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Minnesota Dance Theatre celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Ballet Russes
Minnesota Dance Theatre to perform ODYSSEY at The Lab on April 17-19 and 24-26, 2009
Minnesota Dance Theatre presents LOYCE HOULTON’S NUTCRACKER FANTASY
Minnesota Dance Theatre Opens '08-'09 Season with Three World Premieres
at the LAB
Minnesota Dance Theatre & the Dance Institute announces new Executive Director
Minnesota Dance Theatre celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Ballet Russes
March 24, 2009, Minneapolis, MN – Minnesota Dance Theatre’s ODYSSEY will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Ballet Russes with Stravinsky’s SACRE DU PRINTEMPS, choreographed by MDT founder Loyce Houlton running April 17-19 and 24-26 at The Lab Theatre.
In a world of a “civilized” aesthetic Stravinsky, Nijinsky, and Ballet Russes shocked and enraged Paris with SACRE DU PRINTEMPS in 1913. This electric shock caused the audience to break out into a massive riot. The complex rhythms and angled movements of this production radically exceeded the boundaries of theatrical tradition.
Founded in 1909 by Serge Diaghilev, the Ballet Russes became one of the most influential and groundbreaking dance companies of the 20th Century. Known for its innovation and collaboration, the Ballet Russes brought together artists of all realms, including such choreographers, dancers, composers, and visual artists as Michael Fokine, Vaslav Nijinsky, George Balachine, Peter Tchaikovsky, Igor Stravinsky, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Alexandre Benois.
Joining the MDT company to lead us back in time to Paris 1913 is Daniel E. Freeman, Ph.D. A pianist and lecturer in music history at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Freeman will set the stage for the artistic revolution that occurred on May 29, 1913. Dr. Freeman appears regularly at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and at arts events throughout the Twin Cities. He is also an author and essayist, publishing widely on topics related to European classical music over the centuries.
MDT founder Loyce Houlton’s choreography of SACRE DU PRINTEMPS was first performed by the MDT Company in 1985. “We are doing Loyce's version of Sacre and it is fantastic. It really is simply daring. The strong sweeping movement style with difficult partnering, and the amazing music make this piece something truly special,” said Melanie Verna, featured dancer.
ODYSSEY will also feature the world premiere of THE FERMENTATION OF SUZIE AND THE SAILOR by choreographer Christine Maginnis in her first commission by MDT. According to Maginnis, “My hope is that it stirs up some sort of internal riot, because I think that's what a work of art should do. I am exploring the unification of body and soul in the context of a romantic relationship using an air-bed, a box, combat boots, a film, and two awesome dancers, Justin Leaf and Melanie Verna, as well as a haunting score by Matthew Smith.”
Come witness Dance that Dares – Ambitious. Classical. Contemporary. Extreme.
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ODYSSEY, the final production of MDT’s 2008-2009 season, opens April 17 and runs through April 26. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8:00pm, while Sunday matinees begin at 2:00pm. Tickets are $29 for adults, $27 for seniors, and $26 for students. Group rate (groups of 6 or more people) are $20 per ticket. Student rush tickets will be available 15 minutes before the performance for $10 if tickets still remain. Tickets are on sale and available through The Lab Theater box office at www.thelabtheater.org or by calling 612-333-7977. The Lab Theater is located at 700 North First Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401. For more information, visit www.mndance.org or call the Minnesota Dance Theatre & the Dance Institute at (612) 338-0627.
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Minnesota Dance Theatre to perform ODYSSEY at The Lab on April 17-19 and 24-26, 2009
February 15, 2009, Minneapolis, MN – The Minnesota Dance Theatre will present SACRE DU PRINTEMPS (Rite of Spring) and a world premiere by Twin Cities Choreographer Christine Maginnis in ODYSSEY running April 17-19 and 24-26, 2009 at The Lab Theater.
Celebrating the choreography of founder Loyce Houlton, SACRE DU PRINTEMPS (Rite of Spring) was first performed by the MDT company in 1985. Stravinsky shocked and enraged Paris in 1913 with the provocative and exciting rhythmic invention of SACRE DU PRINTEMPS. Come experience the wild and daring combination of Stravinsky and Houlton, and feel the combustion of energy between the two.
In a new work commissioned by MDT, Christine Maginnis will display her unique talent as a choreographer and dancer. Enjoying both realms of performer and choreographer, Maginnis is taking control and sharing her talent with the MDT company.
“I left my ballerina on the floor of the dance studio when I fell off my pointe shoes in my teens, but she's always stayed with me to complement the modern "ragdoll" dancer in me. It's such an honor to work with these highly trained technical artists with such gorgeous lines that I'm hoping we can learn from each other's styles to make something that brings out the best in both of us,” stated Maginnis.
Come witness Dance that Dares – Ambitious. Classical. Contemporary. Extreme.
