Contact: Anne Bachem

Phone: 612-338-0627

Email: anne.bachem@mndance.org

Minneapolis, MN (February 25, 2016) – Minnesota Dance Theatre (MDT) presents an array of choreographic adventures during its Spring Season running Friday, April 1 through Sunday, April 3 at The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts. Illuminating the versatility of MDT’s classical and contemporary aesthetic, the program features a world premiere commission by New York choreographer Adam Barruch, a premiere by Artistic Director Lise Houlton, and a revival of repertory favorite Upturned Jewel by Wynn Fricke.

Recognized for his “unparalleled originality,” MDT is eager to share the work of emerging choreographer Adam Barrch with Twin Cities audiences. In this world premiere commission, Barruch will work closely with MDT dancers, investigating new movement vocabulary through collaborative prompts and gesture exploration.

“I am extremely excited about creating a new work for MDT’s 2015-16 season. It is an important part of my choreographic practice to work with new groups of dancers and to create a work that is representative of the collective group and their intrinsic gifts,” said Barruch.

The work will be an episodic exploration of a dystopian world, where light has become a rarity, making community and physical touch essential in finding orientation and solace. Set to original music by New York-based composer Roarke Menzies, Barruch shares “the music is an electronic score, intimate but cavernous, evocative of rhythmic breaths and echoing of voices.”

Recipient of a 2014 Lotos Foundation Prize in the Arts and Sciences, Barruch’s work is “bold yet thoughtful, clear yet nuanced and subtle.” With full support from the great Stephen Sondheim, Barruch is currently working on a new physical theater production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

A repertory favorite, Upturned Jewel (2005) returns to the stage at the Goodale Theater. Heralded as “exquisite” and “a wild breathless whirl of a dance,” the piece “pushes the boundaries of timing and detail.” Created during Wynn Fricke’s two-year tenure as MDT’s choreographer-in-residence, Upturned Jewel is set to Toby Twining’s expressive a cappella songs and showcases Fricke’s enthusiasm for quick precision, group shape and sequence, and musical, physical invention.

The evening will also feature a premiere by Lise Houlton. Set to music by Mozart and Bohemian composer Heinrich Biber, one of the outstanding violin virtuosos of the Baroque era, the work will highlight the company’s classic capabilities and artistry.

A special Meet the Artist: Post-show discussion will take place with Adam Barruch immediately following the April 1st performance.

Join MDT on April 3 from 11:00-2:00pm for a special Dine, Drink & Do Good brunch at Mason’s Restaurant prior to the matinee performance. A portion of all sales will benefit MDT.

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WHAT: Minnesota Dance Theatre’s Spring Season

Unearthing bold new works and a radiant gem

WHERE: The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts | 528 Hennepin Avenue | Minneapolis, MN 55403

528 Hennepin Avenue | Minneapolis, MN 55403

WHEN: Friday, April 1 - 8:00pm *

Saturday, April 2 - 8:00pm

Sunday, April 3 - 2:00pm**

*Meet the Artist: A free post-show discussion with choreographer Adam Barruch.

**Dine, Drink & Do Good: Enjoy a special brunch at Mason’s Restaurant before the matinee performance.

A portion of all sales will benefit MDT.

Tickets: Adult: $36 and $30, Students/Seniors: $24

The Cowles Center | www.thecowlescenter.org | 612-206-3600

MDT Company: Jeremy Bensussan, Sam Feipel, Raina Gilliland, Helen Hatch, Katie Johnson,

Anton LaMon, Solana Temple, Zachary Tuazon

MDT Apprentices: Carlie Clemmerson, Sophia McCoy, Juliet Prine

MDT Trainees: Tye Trondson, Isabelle Tudor

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About Minnesota Dance Theatre:

Minnesota Dance Theatre is a non-profit professional dance company and school founded in 1962 by Loyce Houlton, one of the first American women to gain national and international recognition as a choreographer, teacher, and producer. MDT celebrates a deep and personal connection to its past, it is presently flourishing with renewed creativity and energy springing from Lise Houlton’s 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 is one of Minnesota’s cultural treasures and an acclaimed arts leader in our state, our region and in the nation. www.mndance.org

MDT Mission:

The mission of Minnesota Dance Theatre is to create masterful and inspiring dance through performance and education.