Details announced about DRC’s 40th anniversary concert

The Dance Repertory Company’s 40th anniversary concert, planned for 7:30 p.m. April 25 and 3 p.m. April 26, will celebrate both the history and the future of the school through the re-staging of past repertory and new choreography by MCA alums.

Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

On April 25, a reunion reception will be held at Green Mill Restaurant from 9:30 p.m. until midnight, following the evening’s performance. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, beverages and desserts (with a cash bar) while catching up with old friends and making new ones. RSVP online at www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org.

On April 26, a continental breakfast will be offered from 9 to 10:30 p.m. at the Valéncia Arts Center. Take a tour of the center, exploring the Stefannié Valéncia Kierlin memorial museum from 9 a.m to noon. A creative music and movement workshop for children ages 3 to 6 will run from 10 to 11 a.m. An adult workshop, including ballet barre for those 15 and older, will run from 10 to 10:45 a.m. (with Tammy Schmidt) followed by modern/improvisation from 10:45 a.m. to noon (with Maria Breza and Megan Jenkins). Space is limited; RSVP online.

40th anniversary of DRC

Save the date for a spring concert April 25-26 celebrating the 40th year of dance at the Dance Repertory Company of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts.

The events are planned for 7:30 p.m. April 25 and 3 p.m. April 26 at Page Theatre.

A reunion reception will be held following the April 25 performance, from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. Free breakfast and tours will be offered at the Valéncia Arts Center the morning of April 26. Reconnect with fellow dancers and alumni. A free adult and children’s dance workshop will be held the morning of April 26 at Valéncia Arts Center. Commemorative pieces and memorabilia will be sold to benefit the scholarship fund.

Dance Repertory Company to present fall dance recital

The Dance Repertory Company II, the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts’ youth performing ensemble, will present its fall dance recital 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6, and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Valéncia Arts Center Academy Theatre, 1164 W. 10th St.

In addition to classes, a large portion of the learning experience for all MCA students is performing. Come support these talented students and choreographers. Dance forms included are tap, jazz, hip hop, and ballet with the second half of the concert highlighting the upper-level students. No reservations are needed; ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and students, with children younger than 18 admitted for free.

For more information, e-mail mca@smumn.edu; visit them on Facebook or Twitter or call 453-5500.

Dance Repertory Company to present annual spring concert

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts’ Dance Repertory Company’s annual spring concert, Juxtapose, will be held 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, and 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27, in Page Theatre.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens and are available at www.pagetheatre.org or by calling the box office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Ext. 1715.

The DRC is the pre-professional performance group of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. Company members participate in rehearsals, technique classes, and stage performances.  

This production will feature pieces from numerous genres of dance including hip hop, modern, jazz, tap, contemporary ballet and pointe. The theme is “collaboration” — with each piece incorporating another aspect of the arts from live music to multi-media, and much more.

These dancers currently train at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, Saint Mary’s University, and Winona State University. Juxtapose showcases their effervescent spirit, vibrant energy, and technical and artistic abilities that continue to inspire audiences year after year.

For more information, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu or call 453-5500.

Dance Repertory Company to present annual spring concert

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts’ Dance Repertory Company’s annual spring concert, Juxtapose, will be held 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, and 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27, in Page Theatre.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens and are available at www.pagetheatre.org or by calling the box office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Ext. 1715.

The DRC is the pre-professional performance group of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. Company members participate in rehearsals, technique classes, and stage performances.  

This production will feature pieces from numerous genres of dance including hip hop, modern, jazz, tap, contemporary ballet and pointe. The theme is “collaboration” — with each piece incorporating another aspect of the arts from live music to multi-media, and much more!

These dancers currently train at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, Saint Mary’s University, and Winona State University. Juxtapose showcases their effervescent spirit, vibrant energy, and technical and artistic abilities that continue to inspire audiences year after year.

For more information, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu or call 453-5500.

Dance Repertory Company to present annual spring concert

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts’ Dance Repertory Company’s annual spring concert, Juxtapose, will be held 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, and 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27, in Page Theatre.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens and are available at www.pagetheatre.org or by calling the box office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Ext. 1715.

