Minnesota Dance Theatre Announces 2009-2010 Season With New Local Works

Minnesota Dance Theatre (MDT) announces its 2009-2010 Season, featuring newly commissioned work by local choreographers Mariusz Olszewski, ballroom champion and founder of Beyond Ballroom Dance Company, and Justin Leaf, MDT company member and 2009 McKnight Fellowship recipient. Also being commissioned is Fort Worth native and New York Choreographic Institute talent Caroline Beach.

MDT opens its season with Contemporary Voices featuring world premieres by Ms. Beach and Mr. Olszewski, as well as MDT favorites "A Stair Dance" by Eliot Feld with music by Steve Reich and "Upturned Jewel" by Wynn Fricke with music by Toby Twining. Contemporary Voices runs September 18-20, 2009 at The Lab located at 700 North First Street, Minneapolis.

Carmina Burana returns by popular demand, reuniting MDT, the Minnesota Chorale, and Dominique Serrand in this critically acclaimed collaboration at The Lab, November 5-8, 2009. Inspired by the stirring and powerful music of composer Carl Orff, MDT dancers, acclaimed vocalists Bradley Greenwald and Jennifer Baldwin Peden, along with the Minnesota Chorale and musicians come together in the portrayal of love and lust, desire and longing, with raucous and bawdy good fun.

Voted "Best Nutcracker" in the Twin Cities by Mpls. St. Paul Magazine, Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy will return to the State Theatre December 18-20, 2009. Directed by Lise Houlton, this locally produced, full-length, classical Nutcracker features lavish costumes and sets, and a 44-piece symphony orchestra conducted by Philip Brunelle. Holding the distinction as being the longest running arts event in Minnesota history, Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy will be celebrating its 45th year.
MDT will conclude its season at The Lab with a dynamic assortment of choreography in Contemporary Combinations running April 16-18 and 23-25, 2010. Company member Justin Leaf will premiere "White Jacket Only" in his first commission by MDT. The company will also perform Loyce Houlton's "Ancient Air" and Danny Buraczeski's "Eight Seasons."

For more information on Minnesota Dance Theatre's 2009-2010 Season visit www.mndance.org or call 612-338-0627.

Minnesota Dance Theatre - Ambitious. Classical. Contemporary. Extreme.