About Us
Minnesota Dance Theatre
About Us
Founded in 1962 by Loyce Houlton, Minnesota Dance Theatre & School is a flagship dance company in Minnesota, having achieved recognition both locally and abroad for performances that feature a range of classical and contemporary dance.
Since 1995, Loyce’s daughter Lise Houlton has led the organization, commissioning new works and drawing from an eclectic repertory of dance masterworks. The MDT school operates in vital partnership with the company, providing students with high quality training, performance opportunities, and mentorship from company dancers.
A testament to MDT’s stature as one of Minnesota’s cultural treasures are two golden moments in its history: the fifty-year anniversary of its founding and the landmark fifty years of
Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy,
recognized as the longest running holiday arts event
in Minnesota, entertaining over 1.6 million people since 1964.
Our Mission
The mission of Minnesota Dance Theatre is to present masterful and inspiring dance through performance and education.
“My hope is for our audience to have an experience that is provocative, transformational and celebratory.”
— Lise Houlton, Artistic Director
Our Staff
Elayna Waxse, Interim Artistic Director
Kari Schire, School Administrator
Carpenter, Evert and Associates, Ltd., Financial Consultant
Steve Michels-Boyce, Graphic Design
Board Of Directors
Siri Kommedahl - Board Co-Chair
Suzi Scott - Board Co-Chair
Erin Gerrits
Brian Thomas May
Elizabeth Simonson
Walter Tambor
Dana Williams
