ARENA DANCES

- 711 W Lake St Studio 308, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Introduction / Overview

For over 28 years, ARENA DANCES has been a cornerstone of the contemporary dance scene in Minneapolis and beyond. Founded in 1995 by acclaimed artistic director and choreographer Mathew Janczewski, this internationally recognized company has built a reputation for creating and presenting deeply emotional and physically brilliant dance works. ARENA DANCES is much more than a performance company; its mission is to make dance accessible to all through a combination of live performances, educational outreach, and community gatherings. The company’s work is known for its ability to go beyond the surface, exploring complex social issues and heartfelt human experiences. This approach is what allows Janczewski's choreography to hold viewers in its embrace, providing a platform for dialogue and connection. As a professional company, ARENA DANCES has performed on both national and international stages, and has been a frequent collaborator with prominent Twin Cities venues like The Cowles Center and The Walker Art Center. The company’s commitment to uplifting Twin Cities dance artists and building inclusive spaces is a key part of its identity. A recent and exciting development in the company's evolution is a new repertory model, which moves beyond a sole focus on Janczewski’s works to bring in acclaimed guest choreographers from New York and other cities. This new vision ensures a diversity of artistic voices and provides a more stable income for its professional dancers, reflecting the company’s forward-thinking approach to sustaining the arts. For anyone in Minnesota looking to be inspired by movement that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, ARENA DANCES is a vital part of the local artistic landscape.

Location and Accessibility

ARENA DANCES is located at 711 W Lake St Studio 308, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA. This studio space, known as “The Arena,” is conveniently situated in the vibrant Lyn-Lake neighborhood, making it a central and accessible location for students and collaborators. The studio’s commitment to accessibility is evident through its provision of a wheelchair accessible parking lot. This feature is a thoughtful and important amenity that ensures individuals with mobility challenges can easily access the building. While the studio itself is on the third floor, its presence in a professional building with a clear address makes it a well-established and easy-to-find destination. The studio’s location also offers practical amenities for visitors, with free parking available on side streets such as Aldrich, Bryant, and Colfax. Furthermore, its proximity to multiple bus lines, including the 21, 4, 23, and 18, makes it easily reachable via public transportation for those without a vehicle. This combination of a central location and comprehensive accessibility options, including for those with disabilities, reflects ARENA DANCES’s dedication to being a welcoming and inclusive space for all members of the Minnesota community, from professional dancers to dance enthusiasts and curious onlookers.

Services Offered

• Presentation of contemporary dance performances by a professional company.
• Educational outreach programs, including "DanceON" which incorporates dance into K-12 public schools.
• Workshops and open company classes for professional artists and the public.
• Studio rental for rehearsals, classes, and events, with discounts for BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ communities.
• Community gatherings that foster dialogue and connections within the arts community.
• A podcast series, "Studio Stories," that preserves oral histories of influential Twin Cities dance artists.
• Choreography and artistic direction by Mathew Janczewski and guest artists.

Features / Highlights

• An internationally-renowned contemporary dance company with a celebrated artistic director.
• Choreography that is physically brilliant, emotionally intimate, and explores pressing social issues.
• A new repertory model that features a diverse range of guest choreographers from across the country.
• Strong community engagement through educational programs and gatherings.
• Wheelchair accessible parking, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.
• A studio space available for rent, providing an important resource for the local dance community.
• A commitment to being a "good for kids" institution through its educational outreach.
• Praised by critics for its "physical rigor and musical passion."
• A history of performing at top venues in the Twin Cities, including The Cowles Center and The Walker Art Center.

Contact Information

For inquiries about performances, classes, or studio rentals, ARENA DANCES is readily available to connect with the Minnesota community. The physical address of the company's studio is 711 W Lake St Studio 308, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA. To get in touch directly, you can call them at (612) 804-0238. A mobile phone number is also provided for convenience: +1 612-804-0238. For specific inquiries, such as studio rental, you can reach out via email, with the primary contact being Mathew. The company is known for its open and responsive communication, which is a key part of its mission to foster dialogue and build community. This professional approach ensures that artists, students, and audience members can easily get the information they need, whether it's about an upcoming performance or an opportunity to get involved.

What is worth choosing

For Minnesota residents, ARENA DANCES is worth choosing for its unique and compelling position in the local arts scene. It is a premier contemporary dance company that provides much more than just entertainment. As a nonprofit, its mission is deeply rooted in community, education, and social dialogue. This is what truly sets it apart. The choreography, as one review enthusiastically states about "Monument," is "phenomenal," a testament to the high caliber of artistry presented. The company's recent shift to a new repertory model is a bold and commendable move, showing a commitment to diversifying artistic voices and ensuring a more stable future for professional dancers in the Twin Cities. This forward-thinking approach makes ARENA DANCES a leader in its field. For those looking to engage with dance, the studio offers a variety of opportunities, from public classes for dancers of all levels to educational programs for children and community gatherings for discussion. The space itself is also a valuable resource for the arts community, offering affordable rental rates with special discounts for BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ communities. While the provided reviews are brief, they speak to the powerful impact of the company's work. The combination of Janczewski's acclaimed choreography and the inclusion of new guest artists ensures that every performance is a fresh and engaging experience. For those who want to support an organization that is not only dedicated to artistic excellence but also to social engagement and accessibility, ARENA DANCES is an exceptional choice, embodying the best of what the performing arts can offer to the Minnesota community.

ARENA DANCES

711 W Lake St Studio 308, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA