Threads Dance Project

Hello, Minnesotans! In our vibrant Twin Cities, the arts play a crucial role in enriching our lives and fostering deeper understanding. Among the many esteemed cultural organizations, Threads Dance Project stands out as a unique and powerful force, using the universal language of dance to explore the human condition and build community. For those of us living in Minneapolis and the surrounding areas, Threads Dance Project offers not just captivating performances, but also meaningful educational programs and a welcoming space for artistic expression and social dialogue.

Founded in 2011 by choreographer and educator Karen L. Charles, Threads Dance Project operates with a compelling mission: "to examine, expose, and celebrate the threads that connect us." This mission is deeply rooted in the belief that all humans inherently desire and deserve love, respect, and positive connection. Through their performances, dance training, and community initiatives, Threads Dance Project aims to communicate truth, amplify marginalized voices, and contribute to a more equitable and just society. This article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of Threads Dance Project, including its central location, the diverse services it offers, its distinctive features and highlights, and how you can connect with this impactful organization. Whether you're a seasoned dance enthusiast, a parent seeking enriching programs for your child, or someone interested in how art can drive social change, Threads Dance Project offers a compelling point of interest right here in Minneapolis.

While formal public reviews may not be as prevalent as for some commercial establishments, the consistent positive narrative surrounding Threads Dance Project in grant applications, arts community discussions, and its ongoing programming speaks volumes about its respected place in Minnesota's cultural landscape. They are known for "professional quality dance with a community feel." Let's delve into what makes Threads Dance Project a truly special and important part of our local community.

Threads Dance Project is centrally located at 2213 Snelling Ave Suite #100, Minneapolis, MN 55404, USA. This address places it within the vibrant heart of Minneapolis, specifically in an area known for its rich cultural tapestry and accessibility. Snelling Avenue is a major thoroughfare in the Twin Cities, making the Threads Dance Nexus (their community home) easily reachable for residents across Minneapolis and St. Paul, as well as the wider metropolitan area.

The studio's location is particularly convenient for those utilizing public transportation. It is just a "5 minute walk from the Franklin Light Rail Station" and a "2-5 minute walk from nearest bus stops (lines 2, 9, 22, 67)." This excellent connectivity via Metro Transit's light rail and bus services makes it highly accessible for individuals who prefer not to drive, or for youth participating in their programs. For those arriving by car, the Threads Dance Nexus offers "free parking and free side street parking," which is a significant advantage in an urban setting like Minneapolis.

Being situated in a diverse and historically significant neighborhood, approximately "only one mile north from the third precinct and the neighborhood directly impacted by the murder of George Floyd," Threads Dance Project's location underscores its commitment to community engagement and human justice initiatives. This strategic placement allows them to deeply connect with and serve the communities they aim to uplift, offering a safe space for artistic expression and dialogue within a relevant local context.

Threads Dance Project offers a diverse range of services, encompassing professional performances, dance education, and extensive community engagement initiatives. These services are all driven by their core mission to examine, expose, and celebrate the threads that connect humanity. Key offerings include:

• Professional Dance Performances: Threads Dance Project produces compelling and thought-provoking contemporary dance performances. Their repertoire often explores themes of "human justice," sharing "stories showing the universal complexity of humanity" and amplifying the experiences of marginalized groups. Past productions include works like "Let America Be America" and "Out of the Ashes."
• Tapestries Emerging Choreographer Program: This is a professional commissioning program specifically designed for early-career Minnesota-based choreographers, with a strong emphasis on BIPOC and female-identifying artists. It provides commissioning fees, full production support, mentorship, and the unique opportunity to develop new ensemble works with Threads' professional dancers.
• Youth Dance Programs (Nex/Gen-Youth Dance Project): Offered at Threads Dance Nexus, these holistically based programs provide dance training for youth aged approximately 4-16. This includes summer dance camps where campers explore various dance styles, nutrition, self-care, and embodied movement. Need-based scholarships are available to ensure access.
• Adult Dance Classes and Workshops: Threads offers workshops and classes for adults, focusing on connecting movement to wellbeing, joy, and technical excellence. Examples include Adult Beginning Modern Workshop series, designed for all levels to build strength, coordination, and creative expression. They also offer free Parkinson's Dance Classes.
• Community Engagement Workshops & Residencies: Threads Dance Project offers a variety of workshops and residencies for both youth and adults that can be brought to schools, community centers, and other organizations. These include:
  • Youth Dance Project Residencies: Lessons in Ballet and Modern techniques, embodied movement, and nutrition, potentially culminating in a mini-performance.
  • Moving Towards Joy Workshops: Combines movement, introspection, and journaling to explore joy, healing, and connection.
  • Moving Words Workshops: An exploration of movement and poetry, merging written expressions with dance to create literary-inspired choreography.
  • Exploration of Dance on Film: Viewing Threads' dance films followed by discussions and basic choreography elements.
  • Lecture Demonstrations: Professional dancers present repertoire, followed by discussion and interactive movement.
• Space Rental and Resources: Threads Dance Nexus provides space for artists and organizations. They offer discounted rentals to BIPOC creators and arts organizations, aiming to eradicate societal inequities by increasing access to resources.
• Professional Development for Teachers: Workshops like "Moving Towards Joy" are adapted for teacher professional development, as seen in partnerships with Minneapolis Public Schools.