For close to four decades, the Dance Repertory Company has delighted the Winona community with quality dance productions featuring local dancers in classical and contemporary works. The DRC is the pre-professional performance group of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. Company members participate in rehearsals, technique classes, and stage performances.  

This production will feature pieces from numerous genres of dance including hip hop, modern, jazz, tap, contemporary ballet and pointe. The theme is “collaboration” — with each piece incorporating another aspect of the arts from live music to multi-media, and much more!

These dancers currently train at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, Saint Mary’s University, and Winona State University. Juxtapose showcases their effervescent spirit, vibrant energy, and technical and artistic abilities that continue to inspire audiences year after year.

For more information, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu or call 453-5500.

Dance Repertory Company to present annual spring concert

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts’ Dance Repertory Company’s annual spring concert, Juxtapose, will be held 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, and 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27, in Page Theatre.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens and are available at www.pagetheatre.org or by calling the box office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Ext. 1715.

For close to four decades, the Dance Repertory Company has delighted the Winona community with quality dance productions featuring local dancers in classical and contemporary works. This year the DRC presents a production centered on collaboration with the arts. The DRC is the pre-professional performance group of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. Company members participate in rehearsals, technique classes, and stage performances.  

This production will feature pieces from numerous genres of dance including hip hop, modern, jazz, tap, contemporary ballet and pointe. The theme is “collaboration” — with each piece incorporating another aspect of the arts from live music to multi-media, and much more!

These dancers currently train at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, Saint Mary’s University, and Winona State University. Juxtapose showcases their effervescent spirit, vibrant energy, and technical and artistic abilities that continue to inspire audiences year after year.

For more information about the Dance Repertory Company and other arts programming at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu or call 453-5500.

MCA jazz combos to perform

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts jazz combos will perform at the Acoustic Cafe, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20. Check out this young talent!

MCA announces 2013 DRC spring concert auditions

Auditions for the Dance Repertory Company of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will be Saturday, Jan. 19, at 2 p.m. at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 W. 10th St.

The DRC will present its annual Spring Dance Concert April 25-27 at Page Theatre. Roles for male and female intermediate and advanced dancers in rhythm, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, and classical/contemporary ballet and pointe are available for age 12 through adults. Younger students can participate by invitation only. Students under the age of 21 who are cast are required to be enrolled in at least one dance class at MCA, Saint Mary’s, or Winona State. A $75 performance fee is required.

For more information, contact MCA director of dance Tammy Schmidt at tschmidt@smumn.edu or call 453-5500.

MCA announces 2013 DRC spring concert auditions

Auditions for the Dance Repertory Company of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will be Saturday, Jan. 19, at 2 p.m. at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 W. 10th St.

The DRC will present its annual Spring Dance Concert April 25-27 at Page Theatre. Roles for male and female intermediate and advanced dancers in rhythm, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, and classical/contemporary ballet and pointe are available for age 12 through adults. Younger students can participate by invitation only. Students under the age of 21 who are cast are required to be enrolled in at least one dance class at MCA, Saint Mary’s, or Winona State. A $75 performance fee is required.

This spring’s production will be a collaborative process, the focus being the incorporation of the visual and performing arts into all aspects of choreography.

For more information, contact MCA director of dance Tammy Schmidt at tschmidt@smumn.edu or call 453-5500.

Dance Repertory Company presents ‘The Nutcracker’

The Department of Theatre and Dance and the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) will present the Dance Repertory Company in “The Nutcracker,” today through Sunday, Dec. 2 in Page Theatre.

This year marks the company’s seventh biennial production of the piece and features a special choral performance by MCA’s Winona Area Youth Singers at the conclusion of Act I in the Land of Snow.

The cast includes more than 90 members, comprised of students from Saint Mary’s University, Winona State University, MCA and children and community members from Winona and the surrounding areas.

“The Nutcracker” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. today, Friday,  Nov. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 1, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.

