Wisconsin Dance Council

Friend of WDC, TBEY Arts Center, has an incredible event you should check out TOMORROW, Saturday, August 17!

A Journey Through Dance showcases the incredible diversity of dance styles. Witness solo and group performances by TBEY’s dedicated youth dancers, alongside some of the most captivating acts from southeastern Wisconsin.

Doors will open at 6 p.m.
VIP reception will begin at 5 p.m. in the Marcus Center’s Green Room.

Tickets available through the Marcus Center Box Office by phone at 414-273-7206 or in person at 929 N. Water Street in Downtown Milwaukee.

Learn more on tbey.org and/or visit their instagram and Facebook!

WDC Conference Feature // ‘Trauma Informed Care for Dancers’ facilitated by Lauri Ann Lumby, MATP

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that over two thirds of school age children have experienced at least one traumatic event by the age of 16. Just one traumatic event can have lasting and long-term effects, impacting a child’s ability to interact with others, self-regulate, and develop executive functioning. Children affected by trauma can develop learning difficulties, suffer anxiety and depression, experience panic disorders, and develop eating disorders. As teachers it is helpful to understand the impact of trauma and how it might be affecting your students.

In this workshop, Lauri Ann Lumby, will guide you in learning to identify some of the potential signs of trauma in your students, and teach you some simple techniques and practices that can be shared in the studio to support students who might be suffering from trauma.

Lauri Ann Lumby has over twenty-five years of experience as a human development educator, mentor, and guide. She has supported hundreds in their journey toward self-actualization through her one-on-one guidance, books, workshops, retreats, and online courses. In her one-on-one mentoring she has supported individuals who have suffered with trauma and provided them with effective tools for managing its effects.

Lauri earned her master’s degree in Transpersonal Psychology from Sofia/ITP University, is a trained Spiritual Director in the Ignatian tradition with additional certificates in Adult Education specializing in Psycho-Spiritual Development.

Lauri is the author of eleven books including Authentic Freedom – Claiming a Life of Contentment and Joy.  Learn more about Lauri and her offerings at www.lauriannlumby.com

Now introducing: the Emerging Artist Mentorship!

What would our community spaces look like if our many talented emerging dance artists were offered more widely varied growth opportunities to develop and thrive?

The Wisconsin Dance Council is pleased to announce its 2024 pilot project to support Wisconsin's emerging dance artists. Sponsored by a Wisconsin Arts Board Creative Community Grant, WDC is calling for dance artists of all genres to submit proposals for one subsidized choreographic cycle. The project is designed to support emerging artists who are beyond access to institutional structures that support their creative work and within the first five (5) years of their professional career.

During this pilot year, this project will offer the following:
-Mentorship for the duration of the creative process (three meetings in person or virtually, depending upon the artists’ location).
-One month of free rehearsal space (8 hours/week in January 2025).
-A stipend of $1,000
-The opportunity to present the resulting work at a Southeastern Wisconsin area venue in late February 2025..
-The opportunity to engage in dialogue around both the dance making process and the resulting work with audience members.
-Access to a quality video recording of the resulting work.
-The chance to pilot this project with the WDC and provide culminating knowledge, experience, and critical feedback for future project cycles.

WDC is committed to mentoring project participants in the promotion of their work, in the development of an audience, and in providing professional tools and documentation of their work to assist them in the growth of their careers. This project will allow this cohort of artists to gain experience in the artistic market and to create a network to support future endeavors.

All submissions must be completed by October 1, 2024. Artists will be informed by November 1, 2024. For proposal guidelines, adjudication criteria, and to apply, go to: https://wisconsindancecouncil.org

We are so grateful for and for hosting and leading WDC’s first fundraiser! We hope you can make it and help support our mission 🩵 Details can be found below:

Where:
Lion’s Tale Brewing
116 S Commercial St
Neenah, WI 54956

When:
Sunday August 11th
10am-close

Details:
Erin will be teaching The Ellové Technique donation based class from 10-11am. The doors to the brewery open at 11am, so the class will happen before open. Bring a yoga mat if you have one! There will be beer, kombucha, mocktails, soft drinks, water, etc for purchase. We are also teaming up with their organization Cheers for Charity for the entire day! That means on any bar bill on June 11th, patrons can donate to WDC! All ages, and abilities welcome.