Through these diverse services, Threads Dance Project not only enriches the arts landscape but also serves as a powerful tool for education, social justice, and community building in Minnesota.

Threads Dance Project distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that underscore its unique mission and impact within the Minnesota arts community:

• Mission-Driven Artistry: At its core, Threads Dance Project is driven by its mission to "examine, expose, and celebrate the threads that connect us." This means their performances and programs go beyond mere entertainment, delving into "human justice" stories and exploring themes of universal human experience, often addressing societal inequities. This focus makes their work deeply resonant and impactful.
• Commitment to Diversity and Equity: Threads is a Black-led organization with a diverse board and company. They actively work to increase access and dismantle inequities by providing discounted space rentals to BIPOC creators and arts organizations, offering need-based scholarships for youth programs, and emphasizing BIPOC and female-identifying choreographers in their Tapestries program. This dedication to diversity is woven into their organizational culture and programming.
• Tapestries Emerging Choreographer Program: This program is a standout feature, providing a unique and invaluable opportunity for early-career choreographers in Minnesota. It offers comprehensive support, including commissioning fees, full production assistance, and mentorship, allowing artists to develop new ensemble works with an established dance company. This directly fosters local artistic talent and enriches the dance landscape.
• Holistic Youth and Adult Programs: At their "Threads Dance Nexus," they offer "holistically based" Nex/Gen-Youth Dance Project programs that combine dance technique with nutrition, self-care, and embodied movement exploration. Similarly, adult workshops connect movement to "wellbeing, joy, and technical excellence," including free Parkinson's Dance Classes. This holistic approach supports overall well-being alongside artistic development.
• Strong Community Engagement and Outreach: Threads actively engages with the wider community through various workshops and residencies for youth and adults. They bring dance and educational programming to schools, community groups, and detention centers, using movement and poetry to explore complex topics and foster connection. Their commitment extends to neighborhood conversations and events, particularly in areas impacted by social injustice.
• Accessibility and Inclusivity: The physical location is highly accessible via public transit and offers free parking. More importantly, their philosophical approach emphasizes creating an open and welcoming space for all, regardless of background, ensuring that dance and its benefits are available to a broad audience. They aim to be a "safe space" for youth to gain confidence and self-expression.
• Professional Quality with a Community Feel: As noted by a core statement, Threads strives to offer "professional quality dance with a community feel." This balance ensures artistic excellence while maintaining an accessible and welcoming environment for all participants and audiences.

These features collectively define Threads Dance Project as a leading, socially conscious arts organization that profoundly impacts the Minnesota community through the power of dance.

For Minnesotans interested in connecting with Threads Dance Project – whether to attend a performance, enroll in a class, explore workshop opportunities, or support their mission – here is their direct contact information:

Address: 2213 Snelling Ave Suite #100, Minneapolis, MN 55404, USA

Phone: (612) 354-3978

Mobile Phone: +1 612-354-3978

We encourage you to reach out directly to Threads Dance Project. Calling them is the best way to get the most up-to-date information on their performance schedules, class offerings for youth and adults, and details on their community workshops and residencies. Their team can provide insights into scholarship opportunities for youth programs, how to participate in their unique Tapestries program for choreographers, or how to get involved as a volunteer or supporter of their vital human justice work through dance. You can also visit their Threads Dance Nexus location to experience their welcoming community space firsthand. Engaging with Threads Dance Project is a direct way to support an organization that is making a tangible difference in the Twin Cities through the power of movement and connection.

For Minnesotans, particularly those in the Twin Cities metro area, Threads Dance Project is exceptionally suitable and a profoundly impactful local point of interest. Its value extends far beyond traditional dance instruction, touching on community development, social justice, and personal well-being.

Firstly, Threads Dance Project offers a unique and powerful artistic voice. In a state that values both cultural enrichment and progressive thought, their focus on "human justice" themes and amplifying marginalized experiences through dance resonates deeply. Attending a Threads performance is not just an evening out; it's an opportunity for reflection, empathy, and engagement with crucial societal conversations, presented through the evocative medium of contemporary dance. This intellectual and emotional depth makes them a significant cultural asset.

Secondly, for families and individuals seeking dance education, Threads provides a holistic and inclusive environment. Their Nex/Gen-Youth Dance Project offers more than just technique; it incorporates wellness, self-care, and confidence-building. The availability of need-based scholarships and discounted space rentals for BIPOC artists demonstrates a genuine commitment to equity and access, ensuring that quality dance education and artistic opportunities are available to all, regardless of socioeconomic background. This inclusive approach aligns with Minnesota's values of community support and equal opportunity.

Furthermore, Threads Dance Project actively engages with the community through a variety of workshops and partnerships. Their presence in a diverse neighborhood, a mile from a significant site of civil unrest, underscores their dedication to healing and connection within the very communities they serve. These outreach programs, whether in schools or through specialized workshops like "Moving Towards Joy," provide valuable tools for expression, stress relief, and fostering understanding, contributing directly to the well-being of our local population.

In essence, Threads Dance Project embodies the best of what a non-profit arts organization can be in Minnesota: a place for artistic excellence, social change, and community building. Their "professional quality dance with a community feel" makes them an invaluable resource for cultural engagement, personal growth, and collective understanding. For any Minnesotan looking to connect with art that moves, inspires, and makes a difference, Threads Dance Project is an indispensable local treasure.

Threads Dance Project

2213 Snelling Ave Suite #100, Minneapolis, MN 55404, USA