Dance’s commitment to fostering new artistic voices.

The evening brings together performers from Stark Dance, prominent artists from across the Twin Cities, and accomplished movers from Black Label Movement.

Across the program, Stark Dance invites audiences to reflect on and question ideas surrounding politics, love, and loss. The works explore themes including the ways memories of personal tragedy can become distorted and haunting over time, as well as the pessimism and anxiety shaping the experiences of younger generations.

Show Dates:

Friday and Saturday March 5 & 6 at 7:30 PM at the Cowles Center for Performing Arts

Rehearsal Schedule for Carl Flink's new piece and Daniel Stark's Folktale Zero:

Rehearsal schedule will be Mondays, Tuesday, and Thursdays from 8:30-11:30 starting in late January through February, with one additional long weekend day rehearsal TBD.

Rehearsal Schedule for Daniel Stark's other work:

Rehearsal schedule is TBD based on dancer availability.

Audition Details:

Audition will be held at the Barbara Barker Center for Dance on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Audition Timeline:

8:30 - Check in

9:00 - 12:00 - Open audition

12:30 - Callback list posted

12:30 - 1:30 - Lunch

1:30 - 4:30 - Callback

Daniel Stark is looking for five dancers to join other Stark Dance dancers in two dances. Pay is $23 an hour.

Black Label Movement is looking for two movers to join them for a new commission by Carl Flink and to be cast alongside Black Label movers in Daniel Stark's Folktale Zero. Pay is $23 an hour.

Video auditions are not accepted at this time. If you have any questions about the audition registration, please email [email protected].

Registration link in comments.

Shared by Mary Harding,
Dance Teacher and Dance Education Specialist
Perpich Center for Arts Education

MNSHAPE *Dance Educator of the Year: Honor and recognize the outstanding services and contributions in dance education by a Minnesota dance education teacher (not as a subject within a Physical Education program).

MNSHAPE is the state professional organization for physical education and health educators.

And the winner is Kristin Blatzheim

Here is a little bit about Kristin.

Kristin Blatzheim holds a BA in Dance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and an M.Ed in Professional Studies, Arts Education based, from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She has taught ballet, jazz, tap, modern, improvisation, and composition for over 20 years at private dance studios, community education settings, and public high schools. Since obtaining her MN K-12 Dance teaching license in 2008, Ms. Kristin has taught dance at several high schools in the metro area and has been teaching at Apple Valley High School since 2012 and Valley Middle School since 2022.

Ms. Kristin has also performed professionally with the Eclectic Edge Ensemble, a jazz based dance company based in Minneapolis, from 2003-2012 as well as other local modern dance companies in the area. While her performance career is behind her, her passion for teaching is all around her!

Ms. Kristin strives to teach dance to students of all types by offering them rigorous technique classes, dance history, and performance opportunities, all while allowing them the freedom to explore dance as it fits their own unique personality.

MNSHAPE - Home Page If you are a current MNSHAPE member, you have access to extra features through our new site. Make sure to set up your account today to access that information including exclusive professional development videos. If you have questions or trouble registering, please contact [email protected].

Shared by Mary Harding,
Dance Teacher and Dance Education Specialist
Perpich Center for Arts Education

NDEO’s National Awards celebrate excellence across our field, honoring visionary leaders, innovative educators, dedicated researchers, and organizations making a lasting impact. These distinctions not only recognize achievement but also inspire innovation, affirm our shared values, and strengthen the future of dance education.

By lifting up this year’s recipients, we celebrate their contributions and the collective momentum that advances our field.

Lifetime Achievement Awards - Living Artist/Educator

Dr.Julie Kerr-Berry

Julie Kerr-Berry is a Professor Emerita of Dance at Minnesota State University, Mankato, USA. There, she directed the Dance Program and later chaired its Department of Theatre & Dance. Julie is Editor Emerita of the Journal of Dance Education. Her scholarly publications focus on the intersections of dance, race, history, and whiteness. She has received awards for her scholarship, leadership, and work relative to social justice and racial equity with the National Dance Education Organization. Fall 2026, her book, Bearing Witness to Whiteness in American Dance: Dancing Bodies Out-of-Place will be published by Palgrave MacMillian. Her creative research has been featured in American College Dance Association’s Gala Concerts. Earlier in her career, she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study dance in Indonesia. This led to other international dance study and her development of study abroad coursework for her students. Julie holds advanced degrees from Temple University’s Department of Dance in Philadelphia, PA.

CONGRATULATIONS!

