Shapiro & Smith Dance

- 528 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

For residents of Minnesota, particularly those immersed in the Twin Cities’ world-renowned arts scene, the name Shapiro & Smith Dance represents a long-standing tradition of excellence in contemporary dance. Originally established in New York City in 1987, the company made Minneapolis its home in 1995, immediately embedding itself in the local culture and contributing significantly to the vibrancy of the area's performing arts landscape. Situated in the heart of the downtown cultural district, Shapiro & Smith Dance is more than a dance organization; it is a vital part of Minnesota’s artistic identity, known for creating works that are at once deeply physical, emotionally profound, and surprisingly witty.

Under the continued artistic direction of Joanie Smith, the company’s mission has remained steadfast: to make contemporary choreography accessible and meaningful to a wide range of audiences. Their work—which performs tales of "beauty and biting wit"—is celebrated for its "breathtaking physicality and emotional depth." This commitment extends beyond the stage and into the local community through engaging arts activities, including educational workshops that emphasize the power of movement for all ages, making it a valuable resource for local Minnesota families. The company’s work is driven by human passion, courage, and absurdity, ensuring every performance and program is a unique and memorable cultural event.

Shapiro & Smith Dance is a globally recognized contemporary dance company and arts organization proudly based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. While primarily known for its professional touring and performance company, its local importance lies in its educational outreach and community engagement programs. The organization embodies a blend of athletic virtuosity and theatrical storytelling, weaving together dance-theater that illuminates the complexities of human existence. This approach has earned the company an international reputation for substance, craft, and emotional impact.

Founded by Danial Shapiro and Joanie Smith, the company's move to Minneapolis in the mid-1990s was a direct result of the vibrant arts community and Joanie Smith’s acceptance of an endowed chair position in dance at the University of Minnesota. Since settling in the Twin Cities, the company has become a cornerstone of the contemporary dance scene, regularly presenting work at major local venues and contributing to the development of dance students. Their repertoire is noted for running the gamut from the provocative to the hilarious, always delivered with stunning physicality that resonates deeply with Minnesota audiences and beyond. The organization also runs unique community programs, confirming that its reach is both artistic and social, with offerings that are explicitly noted as being "Good for kids," fostering the next generation of movement enthusiasts and patrons.

Shapiro & Smith Dance maintains a significant presence in one of Minneapolis’s most central cultural hubs. Their address is linked to the broader, celebrated arts infrastructure of the downtown area, providing an easy-to-find location for performances, classes, and administrative needs.

The organization’s address is:

• Address: 528 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA

This location places the company within the **Hennepin Avenue Cultural District**, a major destination for performing arts in Minnesota, often associated with The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts. While the company operates globally, its base here is crucial for its local impact, making it accessible for Twin Cities residents seeking engagement with world-class contemporary dance. As an arts organization situated in a major downtown facility, patrons can generally expect the location to offer public amenities and nearby access to parking and public transit, typical of a professional performance venue in Minneapolis.

The services provided by Shapiro & Smith Dance go beyond simply putting on performances. They are deeply committed to education, connection, and community engagement throughout Minnesota.

• Professional Performances: The company offers an annual season of world-class contemporary dance performances, often premiering new works or restaging acclaimed repertoire like "Family" or "Anytown" at venues such as The Cowles Center.
• Educational Programs and Workshops: Teaching dance students in colleges and local studios, passing on the unique Shapiro & Smith blend of athleticism and theatricality.
• "Every Body Speaks" Workshops: Specialized community engagement workshops that utilize the power of movement to communicate thoughts, feelings, and ideas, reaching diverse Minnesota populations.
• Targeted Community Outreach: Programs specifically designed for unique groups, including survivors of domestic violence (through partnerships like Tubman in Minneapolis), female first responders, and mental health or senior centers.
• Choreographic Restaging: The company licenses and stages its acclaimed choreography for other major dance companies and universities globally and nationally, demonstrating its influence on the wider dance world.
• Artistic Residencies: Engaging in long-term residencies across Minnesota (such as those at Tofte Lake Center near Ely) to create new work and connect with regional audiences through workshops and discussions.
• The Danial Shapiro Fund: Administering this fund to annually award financial support to Twin Cities choreographers, contributing directly to the growth of local dance artists.

Shapiro & Smith Dance possesses several distinguishing features that underscore its importance to the Minnesota arts community and its national standing:

• Internationally Acclaimed Choreography: The company is celebrated for its blend of dramatic theater and highly physical contemporary dance, with a repertoire that has been performed across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Canada.
• Emotionally Driven Storytelling: Their work is known for telling compelling stories driven by human passion, humor, and absurdity, making the avant-garde form of contemporary dance remarkably accessible to broad audiences.
• Deep Minnesota Roots: Since moving to the Twin Cities in 1995, the company has become an integral part of the local scene, with Joanie Smith holding an endowed chair at the University of Minnesota, directly shaping the state's dance education landscape.
• Unique Community Engagement Model: The "Every Body Speaks" program represents a powerful commitment to using dance for social impact, connecting with and empowering unique populations across the state, from students to first responders.
• Historical Significance: The company originated in New York City and has a long history of commissioning works by major figures in the dance world, including frequent collaborations with composer Scott Killian.
• Accessibility for All Ages: Programs and performances are often designed to be engaging and inspiring for various age groups, with specific offerings noted as being "Good for kids."

To inquire about tickets, community programs, or educational opportunities, Minnesota residents can use the following contact details:

• Address: 528 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA
• Primary Phone: (612) 879-0863
• Mobile Phone: +1 612-879-0863

For any Minnesota resident seeking high-caliber cultural experiences or unique educational programs, Shapiro & Smith Dance is unequivocally worth choosing. It provides a rare combination of world-class artistic excellence and deeply rooted local community service that few other arts organizations can match.

Choosing this company means supporting an organization that not only performs exhilarating dance but also actively uses movement as a tool for connection and empowerment across the state. The unique "Every Body Speaks" workshops highlight their commitment to inclusivity, showcasing dance’s power to communicate for people from "all walks of life." This is far more than a dance performance—it's art with palpable social impact.

Furthermore, for families, the fact that their offerings are "Good for kids" ensures that the next generation of Minnesotans can be exposed to and inspired by high-level contemporary art in an approachable way. Whether you are an experienced dance enthusiast, a student looking for exceptional instruction, or a community member interested in the intersection of art and human connection, Shapiro & Smith Dance provides a sophisticated, meaningful, and unforgettable contribution to the cultural wealth of the Twin Cities. By supporting this organization, you are sustaining a vital part of the contemporary performing arts in Minnesota.

Shapiro & Smith Dance

528 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA