Minnesota Dance Theatre Welcomes New Board of Directors

Minnesota Dance Theatre (MDT) has announced the new Board of Directors, director of Development and Communications along with exciting news on the 2014/15 season and the 50th anniversary of Nutcracker Fantasy.

MDT is known for its contemporary and classical aesthetic skillfully combined with ambitious and adventurous dance. With a recent change in board members, the organization continues to focus on both the artistic vision and financial stability moving forward.

"We are excited to move forward in our commitment to new dance adventures as well as our legacy," said Lise Houlton, Minnesota Dance Theatre Artistic Director. "The new board of directors diverse backgrounds along with our Director of Development and Communications, are poised to continue providing the highest international artistic standards in the art of dance to our community as we grow and evolve. "

Elizabeth Simonson joins MDT as Director of Development and Communications. Simonson is a renowned visual artist, graduate of Hunter College Master of Fine Arts and former MDT dancer who brings her passion and commitment along with her background and experience in the arts.

The board of directors includes a variety of committed community leaders and visionaries; Lise Houlton, Artistic Director for MDT, Pierce McNally Attorney, Gray Plant Mooty, Ann Cazaban, CEO, AXIS Medical Center, Peter Graham, J.D. at the University of Minnesota Law School, Andrew Houlton, Vice President of Medical Affairs, North Memorial Medical Center and Annie Pacieznik, Group Fitness Instructor of LifeBarre at Lifetime Fitness and realtor with Re/Max Results Support Services.

Minnesota Dance Theatre will be holding a benefit at their upcoming spring performance on April 11th at the Cowles Center. The performance will feature new and signature works from renowned choreographers, acclaimed dancers and a world premiere by Minnesota Dance Theatre's Artistic Director, Lise Houlton. MDT dancers will be joined by New York City dancers Kaitlyn Gilliland, Pierre Guilbault and Stephen Hanna. The spring performances run Friday, April 11 Saturday, April 12 and Sunday April 13.

In addition, MDT will be announcing the 2014/15 season in May including the 50th anniversary of Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy.

Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy performance in the Twin Cities holds the distinction of being the longest-running holiday dance event in Minnesota history. MDT will celebrate the 50th anniversary with the 44-piece Nutcracker Orchestra led by Philip Brunelle at the historic State Theatre in Minneapolis December 19-23.

Founded in 1962 by Loyce Houlton, the mission of Minnesota Dance Theatre is to create masterful and provocative dance performances that entertain and inspire audiences and to foster talent by providing a comprehensive classical and contemporary training curriculum focused on the technical and artistic demands of a professional dance career. With a history spanning over a half of century, Minnesota Dance Theatre & the Dance Institute is an acclaimed arts leader in our state, region and in the nation. www.mndance.org

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