CAN Dance

CAN Dance

Expanding Access to Dance

Minnesota Dance Theatre’s mission is to inspire and challenge students to achieve

their best through dance classes designed to nurture each child’s artistry and self-confidence. The CAN Dance program aims to expand access to high-caliber classical and contemporary dance performance and training by offering professional performances, in-classroom workshops, and dance and movement camps free of cost to students ages 7 to 10.

PHASE 1

In September of each new school year, MDT invites second and third grade students  from more than 20 Minneapolis Public Schools to attend a free performance of Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy, a beloved Minnesota holiday tradition. Each December, up to 1,500 students have the unique opportunity to experience dance theatre and live music at Minneapolis’ historic State Theatre, where conductor Philip Brunelle leads a 44-piece orchestra and a cast of over 90 professional, guest, and student dancers through a magical production.

PHASE 2

MDT offers follow-up classroom visits in February and March to all schools invited to the Nutcracker Fantasy performance. Led by MDT Artistic Director Lise Houlton and MDT faculty and company dancers, these visits take the form of movement workshops and are carefully coordinated with classroom teachers to meet student needs and each school’s time and space constraints. Designed to help students reflect on their experience at the theater and to encourage enjoyable and participatory movement training, these workshops also serve as an introduction to CAN Dance’s free summer dance program. 

PHASE 3

MDT hosts interested second and third grade students for a two-week, tuition-free summer dance program in July that includes an introduction to dance technique, creative movement, and roles from MDT’s extensive repertoire for children. The program provides transportation, dance attire, and lunch to all students free of cost and culminates in an in-studio showing for friends and family.

PHASE 4

Students who show interest and improvement during the two-week summer program are invited to enter MDT’s Young Children’s Division or Performing Arts Division on a full merit scholarship. MDT asks students and their families to commit to the program for the full academic year, during which students are given opportunities to perform in the MDT school’s annual spring student showcase and in Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy, coming full circle.

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