Minneapolis, MN - Minneapolis native, Marsha Walker, comes to MDT/DI after two years in New York City where she was Senior Strategist and Branding Department Manager at LaPlaca Cohen, and a freelance arts marketing consultant. I am pleased to not only return to the Twin Cities, but to its rich dance community which has grown even richer with the addition of the Cowles Center Walker said, Its a pleasure to be a part of the MDT/DI family as they celebrate 50 years, and I look forward to what we can accomplish together.

Walker has spent close to 20 years in the arts building patrons for jazz, dance, theater, opera, classical music, and the visual arts. Her non-profit experience ranges from marketing and communications to fundraising, and includes both senior leadership roles and work as an independent contractor. Walker is known for her success in audience development, her strong messaging, and her ability to tell the stories surrounding art and artists. She has worked with Minnesota Opera, Zenon Dance Company and School, Americans for Public Broadcasting, TU Dance, the Dakota Jazz Club, Brilliant Corners/Jazz is NOW, and Illusion Theater to name a few. Noted in MinnPost as a marketing goddess, Walker was voted Best Local Impresario in City Pages, with the club she co-founded alongside husband, Jeremy Walker, being named One of the 100 Great Jazz Clubs Worldwide in DownBeat magazine.

With our half-century landmark, it is a pleasure to welcome Marsha into the MDT/DI fold with her vast experience in the performing arts. Her perspective on visioning to the future while remaining true to our mission of 50 years will be an exciting adventure for the dancers and me. Lise Houlton, Artistic Director

"We are excited by Marsha's depth of knowledge, her energy, and her connections to the arts community both nationally and locally." Kristin Rotter, Interim Board Chair

Walker can be reached at marsha.walker@mndance.org or at 612-338-0627 ext 4.

ABOUT MINNESOTA DANCE THEATRE & THE DANCE INSTITUTE

Minnesota Dance Theatre & the Dance Institute is a non-profit professional dance company and school that brings together classical ballet and contemporary techniques in an all-encompassing dance aesthetic. Founder Loyce Houlton, one of the first American women to gain national and international recognition as a choreographer, teacher and producer, founded the company in 1962.

MDT/DI celebrates a deep and personal connection to its past, and is presently flourishing with renewed creativity and energy springing from Lise Houltons artistic leadership. Under her direction, the company and school aspire to maintain the highest international artistic standards, and attract audiences, dancers, choreographers and students from all cultural and economic backgrounds to the art of dance. MDT/DI is one of Minnesotas cultural treasures. The 2011-12 performance season runs September 2011 through April 2012.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Petrushka with the Minnesota Orchestra March 28-31, April 14, 2012 at Orchestra Hall

La Cathedrale Engloutie & Ancient Air March 23-25, 2012 at the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts

MDT 50th Anniversary Celebration Gala April 28, 2012 at the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts

Carmina Burana April 26-29, 2012 at the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts

Contact: Lise Houlton

Phone: 612.338.0627 x1

info@mndance.org

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