Cathedral Dance Festival

For young, aspiring dancers and their families across Minnesota and the broader Midwest, the Cathedral Dance Festival (CDF) is a truly unique and inspiring annual event. More than just a competition or a series of performances, CDF is envisioned as a grand celebration of dance, a gathering space where passion, hard work, and dedication are showcased in an awe-inspiring setting. Inspired by the towering ceilings of European cathedrals, the festival aims to create an environment that encourages dancers to "leap higher than ever before," pushing their artistic boundaries and fostering a sense of wonder. It's a place where students aged 7-18 can connect with a diverse range of dance forms and interact directly with professional dance artists, offering a valuable alternative to more traditional competitive structures.

The core mission of the Cathedral Dance Festival is to provide an enriching setting for learning, creating, and performing dance. This includes offering master classes led by acclaimed artists, providing opportunities for students to perform in a grand setting, and receiving constructive adjudication. As noted by Carl Flink, Artistic Director of Black Label Movement and Director of the University of Minnesota Dance Program, CDF excels at "connecting aspiring, young dancers with a wide range of forms and professional dance artists." This commitment to holistic development, combined with an emphasis on collaboration and a supportive atmosphere, makes Cathedral Dance Festival a standout event in Minnesota's performing arts calendar, contributing significantly to the growth of the next generation of dancers.

The Cathedral Dance Festival is held in Chaska, Minnesota, and while the provided address is 1981 Bavaria Rd, Chaska, MN 55318, USA, it's important to note that a festival of this nature often utilizes significant performance and workshop spaces that might be part of a larger facility or complex. Their official website indicates that their contact address is 18946 Lake Drive East, Chanhassen, MN 55317, and mentions Grace Church at 9301 Eden Prairie Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55347, which may be a venue for some activities. When planning attendance, it is always advisable to verify the specific venue details for the current year's festival events, as these can vary for different components like master classes, performances, or adjudication sessions.

Chaska is a vibrant and growing community in the southwest metropolitan area of Minneapolis-St. Paul, offering good accessibility for participants and attendees from across Minnesota and neighboring states. Its location allows for relatively straightforward travel by car via major regional routes. When visiting, confirming directions and any specific parking instructions for the festival's various venues would be prudent to ensure a smooth experience. The choice of Chaska as the festival's home underscores its role as a regional hub for dance education and performance.

The Cathedral Dance Festival offers a rich array of services and opportunities designed to inspire and develop young dancers:

• Master Classes: Intensive workshops led by professional dance artists and experienced educators, covering a wide range of dance forms and techniques.
• Performance Opportunities: Providing a grand stage for young dancers (ages 7-18) to showcase their hard work, dedication, and passion in a formal setting.
• Adjudication: The chance for dancers to have their performances evaluated by professional adjudicators, receiving constructive feedback to aid their growth.
• Connecting Aspiring Dancers with Professionals: Facilitating interactions and mentorship opportunities between young talent and established artists in the dance community.
• Exposure to Diverse Dance Forms: Introducing students to a wide spectrum of dance styles beyond their typical studio training.
• Non-Traditional Competition Alternative: Offering a festival format that focuses on education, collaboration, and performance rather than solely on competitive outcomes.
• Community Building: Creating a gathering place for dancers from around the Midwest to share their passion, learn from each other, and foster a sense of camaraderie.
• Support for General Operations: Actively seeking sponsorship to support the festival's mission, including funding for guest professional artists, teachers, and adjudicators.
• Accessibility Initiatives: Working to increase engagement with neighboring communities by making the arts more accessible.

The Cathedral Dance Festival stands out in the Minnesota dance landscape due to several distinctive features and highlights:

• Inspirational Grand Setting: The festival's concept is rooted in the awe-inspiring nature of "towering ceilings of European cathedrals," aiming to create a similarly grand and uplifting atmosphere for performances and learning.
• Focus on Education and Growth: Unlike many traditional competitions, CDF places a strong emphasis on master classes and constructive adjudication, prioritizing the artistic and technical development of dancers.
• Connection with Professional Artists: The festival actively brings in and connects young dancers with a wide range of professional dance artists, offering invaluable real-world exposure and mentorship.
• Non-Competitive Environment: A key differentiating factor, providing a supportive space where young dancers can explore their creativity and passion for dance without the intense pressure often associated with competitive structures.
• Inclusivity Across Forms: Welcoming a diverse array of dance forms, encouraging a broader understanding and appreciation of the art.
• Midwest Reach: Attracting dancers from across the Midwest, fostering a larger community and enriching the experience through diverse participation.
• Support for the Arts: Through its commitment to general operations and sponsorship, CDF plays a vital role in sustaining and promoting dance as an art form in the region.
• Showcasing Dedication: Provides a platform for dancers to showcase their hard work and passion in a celebratory rather than solely competitive context.

For inquiries regarding the annual festival, registration for master classes, performance opportunities, or sponsorship, please contact the Cathedral Dance Festival directly using the information below. It is always recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date schedule and event details.

Cathedral Dance Festival

Phone: (952) 847-3243

Mobile Phone: +1 952-847-3243

Primary Contact Email: info@cathedraldance.com

Main Office Address: 18946 Lake Drive East, Chanhassen, MN 55317, USA

(Note: While 1981 Bavaria Rd, Chaska, MN 55318 was provided, the festival's official contact information lists a Chanhassen address and mentions other potential venues. Always verify the specific event location when planning to attend.)

For Minnesota locals, especially families with young dancers, the Cathedral Dance Festival offers an exceptional and unique opportunity right in our backyard. Its suitability stems from its fundamental commitment to a non-competitive, educational environment that focuses on artistic growth and collaboration. Instead of the intense pressures of typical dance competitions, CDF provides a nurturing space where young dancers can genuinely learn, refine their skills through master classes with professional artists, and experience the thrill of performing on a grand stage. This approach fosters a deeper love and appreciation for dance, encouraging creativity and confidence without sacrificing rigor. The festival's ability to connect local aspiring talent with a wider range of dance forms and established professionals makes it an invaluable resource for developing well-rounded artists. For any Minnesota family looking for an enriching, inspiring, and accessible dance experience that prioritizes development over rivalry, the Cathedral Dance Festival in Chaska is undoubtedly a highly recommended event that truly uplifts our local performing arts community.

Cathedral Dance Festival

1981 Bavaria Rd, Chaska, MN 55318, USA