WDC Conference Feature // ‘West African Dance’ taught by Sonya Thompson

Sonya Thompson is an accomplished dancer and the Artistic Director of Ko-Thi Dance Company. Born and raised in Jamaica, her lifelong passion for dance began at the age of four. Sonya’s love for dance is deeply rooted in the rich cultural traditions of African people throughout the Caribbean Diaspora. Sonya’s experience in the field of dance is extensive. She has dedicated six years to studying under the guidance of Ferne Caulker Bronson, a renowned master teacher. Additionally, Sonya has been choreographing for over 11 years, showcasing her creative talent and innovative approach to movement. Sonya has made significant contributions to the dance community through her work with Ko-Thi and First Stages. In 2022, she demonstrated her artistic prowess by designing costumes for both companies. In 2023, Sonya choreographed for First Stage in “Three Little Birds”, further demonstrating her ability to bring stories to life through dance. In 2024, she worked with Milwaukee Ballet School and Academy, where she taught African Dance to PPP Students. Sonya Thompson’s dedication to dance, combined with her artistic vision and commitment to cultural preservation, make her a respected figure in the dance community. Her talent and passion continue to inspire and captivate audiences globally.

Conference Details:
October 12, 2024
CAL Arts Center
Reedsburg, WI

Thinking of continuing dance in college?! We’ll be hosting college auditions again at this year’s conference on top of other fantastic opportunities to grow in your career!

Visit our page, the link in our bio, or shoot us a message to learn more ⭐️

WDC Conference Feature // ‘Hip Hop Dance’ taught by Richard “Rich” Ashworth

Richard Ashworth is an educator, choreographer, and performer whose interest in technical foundation and corresponding social cultures have made him a resource in the social and percussive African Diaspora dance communities. Rich performed aboard with the Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas and upon returning to the States, danced in several crews for live performances and industrials including for artists such as Flo Rida and The Goo Goo Dolls. Rich has performed, choreographed, and toured with several internationally celebrated dance companies including Lehrerdance (dir. Jon Lehrer), Chicago Dance Crash (dir. Jessica Deahr), Be The Groove (dir. Stephanie Paul) serving as educational director, and Chicago Tap Theatre (dir. Mark Yonally), where he served as a choreographer and rehearsal director. As an educator Rich has been on the faculty of several dance based organizations including Dance Masters of America, Flow 40 Dance, Beyond the Stars dance convention, and Interdanza of Mexico. Rich received his MFA in Dance from UW-Milwaukee and is currently an active teaching artist within their dance department. He also teaches courses at Carthage College, Danceworks Milwaukee, and guest lectures around the country.

Conference Details:
October 12, 2024
CAL Arts Center
Reedsburg, WI

We have a fundraiser happening in Neenah, WI, with help from The Ellove Technique and Lion’s Tale Brewing’s Cheers to Charities program! This is a wonderful opportunity to help us continue to promote the importance dance education through scholarships, newsletters, events, and more ⭐️ More details about the fundraiser can be found below:

Erin Zintek will be teaching The Ellové Technique donation based class from 10-11am. The doors to the brewery open at 11am, so the class will happen before open. Bring a yoga mat if you have one! There will be beer, kombucha, mocktails, soft drinks, water, etc for purchase. We are also teaming up with their organization Cheers for Charity for the entire day! That means on any bar bill on June 11th, patrons can donate to WDC! All ages, and abilities welcome.

Where:
Lion's Tale Brewing
116 S Commercial St
Neenah, WI 54956

When:
Sunday August 11th
10am-close

We are thrilled to welcome Rich Ashworth, Allison Lauber de Garza, Songs Thompson, Lauri Ann Lumby, Chell Parkins, and Dan Schuchart as the 2024 WDC Conference featured artists!

Registration for this years conference coming soon ⭐️

WDC welcomes Lauri Ann Lumby as a returning Featured Artist at this year's WDC Conference! This year, she will be hosting a workshop for educators and professional artists on trauma informed care for dancers.

Registration for the 2024 conference will be announced very soon! Keep an eye out on our social media for the announcement ⭐

Today is the last day to submit to the 2024 Mini Dance Festival! We look forward to seeing your beautiful work, and to get a glimpse of the potential dances that will be presented at 2024 WDC Conference 🩵

The deadline for submitting your dance to the Mini Dance Festival is coming up very soon (Sunday, June 30)! Up to TEN works will be chosen to perform at the 2024 WDC Professional Development Conference scheduled on October 12 at the CAL Center in Reedsburg, WI. More info can be found in the link in our bio.

Reach out if you have any questions! Good luck ⭐

One more week until Mini Dance Festival contest submissions are due! The entry page and more info can be found in the link in our bio.

Message with any questions!

Grab your team and submit your favorite dance routine to the Mini Dance Festival! Time is flying by, don’t miss out on this enriching opportunity ⭐️

BREAKING NEWS ⭐️ The Wisconsin Dance Council is recipient of the 2024 Creative Communities Program grant!

We are excited and very proud to share that the Wisconsin Dance Council has received its first state grant ever!!!! The Wisconsin Arts Board, with its Creative Communities Program Grant, has allocated funds to support a pilot project designed to mentor and support the choreographic work of a selected group of young artists. An official announcement and call for artists will be made this summer! Stay tuned!

Mini Dance Festival contest submissions are due two weeks from today! Have you made your submission video yet?

Reminder that Mini Dance Festival contest submissions are due Sunday, June 30!

Winners will be announced August 1, 2024

A panel of 3 dance professionals from three different dance genres will adjudicate and select up to ten works to perform at the 2024 WDC Professional Development Conference scheduled on October 12 at the CAL Center in Reedsburg, WI.

Reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns. Visit the link in our bio to learn more and to submit your work!

Currently missing the energy that .movement ‘s workshop brought at last year’s conference ⭐️ We can’t wait to see what the upcoming conference has to bring

Mini Dance Festival winners not only get to perform at the 2024 WDC Conference, but they also get to experience the rest of the conference, too! One such perk is the option to join workshops by several wonderful guest artists. You can learn more at the link in our bio, or reach out to us by sending a message!

As snapshot of one of last year’s Mini Dance Festival winners performing at the 2023 WDC Conference ⭐️

All winners of the Mini Dance Festival are invited to perform at our annual WDC Conference (the next one being this October!)

Reminder that the deadline to submit your performance to the Mini Dance Festival is at the end of this month!

We are looking for dance events (classes, performances, etc) being held this summer to include in our next newsletter! This newsletter is shared with our WDC members, which include educators, artists, advocates, and movement therapists.

Contact us on our social media or email us at [email protected] if you have a flyer or event info we can share as content in the next newsletter!

2024 Mini Dance Festival submission are open now ⭐️

Open to ANY dance genre, the Mini Dance Festival has a panel of 3 dance professionals who will choose up to 10 works to perform at this year’s WDC Annual Conference!

All works must be submitted by June 30, 2024

Awardees will be informed by August 1, 2024

The application page and more information can be found in the link in our bio. Please reach out with any questions! We’re very excited to see this year’s talented dancers.

Good luck and happy dancing! ⭐️

Mini Dance Festival 2024 Mini Dance Festival 2024 Welcome to the 2024 Mini-Dance Festival contest. Submission must be completed by June

Gain valuable knowledge on tap dance with Katherine Kramer, a fantastic instructor who studied with tap legend Ralph Brown ⭐️

Find the link in our bio or go to www.KatherineKramerProjects.org to register!

The Central Midwest Ballet Academy is hosting their Spring Showcase ⭐️ Continue reading and/or go to the link in our bio to learn more!

Featuring selections from classical ballet standards and new works created by local and regional artists. This family friendly production highlights the dancers of Central Midwest Ballet Academy performing in a mixed repertoire showcase.

Saturday, May 4
1:00 & 6:00pm

River Arts Center
105 9th St, Prairie du Sac

Tickets: Adult $23 | Child $17

Sponsored by: One Community Bank, Middleton Endowment, WI Arts Board, Madison Investments, Jason Thomas Homes

Wild Space Dance Company brings to you an innovative performance May 9-11 @7:30pm from the Eagle Converge ⭐️ Continue reading below for a description of the event and visit the link in our bio (or wildspacedance.org) for more info:

‘Skip Stitch at the Eagleknit’

‘SKIP STITCH’ breathes new life into the fourth floor of a repurposed 1928 knitting mill, imbuing it with a vibrant tapestry of dance and moving patterns that pay homage to the Eagleknit Building’s rich history. With panoramic views of the Milwaukee skyline, the space offers a captivating blend of heritage and innovation. Inspired by the Eagleknit’s manufacturing legacy, dancers weave among pillars, evoking images of intertwining strands and knots. Configurations emerge and unravel, echoing across the expanse, as the intricate interplay of patterns unveils the inherent beauty of form.

