Ray Terrill Dance Group

For decades, the name Ray Terrill has been synonymous with modern dance excellence and innovation within Minnesota's vibrant arts community. The Ray Terrill Dance Group (RTDG), led by artistic director Ray Terrill, stands as a testament to sustained artistic vision and a profound commitment to both performance and dance education. Since relocating to the Twin Cities, Ray Terrill has not only established a renowned dance company but has also become a significant figure in nurturing the local dance ecosystem. RTDG is known for its captivating performances, often described as uniquely spiritual and lyrical, yet capable of being irreverent and quirky, exploring provocative subject matter and complex human emotions. For anyone in the Minnesota region seeking to experience thought-provoking contemporary dance or to deepen their own movement practice, the Ray Terrill Dance Group offers a compelling and enriching pathway.

The essence of the Ray Terrill Dance Group extends beyond just captivating audiences. It embodies a dedication to the craft of dance through rigorous training and a collaborative spirit. The company's choreographic aesthetic often involves improvisation and collaboration with dancers, resulting in dynamic and expressive works. Their performances are frequently set to a wide range of musical styles, from classical and romantic to contemporary, and even incorporate video, animation, and text to expand their choreographic ideas. Furthermore, Ray Terrill's extensive experience as a performer, choreographer, teacher, and arts administrator has allowed RTDG to contribute significantly to the cultural fabric of Minnesota, making them a vital and enduring presence in the state's performing arts scene.

While the Ray Terrill Dance Group primarily operates as a performing company and offers classes at various venues, their main administrative and contact address is located at 1535 Larpenteur Ave W, Falcon Heights, MN 55113, USA. This location is strategically placed within the heart of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, making it highly accessible for individuals across Minneapolis and St. Paul, as well as the surrounding suburbs. Larpenteur Ave W is a well-known artery, providing straightforward access for those traveling by car. Falcon Heights itself is a community nestled between the two major cities, offering a central point that is convenient for dancers and audience members from various parts of Minnesota. This accessibility ensures that members of the local dance community and the general public can easily connect with the group for class inquiries, performance information, or engagement opportunities. The central location in Falcon Heights facilitates the group's ability to serve and collaborate with the broader Minnesota dance and arts community.

Ray Terrill Dance Group offers a focused range of services that reflect Ray Terrill's extensive background and unique artistic vision. These services are primarily centered around performance and specialized movement education, catering to both aspiring and seasoned dancers, as well as a curious public interested in contemporary dance. The offerings are designed to not only showcase the company's artistic output but also to share foundational principles of movement that can benefit a wide array of individuals.

• Company Performances: The Ray Terrill Dance Group regularly presents original dance works at various venues across Minnesota, including the Minnesota Fringe Festival, the Cowles Center, and outdoor festivals. These performances feature a range of contemporary dance works choreographed by Ray Terrill and often include collaborations with other choreographers and artists.
• Production of Festivals: Ray Terrill is the sole producer and funder of the annual Dances at the Lake Festival, a free, outdoor dance event held at the Lake Harriet Rose Garden in Minneapolis. This festival features a diverse lineup of professional adult and youth dance companies from the Twin Cities and beyond.
• PULSE/impulse Emerging Choreographer Showcase: The Ray Terrill Dance Group presents this showcase to celebrate fresh, innovative choreographic voices from the Twin Cities dance scene. It offers emerging choreographers a platform to present new works.
• Fundamental Movement Classes: Ray Terrill teaches rigorous and thoughtfully designed classes that build baseline strength and deepen understanding of movement dynamics. These ongoing classes are applicable for multiple movement practices and all levels of experience, from beginning through professional. They are described as a Wigman-inspired workout, combining floor and center-floor movement, blending breath, alignment, and phrasing in the spirit of a Pilates-style floor barre. Drop-ins are typically welcome.
• Wigman Technique Modern Dance Classes: These classes explore the fundamental dynamics of movement through walks, glides, turns, swings, falls, curves, vibrations, and elevations. Rooted in Mary Wigman's expressive style, they emphasize healthy alignment, core strength, and the fluid integration of strength and flexibility, suitable for all levels.
• FM/Wigman Technique Modern Dance (Combo Class): This combines the structured precision of Fundamental Movement with the expressive artistry of Wigman Technique, offering a holistic approach to physical conditioning and artistic expression.

The Ray Terrill Dance Group is celebrated for several distinctive features and highlights that underscore its significant impact on the Minnesota dance community. One of the most prominent is the consistent presentation of compelling and innovative dance works. Ray Terrill's choreographic aesthetic, described as both spiritual/lyrical and irreverent/quirky, pushes artistic boundaries while often exploring universal human experiences. This artistic depth ensures that audiences are not just entertained but are also moved and provoked by the performances.

A major highlight of RTDG's contribution to the local scene is its role as the sole producer and funder of the annual Dances at the Lake Festival. This free, outdoor event held at the picturesque Lake Harriet Rose Garden is a gift to the Minnesota community, providing accessible, high-quality dance performances by a diverse array of companies, including youth groups and professional ensembles. This festival exemplifies Ray Terrill's dedication to making dance accessible and celebrating the breadth of talent within the state. Furthermore, the company's active involvement in collaborating with other dance organizations, such as the Christopher Watson Dance Company and various festival presentations (like Dances on the Lakewalk and the Minnesota Fringe Festival), demonstrates a collaborative spirit that strengthens the entire dance ecosystem. The offering of specialized classes like "Fundamental Movement" and "Wigman Technique Modern Dance" provides unique educational opportunities rooted in a deep understanding of modern dance lineage, benefiting dancers and movers across all levels in Minnesota looking to enhance their core strength, mobility, and awareness. The company's commitment to showcasing emerging choreographers through events like PULSE/impulse further solidifies its role in fostering the next generation of dance artists in the Twin Cities.

• Artistic Vision: Led by Ray Terrill, the group's choreography is known for its unique blend of spiritual, lyrical, irreverent, and quirky elements, exploring complex human emotions and provocative subjects.
• Producer of Dances at the Lake Festival: Ray Terrill Dance Group is the sole producer of this beloved annual free outdoor dance festival at Lake Harriet, showcasing diverse Minnesota dance talent.
• Extensive Performance History: Regularly performs at significant local venues and festivals, including the Minnesota Fringe Festival, the Cowles Center, and other collaborative showcases.
• Foundational Movement Classes: Offers unique "Fundamental Movement" and "Wigman Technique Modern Dance" classes, providing rigorous training in modern dance principles suitable for all levels.
• Community Collaboration: Actively collaborates with other dance companies and artists in the Twin Cities, enriching the overall dance landscape.
• Support for Emerging Choreographers: Provides a platform for new choreographic voices through showcases like PULSE/impulse.
• Versatile Performance Styles: Incorporates a wide range of music genres and can include video, animation, and text in performances to deepen artistic ideas.
• Experienced Leadership: Ray Terrill brings extensive experience as a performer, choreographer, teacher, and arts administrator to the group.

For more information on the Ray Terrill Dance Group's performances, class schedules, or collaborative opportunities, you can reach out directly using the contact details below:

Address: 1535 Larpenteur Ave W, Falcon Heights, MN 55113, USA

Phone: (612) 275-5602

Mobile Phone: +1 612-275-5602

The Ray Terrill Dance Group is exceptionally well-suited for locals in the Minnesota region, especially those in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas, because it offers a unique blend of world-class artistic performance and accessible dance education deeply rooted in the community. For Minnesotans passionate about contemporary dance, the group provides opportunities to witness compelling and thought-provoking original works right in their backyard, often in free, public settings like the Dances at the Lake Festival. This commitment to public access makes high-quality dance accessible to everyone, fostering a broader appreciation for the art form. Furthermore, for individuals seeking to enhance their own physical practice, Ray Terrill's "Fundamental Movement" and "Wigman Technique Modern Dance" classes offer a distinct and highly beneficial approach to building strength, awareness, and expressive movement, which can serve as excellent cross-training for dancers, athletes, or simply curious movers. The group's collaborative spirit and dedication to showcasing diverse local talent also mean that supporting RTDG contributes directly to the vitality and growth of Minnesota's vibrant dance scene. For a truly enriching artistic and physical experience that celebrates the essence of movement, Ray Terrill Dance Group stands as a remarkable local resource.

Ray Terrill Dance Group

1535 Larpenteur Ave W, Falcon Heights, MN 55113, USA