NDEO NDEO supports dance teachers from a variety of environments such as dance studios, K-12 schools, colleges, and universities with professional development, resources, networking, and advocacy.

Sign up/follow for dance info here or at link below: DanceMN.org

Upcoming through Sept. 27th as seen at https://dancemn.org/

Off-Leash Area’s 10th Anniversary Neighborhood Garage Tour - September 11 to October 3
https://ticketstripe.com/organizer/9376147663345632

Pimsler Presents: SHRINK / we all need one – Music by Venus de Mars - September 17 to September 20
https://my.luminaryartscenter.com/overview/3341

KIN Partnerships at Red Eye: HIJACK’S APARTMENT – HIJACK - September 17 to September 20
https://redeyetheater.org/performances/kin-hijack

Kinetic Evolutions 20th Anniversary - September 18 to September 20
https://kineticevolutions.yolasite.com/kinetic-evolutions-performances.php

McKnight Dancer Fellowship Program Presents SOLO - September 18 to September 19
https://www.stkate.edu/oshaughnessy

The SWING $KaChing$: SPARK’s Annual Friendraiser - September 19
https://givebutter.com/c/the-swing-kaching-sparks-annual-friendraiser-fuhkpf

Celebrate National Dance Day at the Longfellow Dance Party - September 19
https://www.tapestryfolkdance.org/national-dance-day

Al-Wahda: A SWANA and Arab-American Performance Celebration - September 19
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/al-wahda-a-swana-and-arab-american-performance-celebration-tickets-1995482708498?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

loveDANCEmore Presents CIRCULATION DESK: Drama Tops - September 24
https://lovedancemore.org/

ARENA DANCES Presents DELUXE at Luminary Arts Center - September 25 to September 26
https://luminaryartscenter.com/event/deluxe/2026-09-25/

KIN Partnerships at Red Eye: DADS – Drama Tops - September 25 to September 26
https://redeyetheater.org/performances/kin-drama-tops

Silent Wing – The Legend of the Feathered Robe - September 26 to September 27
https://southerntheater.org/shows/silent-wing-the-legend-of-the-feathered-robe

Paul Taylor Dance Company with Live Orchestra Presented by Northrop - September 26
https://www.northrop.umn.edu/events/paul-taylor-dance-company-2026

The MN Dance Force would like to acknowledge the passing of Jenna Papke who dreamed BIG and took on the saving of the Cowles Center as part of Arts Nest in partnership with Zenon Dance School. The torch has been passed, but it was Jenna who stepped up to the challenge of operating the Cowles. You'll be missed Jenna.

From the city of Mpls. Arts & Cultural Affairs Department:
Arts & Cultural Affairs joins Minneapolis’ arts community in mourning the passing of Jenna Papke, founding executive director of The Arts’ Nest, who passed on September 12 after a battle with cancer.
Jenna was a dedicated advocate for artists, independent theater, and the creative community in Minneapolis. Through her leadership of The Arts’ Nest and her work at Phoenix Theater, she helped create space for artists to take risks, develop their work, gather in community, and be seen.

More recently, Jenna was instrumental in helping envision a new chapter for the Cowles Center and its continued role within Minneapolis’ dance and performing arts community. We are grateful for the care, creativity, and commitment she brought to this work and for the lasting impact of her leadership.

Jenna’s passing is a profound loss for the many artists, collaborators, colleagues, and community members whose lives she touched. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and everyone at The Arts’ Nest, Phoenix Theater, and the Cowles Center.

Her family has requested privacy during this time. We honor that request as we remember Jenna and the many ways she contributed to Minneapolis’ arts and cultural community.

Jenna Papke, left, executive director of Arts' Nest, and Danielle Robinson-Prater, director of Zenon Dance School, at the Cowles Center for Dance and Performing Arts in Minneapolis. (Jayme Halbritter Photography)

Today, we learned of the passing of Bain Boehlke, the founding Artistic Director of Jungle Theater.

The Jungle was born out of Bain’s imagination, determination & unwavering commitment to the work. From a small storefront on Lake Street, to the small but mighty gem of a space on Lyndale Avenue, Bain created work that captivated audiences. His vision became the foundation for something that has touched thousands of lives over decades of art-making.

The Jungle is entering a time of profound change, and this moment feels especially poignant. We are grateful to acknowledge the beginning, to honor the art that was made, and to recognize the many people who carry the work forward.

We offer our condolences to Bain’s family, friends, and to all those who knew and loved him.