Save the date - Our annual conference will be on October 12, 2024 at the beautiful CAL Arts Center in Reedsburg, WI! We hope you’ll join us for another year of learning, connection, and celebrating dance 💛

Flyer Credits: Esrom

If you're looking for a fun way to try ballet for the first time, check out what the Central Midwest Ballet Academy has to offer!:

Beer, Bubbles, BALLET!

A short ballet class complete with Karben4 beer, wine, and prosecco for a fun, casual way to try ballet with adult libations. Learn the most ubiquitous and ridiculous steps with plenty of breaks for rest…or drinks, your choice.

Tutu and former training not required!

Sunday, April 14
2 - 4pm

Central Midwest Ballet Academy
2831 Parmenter Street, Middleton, WI 53562

Tickets: $40
https://www.cmballet.org/beer-bubbles-ballet (link also found in bio)
Must be 21 or older to attend. Be prepared to show ID.

Beer provided by: Karben4
Sponsored by: Resonant Capital Advisors

UW-Madison presents the H’Doubler Concert! Continue reading to learn more about this performance:

The concert will feature two programs of student concert works on April 11-13 and April 18-20, 2024, at the H’Doubler Performance Space, Lathrop Hall, 1050 University Avenue. It will feature a mix of solo and ensemble contemporary dance works from student choreographers.

Program I, performed April 11-13, will feature work from Evelyn Henriksen, Aurora Hines, Allison Larsen, Madison Liuzzo, Olivia Mendez, Emily Tlachac, Clare Weigert, Erin Wiegman, and Bryanna Wilde.

Program II, performed April 18-20 will feature work from Whitney Bleick & Erin Steers, Chloe Druckrey, Evelyn Henriksen, Aurora Hines, Marissa Stolt, Emily Tlachac, Erin Walsh, Clare Weigert,
and Bryanna Wilde.

PERFORMANCES

PROGRAM I
Thu Apr 11 at 8pm
Fri Apr 12 at 8pm
Sat Apr 13 at 2:30pm

PROGRAM II
Thu Apr 18 at 8pm
Fri Apr 19 at 8pm
Sat Apr 20 at 2:30pm

H'Doubler Performance Space
1050 University Avenue, Madison, WI

TICKETS

Purchase tickets at the Campus Arts Box Office, 1st floor Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street, by phone at 608-265-2787 or online at artsticketing.wisc.edu (link in bio), $20 general admission and $12 students and seniors. Tickets can also be purchased at the door one hour before the performances.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This concert is presented and produced by the Dance Department. Photo by Maureen Janson Heintz.

"I truly appreciated the support to begin WDC conversations on race in Wisconsin dance, and I continue to learn through listening. I know that this one session was the smallest of steps toward the on-going practice of more openness and building a more deliberate, aware, growing community."

Winter newsletter is out! Post WDC Annual Conference, we caught up with Margaret Sunghe Paek who facilitated the workshop Dancing with Racism: Working Through Race, Racism + Pedagogy in the Dance Class

…we are All Related, as Brothers & Sisters, of
One Heart, One Mind, & One Body.

Winter newsletter is out! Read Katherine Kramer’s interview with Art + Dawn Shegonee Art Shegonee is a Native American ambassador to Wisconsin Indian Summer and Call for Peace Drum Dance Company. He is a member of the Menominee and Potawatomi tribes in Wisconsin and his name is Canasa (Little Golden Eagle). Dawn Shegonee co-founded Call for Peace Drum & Dance Company in 1990 and has served as Artistic Director since then. Shegone has also worked as Arts and Education Coordinator for the Bayview Foundation since 1990, Call for Peace Youth Program Director since 1993 and Call for Peace the NextGeneration Artistic Director since 2004.

Winter newsletter is out! Read about Susan H Gingrasso’s collaboration with the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Theatre and Dance department using the framework of Language of Dance (LOD).