To order tickets, call the Saint Mary’s Box Office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at Ext. 1715 or visit www.pagetheatre.org.

DRC presents ‘Le Corsaire’ April 27, 28

The Saint Mary’s 2011-2012 performance season concludes with the Dance Repertory Company in “Le Corsaire,” today and Saturday, April 27-28, at Page Theatre.

For close to four decades, the Dance Repertory Company has delighted the Winona community with quality dance productions featuring local dancers in classical and contemporary works.

“Le Corsaire,” loosely based on a poem by Lord Byron, follows Medora, a beautiful slave girl, and Conrad, a dashing pirate, as they journey through a tapestry of captive maidens, rich sultans, swashbuckling abductions, and dramatic rescues, all culminating in a happy ending. Originally choreographed by Marius Petipa to music by Adolfe Adam, the ballet continues to delight audiences more than 150 years after its premiere.

Under the artistic direction of Tammy Schmidt, the DRC’s production features dancers who currently train at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts and Saint Mary’s, as well as community members. Dr. Gary Diomandes, Department of Theatre and Dance, is one of the performers.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 27, and 3 p.m. Saturday, April 28.

Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. Tickets are available at www.pagetheatre.org or by calling the SMU Performance Center at Ext. 1715.

For more information, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu or call Ext. 5500. The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s.

Family Pirate Party planned for March 24 at Valéncia

The Dance Repertory Company of Saint Mary’s Conservatory for the Arts is throwing a “Pirate Party,” Saturday, March 24, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

This family event offers swashbuckling fun for all ages! Games and activities will include walking the plank, a treasure hunt, pin-the-eye-patch on the pirate, cupcake decorating, and a best pirate costume contest. Prizes will be provided to all children who attend.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students, or $20 for an entire family. Cash or check only will be accepted at the door. All proceeds will support the Dance Repertory Company’s Spring production of “Le Corsaire” (the pirate ballet). The Dance Repertory Company will present “Le Corsaire” April 27-28 at the SMU Page Theatre.

For more information about the “Pirate Party,” call the Valéncia Arts Center at Ext. 5500.

Family Pirate Party planned for March 24 at Valéncia

The Dance Repertory Company of Saint Mary’s Conservatory for the Arts is throwing a “Pirate Party,” Saturday, March 24, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

This family event offers swashbuckling fun for all ages! Games and activities will include walking the plank, a treasure hunt, pin-the-eye-patch on the pirate, cupcake decorating, and a best pirate costume contest. Prizes will be provided to all children who attend.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students, or $20 for an entire family. Cash or check only will be accepted at the door. All proceeds will support the Dance Repertory Company’s Spring production of “Le Corsaire” (the pirate ballet).

The Dance Repertory Company will present “Le Corsaire” April 27-28 at the SMU Page Theatre. The ballet “Le Corsaire,” loosely based on a poem by Lord Byron, follows Medora, a beautiful slave girl, and Conrad, a dashing pirate, as they journey through a tapestry of captive maidens, rich sultans, swashbuckling abductions, and dramatic rescues — all culminating in a happy ending. For tickets to the ballet, visit www.pagetheatre.org or call Ext. 1715.

For more information about the “Pirate Party,” call the Valéncia Arts Center at Ext. 5500.

Dance Repertory Company II auditions are Sept. 17

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will conduct auditions for the Dance Repertory Company II winter concert, at noon Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

Auditions are open to beginning- and intermediate-level dance students ages 5 to 13. Boys and girls will be cast in concert dance pieces in one or more of the following genres: classical ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and modern dance.

Parents are asked to accompany children to the audition, bring a photo of their child, and planning calendars. Auditioning students should wear proper dance attire.

The DRC II will present winter concerts, Dec. 2-3, 2011 at the Valéncia Arts Center Academy Theatre. The concert will feature the DRC II members who train at MCA, as well as the MCA high school and college students in their choreographic debuts, presenting their own works as part of their semester-long choreography class.

