MSP 184: Twin Cities

Twin Cities with Joanna Lees, Jesse Schmitz-Boyd, Erinn Liebhard

Nestled along the Mississippi River, Minneapolis and Saint Paul offer a unique mix of natural beauty and culture. Winters are harsh, but skyways provide warmth, and frozen lakes set the scene. When summer arrives, the cities buzz with life, from thriving arts and food scenes to passionate sports fans. Each season brings a fresh energy to this dynamic and welcoming community. Today, we’re joined by three dance artists who call the Twin Cities home—Joanna Lees, Jesse Schmitz-Boyd, and Erinn Liebhard. Together, we dive into the Twin Cities dance and arts scene, exploring how they found their way there, their roles in the dance world, and how the region’s geography (and harsh winters) shape the artistic landscape. They share insights on leading dance companies, navigating the audition scene, and the importance of carving out a niche. We also discuss the concept of “all-encompassing physicality,” available resources for artists, and the gaps they hope to see filled in the local dance community. Tune in for a rich conversation on what makes the Twin Cities such a unique and inspiring place for dance!

Key Points From This Episode:

·       Listeners are introduced to our three amazing guests: Joanna Lees, Jesse Schmitz-Boyd, and Erinn Liebhard.

·       Their roles in the dance world and what brought them (or kept them) in the Twin Cities.

·       What ‘Twin Cities’ means and how the geography influences the dance scene.

·       How the winter (with its snow and ice) impacts their art and dance-making. 

·       They highlight their experiences leading dance companies in the Twin Cities.

·       We discuss the ins and outs of the audition scene in the Twin Cities.

·       Joanna expands on the concept of “all-encompassing physicality.”

·       Jesse touches on the necessity of moving towards a “niche” in the Twin Cities dance scene.

·       The vibe of the dance community and different dance hubs in the area.

·       They expand on the different resources available in the Twin Cities.

·       The gaps (or downsides): changes and developments they’d love to see. 

·       Each guest expands on what makes their dance life in the Twin Cities special to them. 

Joanna Lees (MFA '20) has been a performer, choreographer, producer, and educator in the Twin Cities since 2008 and is the Co-Founder of the Minneapolis dance company Alternative Motion Project.

Erinn Liebhard is a Twin Cities-based dance educator and the Artistic and Executive Director of Rhythmically Speaking, a Twin Cities-based dance company sparking vibrancy and connectedness through jazz and American social dance ideas.

Jesse Schmitz-Boyd is a Twin Cities-based choreographer, dance artist, and educator, known for his playful, off-kilter movement and thought-provoking work, and the founder of Rogue & Rabble Dance, with extensive collaborations across the local dance scene.

For more on this episode and the Twin Cities artists: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

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