ODYSSEY opens April 17 and runs through April 26. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8:00pm, while Sunday matinees begin at 2:00pm. Tickets are $29 for adults, $27 for seniors, and $26 for students. Student rush tickets will be available 15 minutes before the performance for $10 if tickets still remain. Tickets are on sale and available through The Lab Theater box office at www.thelabtheater.org or by calling 612-333-7977. The Lab Theater is located at 700 North First Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401. For more information, visit www.mndance.org or call the Minnesota Dance Theatre & the Dance Institute at (612) 338-0627.
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Minnesota Dance Theatre & the Dance Institute
MDT was founded in 1962 by Loyce Houlton, and it is one of the state’s most well-known arts organizations. MDT/DI consists of the performing arm, The Minnesota Dance Theatre, and the school, The Dance Institute. (The Dance Institute is the successor to the former Ballet Arts Minnesota and the School of the Minnesota Dance Theatre, which merged in 2006.) Combining a respect for classical ballet traditions with cultivation of contemporary dance, MDT/DI is headquartered in the Hennepin Center for the Arts in downtown Minneapolis. Minnesota Dance Theatre’s 2008-2009 performance season runs October 2008 through April 2009. Artistic Director Lise Houlton is the daughter of founder Loyce Houlton.
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MINNESOTA DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS LOYCE HOULTON’S NUTCRACKER FANTASY
“…A marvel of balletic story telling” (Mike Steele, Star Tribune)
December 19-24, 2008 at The State Theatre
Minneapolis, MN - Monday, November 17th, 2008
MDT’s Nutcracker Fantasy features Loyce Houlton's beautifully crafted choreography and Tchaikovsky's enchanting music played by a symphony orchestra conducted by Philip Brunelle. This full-length ballet, showcasing the dream voyage of a little girl named Marie who receives the cherished gift of a wooden nutcracker from the eccentric wizard-like Drosselmayer, has been dubbed by audiences as “one of Minnesota’s most treasured holiday events.”
Yuriko Kajiya and Jared Mathews (American Ballet Theatre) make guest appearances this year, and joining us again is the talented and versatile Mathew Janczewski (ARENA Dances) featured in the role of Drosselmayer. Melanie Verna makes her premier as Sugar Plum Fairy . Justin Leaf premiers as the handsome Nutcracker Prince and Matt Jenson brings back his outlandish charm to the role of Madame Bonbonniere.
Lise Houlton directs the production which features lavish costumes and sets and over 70 dancers including our resident company dancers and MDT/DI dance students. This holiday event holds the distinction of being the longest running arts event in Minnesota history, having reached its 44th year in 2008.
Come delight in the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, witness the drama of the nefarious Rat Queen and be entertained by the antics of the hilarious Madame Bonbonniere as they captivate young Marie in this holiday favorite.
Nutcracker Fantasy tickets are available now. Ticket prices range from $23.00-$47.00 for adults and $11.50-$23.50 for children 17 and under; seniors receive $5 off and student tickets are half-price. Tickets are available now at the State Theatre box office, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (612) 673-0404.
Minnesota Dance Theatre brings this holiday classic to life December 19-24 at The State Theatre:
Friday, December 19th, 7pm
Saturday, December 20th, 2pm & 7pm
Sunday, December 21st, 2pm & 7pm
Monday, December 22nd, 7pm
Tuesday, December 23rd, 7pm
Wednesday, December 24th, 2pm
Nutcracker Fantasy is sponsored by Galleria. www.galleriaedina.com
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Minnesota Dance Theatre Opens ‘08-‘09 Season with Three World Premieres
at the LAB
Minnesota Dance Theatre continues an artistic tradition that celebrates the best of classical and contemporary dance, inaugurating its 2008-2009 season with EXTREME in performances October 17-19 at The Lab Theater, 700 North First Street. In addition, MDT will present performances of Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy December 19-24 at the State Theatre, and ODYSSEY, the spring program April 17-19, 2009, also at The Lab.
EXTREME, opening Friday, October 17 will feature the MDT company in performances of two world premieres. Trébuchet, by Twin Cities choreographer Mathew Janczewski, is set to the sounds of Twin Cities DJ Alexander East. About Janczewski, Artistic Director Lise Houlton says, “"Mathew made his MDT debut last season in the NUTCRACKER in the leading role of Drosselmayer. He was magnificent,
the seed was planted, a relationship forged, TRéBUCHET emerged, and we look forward to a multitude of possibilities in the future!"
Point of Departure, by Lise Houlton, is set to Haydn’s Farewell Symphony. Rounding out EXTREME is Lynne Taylor-Corbett’s Appearances, featuring the music of Pat Metheny.