Dance Repertory Company and the DRC II are the youth performing troupes of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. Company members participate in rehearsals, technique classes (starting Sept. 12, 2011) and stage performances. Past productions of the company include: The Firebird, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Paquita, Cinderella, Excerpts from Swan Lake, Cinderella, Youth In Motion, Tappin' to Connick, Pure Entertainment, Dance Mosaic, and An Evening with Benny Goodman, among others.

For more information about the DRC II or other programs offered at MCA, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu or call Ext. 5500.

Dance Repertory Company to present spring concert

The 2010-2011 Saint Mary’s performance season will conclude with the Dance Repertory Company’s annual spring concert, “Dance Mosaic,” Friday and Saturday, April 29 and 30.

The events, which are scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. April 29 and 3 p.m. April 30, will be held in Page Theater.

In honor of National Dance Week, these performances will feature five works including “A Tender Age,” a contemporary ballet about the coming of age of young women; “Summer Sons,” a tap piece with live jazz music accompaniment; “In Flux,” a student-choreographed piece from which an excerpt represented the university at this year’s American College Dance Festival; “Having/Making/Taking,” a modern work that explores the relationship between people and time; and “Love It!,” a jazz piece set to the music of Lyle Lovett.

For close to four decades, the Dance Repertory Company has provided the Winona community with quality dance productions featuring local dancers in classical and contemporary works. This year, the DRC presents contemporary ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance.

Performed by the dancers who currently train at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts and Saint Mary’s University, “Dance Mosaic,” will showcase their effervescent spirit, vibrant energy, and technical and artistic abilities.

The company’s artistic director, Tammy Schmidt, as well as Heidi Draskoci-Johnson, Lydia Feuerhelm, Christine Martin, and guest artist Tony Smith of Houston, Texas, choreographed this year’s concert.

Cast members in “Dance Mosaic” include: Dot Armstrong, Caroline Bartz, Jarod Boltjes, Jack Bryant, Mary Doctor, Keegan Eide, Lydia Feuerhelm, Anne Flicek, Courtney Klein, Bryony Livesey, Cory Meier, Joanna Mills, Bryan Moore, Colette Penic, Danielle Schleich, Adelle Vietor, Kaitlyn Vietor, Hannah Virlee, Danielle Weir and Anna Wolner.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or by calling the box office at Ext. 1715 Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Dance Repertory Company is the pre-professional performance group of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. Company members participate in rehearsals, technique classes and stage performances.

This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008.

For more information, e-mail mca@smumn.edu or call Ext. 5500. The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s.

Dance Repertory Company presents The Nutcracker

The Department of Theatre and Dance and the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will present the Dance Repertory Company in The Nutcracker, tonight through Sunday, Dec. 3-5.

The production will take place in Page Theatre.

This year marks the company’s sixth biennial production of the piece and features a special choral performance by MCA’s Winona Area Youth Singers at the conclusion of Act I in the Land of Snow.

The cast includes 80 members, comprised of students from Saint Mary’s, Winona State and children and community members from Winona and the surrounding areas.

Through this ballet the beauty of the pure, young heart shines bright in a world of dancing dolls, angels, and of course, the wonderful, magical Nutcracker Prince. In the dreams of a child named Clara, a battle wages between a band of mice and a company of toy soldiers. With Clara’s assistance, the toy soldiers are victorious and grateful. A Nutcracker Prince welcomes her to the Land of Snow where they dance with the angels, and to the Kingdom of the Sweets hosted by the Sugar Plum Fairy, where she sees a beautiful array of ethnic dances such as Spanish Coffee, Chinese Tea and Russian Baba.

The Nutcracker will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 4, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5. Page Theatre admits children ages 3 and older to this family event.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. To order tickets, call the Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit www.pagetheatre.org.

Dance Repertory Company spring concert April 23-24

The Dance Repertory Company’s performance season will conclude with a recital titled “An Evening with Benny Goodman,” at Saint Mary’s University. This performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 23, and at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 24, in Page Theatre, located in the SMU Performance Center.

For more than three decades, the Dance Repertory Company has delighted the Winona community with quality dance productions featuring local dancers in classical and contemporary works. This year, the DRC presents contemporary dance to the timeless music of Benny Goodman.

