Six Decades of Dance

Minnesota Dance Theater does what it does best on its 60th anniversary: Dance. 

WORDS BY TAYLOR CARIK

Pressed in polite discussion (or, more likely, at local bar trivia), were you to guess five of the longest-running arts organizations in the Twin Cities, which would you choose? And would Minnesota Dance Theater (MDT) come to mind? 

It should. Founded back in 1962 by Loyce Houlton—who became not only a leader locally but also nationally as one of the first American women to gain national and international recognition as a choreographer, teacher, and producer—Minnesota Dance Theater marks the impressive milestone of 60 years for MDT in 2022. And to celebrate, the org takes over the Southern Theater for a weekend triptych of classical dance performance. 

The 90-minute showcase primarily shines a spotlight on Minnesota’s Elayna Waxse and Alexander Hille, two esteemed choreographers who have created work for, and performed with, MDT. 

For example, The Four Seasons, the lush and atmospheric lead performance, mixes choreography by Waxse and the beautiful compositions of famed Argentinian Tango composer Astor Piazzolla in a return to the stage for the piece first performed with VocalEssence in 2021. The poignant and timely Polaris assembles Waxse’s choreography, an all-female cast, and music by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw, which in its totality, offers a poetic reflection on human possibility. To close out the night, Hille’s choreographed solo piece, In Divided We Fall, features acclaimed dancer Martin Gore, who brings an intensity to the physically investigative and daring work.

Each of the works demonstrates the elegant movement and the layered narrative style that MDT has become known for—and has rightfully earned them, year after year after year, such a strong Twin Cities following.  

WHEN YOU GO

Southern Theater 

Oct 13-15. 7:30 PM. $35