EXTREME will also feature special guest artists Kaitlyn Gilliland and Ask La Cour of New York City Ballet. Gilliland, a Twin Cities native and alumna of MDT, and La Cour, will perform the pas de deux from George Balanchine’s Agon and the Swan Lake Pas de Deux, Act 2, from Peter Martin’s full length ballet. Both dancers have been hailed as rising stars of the ballet world by many dance critics, including Chief Dance Critic ALASTAIR MACAULAY of The New York Times. Gilliland is the granddaughter of the late Loyce Houlton, founder of Minnesota Dance Theatre, and daughter of Lise Houlton, MDT Artistic Director. La Cour, a NYCB soloist, is originally from Denmark.
Mary Kelley Leer, Artistic Director of the Lab Theater says, “We are excited to present Minnesota Dance Theatre as the first dance company at the newly re-opened Lab Theater."
Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy, the longest-running arts event in Minnesota history, will return to the State Theatre from December 19-24. This year’s production will feature appearances by Yuriko Kajiya and Jared Matthews of American Ballet Theatre as the Sugarplum Fairy and Cavalier, as well as the students of the Minnesota Dance Theatre’s Dance Institute. Melanie Verna, a member of the MDT Company, will premiere as the Sugarplum Fairy and Mathew Janczewski returns as Drosselmayer. The production will again feature a 42-piece symphony orchestra conducted by Philip Brunelle.
Sacre du Printemps (Rite of Spring) will celebrate the music of Igor Stravinsky in ODYSSEY, the spring season show April 17-19, 2009. Originally choreographed by Loyce Houlton, the production will feature 8 company dancers and 16 trainees from the Dance Institute. ODYSSEY will also feature a world premiere by Twin Cities Choreographer Christine Maginnis and a reprise of 4 Seasons from 8Seasons by former Twin Cities Choreographer Danny Buraczeski.
New to the MDT Company this year are dancers Justin Leaf and Justin Marie Miller. They join returning company members Abdo Sayegh, Sam Feipel, Melanie Verna, Maxamillian Neubauer and Eve Schulte.
Season and single tickets are currently on sale. Call 612 338-0627 Ext. 6 or visit www.mndance.org/.
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Minnesota Dance Theatre & the Dance Institute
MDT was founded in 1962 by Loyce Houlton, and it is one of the state’s most well-known arts organizations. MDT/DI consists of the performing arm, The Minnesota Dance Theatre, and the school, The Dance Institute. (The Dance Institute is the successor to the former Ballet Arts Minnesota and the School of the Minnesota Dance Theatre, which merged in 2006.) Combining a respect for classical ballet traditions with cultivation of contemporary dance, MDT/DI is headquartered in the Hennepin Center for the Arts in downtown Minneapolis. Minnesota Dance Theatre’s 2008-2009 performance season runs October 2008 through April 2009. Artistic Director Lise Houlton is the daughter of founder Loyce Houlton.
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Minnesota Dance Theatre & the Dance Institute announces new Executive Director
Minneapolis, MN, Monday, July 21, 2008 - Minnesota Dance Theatre & the Dance Institute announced today the hiring of Morris J. (Morrie) Hartman as its Executive Director, effective July 21, 2008.
MDT/DI Board Chair Lynn Carlson Schell states, “The Board and I are thrilled that Morrie will join MDT/DI as our Executive Director. Morrie has demonstrated leadership, management and development capabilities and a love for the arts. He has long been an advocate for the arts and non-profit organizations in and around the Twin Cities and coupled with his skills as an attorney, his experience will prove most useful to MDT&DI. I know that I speak for the entire board when I say how delighted we are at the prospect of working with Morrie.”
MDT/DI Artistic Director Lise Houlton states, “My colleagues and I at MDT/DI are absolutely delighted that someone with Morrie’s enthusiasm, skills and experience will be our Executive Director. We couldn’t be happier.”
A native of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Morrie Hartman received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Minnesota and his Juris Doctor from the William Mitchell College of Law. He is a veteran of local civic and arts boards, and he has been practicing law for many years in for-profit business settings. An amateur pianist and singer, Mr. Hartman says that he is deeply honored at the opportunity to lead MDT/DI, applying his passion, training and experience to the arts.
Minnesota Dance Theatre & the Dance Institute
Minnesota Dance Theatre was founded in 1962 by Loyce Houlton, and it is one of the state’s most well-known arts organizations, perhaps most recognized for its annual presentation of the holiday classic, “Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy.” MDT/DI consists of the performing arm, The Minnesota Dance Theatre, and the school, The Dance Institute. (The Dance Institute is the successor to the former Ballet Arts Minnesota and the School of the Minnesota Dance Theatre, which merged in 2006.) Combining a respect for classical ballet traditions with cultivation of contemporary dance, MDT/DI is headquartered in the Hennepin Center for the Arts in downtown Minneapolis. Minnesota Dance Theatre’s 2008-2009 performance season runs October 2008 through April 2009. Artistic Director Lise Houlton is the daughter of founder Loyce Houlton.
For more information, visit www.mndance.org or call the Minnesota Dance Theatre & the Dance Institute at (612) 338-0627.
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