Heidi Draskoci-Johnson, Christine Martin, Andrea Mirenda, Juliana Piscitiello and the company’s artistic director, Tammy Schmidt, choreographed this year’s concert featuring tap, jazz, contemporary ballet, swing and modern dance.

“This year marks the 10th anniversary of “The Goodman Suite” and as our nation celebrates Benny Goodman’s 100th birthday as well as national dance week, this concert is the perfect way to spend an evening at the Page,” said Christine Martin, production coordinator.

The dancers of this performance currently train at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts and at Saint Mary’s University. Cast members include: Dot Armstrong, Jarod Boltjes, Lauren Callahan, Jennifer Cambio, Fallon Devine, Genna Draskoci-Johnson, Keegan Eide, Lydia Feuerhelm, Jami Fonfara, Annie Garrigan, Charlotte Hardick, Caitlin Kaman, Kate Larson, Justine Meinke, Joanna Mills, Bryan Moore, Rachael Moore, Laura-Leigh Newton, Jocelyn Olson, Colette Penic, Matt Polum, Miranda Ruben, Danielle Schleich, Laura Schleich, Natalie Schleich, Claire Smart, Brian Smith, Phil Soulides, Danny Spiess, Eldon Vaselaar, Adelle Vietor, Kaitlyn Vietor, Nicole Volner, Calli Jo Wagner and Anna Wolner.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. The Page Theatre will admit children ages 5 and older to the April 23 evening performance. The April 24 afternoon performance is considered a family event and children ages 2 and older are welcome. At this time the Page Theatre/SMU Performance Center facilities and programs are not equipped to serve the needs of infants. Tickets are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or by calling the SMU Performance Center at (507) 457-1715 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

Dance Repertory Company to perform April 23-24

The Dance Repertory Company will perform Friday, April 23, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 24, at 3 p.m. in honor of Benny Goodman’s recent 100th birthday celebration.

This year’s concert, which will be held in Page Theatre, will feature The Goodman Suite, members of which are all full of youthful, spirited and promising talent. The Dance Repertory Company will present contemporary ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance all set to the swingin’ music of Benny Goodman.

The Goodman Suite, debuted by the DRC in the Spring of 2000, features works to Goodman’s “Bugle Call,” “Christopher Columbus” and “Sing, Sing, Sing.” This year’s concert will present these restaged works as well as feature new choreography by the company’s artistic staff.

Tickets are $10, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Dance Repertory Company presents winter showcase

Dance Repertory Company II performers and young choreographers will present Winter Dance Showcase 2009, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5.

Audiences can enjoy performances at 6 p.m. today, Friday, Dec. 4, and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in the Valéncia Arts Center Academy Theatre, located at 1164 West 10th St.

Dance Repertory Company II is the junior performing troupe of Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA). Students ages 5 to 12 will perform classical ballet, jazz and modern dance. These young students auditioned last September for the showcase and have been participating in weekly technique classes and rehearsals.

The performance will also include original works by the MCA and Saint Mary’s young choreographers. These high school and college students participated in choreography and dance composition courses throughout the semester.

Young choreographers presenting works include: Dot Armstrong, Abby Ayotte, Fallon Devine, Lydia Feuerhelm, Joanna Mills, Sarah Mills, Bryan Moore and Adelle Vietor. DRC II cast members include: Colin Cada, Lauren Callahan, Walker Crum, Gwendolyn Gray-Burlingame, Cooper Hancock, Phoebe Kropuenske, Megan Lynch, Alec Meinke, Hayden Meinke, Justine Meinke, Laura Schleich, Natalie Schleich, Olivia Schlesser, Maren Stewart, Emily Strom, Anna Velikanova, Calli Jo Wagner and Emmalena Williamson.

Tickets are $10 for adults. Admission for children and students ages 2-21 is free. To reserve tickets, call 453-5500. Seating is limited. For more information, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org. For more information about the SMU dance minor program, visit www.smumn.edu/danceminor.