Minnesota’s Rich Ballet History: from Humble Beginnings to Flourishing Scene
The story of ballet in Minnesota isn’t just a chronicle of graceful leaps and pirouettes; it’s a captivating narrative of passion, perseverance, and the enduring power of art. It begins,unexpectedly,with a love story.
According to Georgia Finnegan, founder of saint Paul City Ballet (now St. Paul Ballet) and author of “Grace & Grit: A History of Ballet in minnesota,” the state’s ballet legacy traces back to 1945. This is when Lorand and Anna Adrianova andaházy, two accomplished ballet dancers, relocated to Minnesota, establishing their Russian ballet School above a St. Paul bicycle shop. This humble beginning marked a pivotal moment, laying the foundation for future generations of dancers and companies.
Lorand, a former Hungarian gymnast, traded his athletic pursuits for the art of ballet after witnessing Anna Adrianova’s performance in a Léonide Massine-choreographed ballet in New York City. Their shared passion for dance led them to Minnesota, where they established a school that would later become known as the Andaházy Borealis Ballet School. As Finnegan notes, this school “became the first classical ballet academy in Minnesota that established an enduring legacy.”
Finnegan’s book meticulously chronicles the journey of ballet in Minnesota, highlighting the contributions of numerous dancers and instructors who emigrated from Europe and New York, establishing schools and companies across the state.The narrative reveals a rich tapestry woven from the threads of immigration and a shared love for the art form.
in an interview with MPR News,Finnegan eloquently captured the essence of Minnesota’s ballet scene: “We’re not a flyover country. There’s a lot happening here. Maybe it’s the winter months that help us really expand that culture of spirit that we have. We’re not a flyover dance state at all.”
Minnesota Ballet Companies: A Thriving Present
Today, Minnesota boasts several thriving ballet companies, each contributing to the state’s vibrant arts landscape. These companies offer high-quality performances, pre-professional training, and engaging outreach programs, ensuring the art form continues to flourish and inspire new generations of dancers and audiences.
One notable example is the Minnesota Ballet, founded in 1965 as the Duluth Civic Ballet. With a history spanning over 55 years, this company has grown into a touring ensemble, showcasing both classic and contemporary works to audiences across the Midwest. Their commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement solidifies their position as a cornerstone of Minnesota’s cultural heritage.
Another significant contributor is Ballet minnesota, established in 1990 as a non-profit institution. Their dedication to youth outreach, evident in their Youth Concert Series launched in 1992, ensures the future of ballet in the state remains luminous.
From its humble beginnings in a St. Paul bicycle shop to its current status as a thriving art form, the story of Minnesota ballet is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the enduring appeal of classical dance. It’s a story that continues to unfold,captivating audiences and inspiring future generations of dancers.
Minnesota’s Dance Scene Faces Funding Crisis
Minnesota’s vibrant dance community, boasting hundreds of schools offering diverse styles from ballet to jazz and tap, is facing a significant challenge.The post-pandemic landscape has brought financial hardship, mirroring similar struggles faced by arts organizations across the United States.
The breadth of dance styles available in Minnesota is noteworthy. As one expert noted, “I think that’s a true statement to say of Minnesota — we’re not just stuck on one part of dance, but there’s a realization and thankfulness for dance, and its multi-discipline areas,” highlighting the state’s commitment to a diverse range of dance forms. This mirrors the national trend of increasing accessibility and diversity within the American dance world.
However, the past four years have presented significant hurdles. the decline in corporate sponsorships has created a financial squeeze for many dance companies,a problem echoed in the broader U.S. arts sector where funding cuts have become increasingly common. this mirrors the challenges faced by many non-profit organizations reliant on corporate philanthropy.
The impact is stark. The Cowles Center,a prominent venue,closed its doors in February. The Minnesota Dance Theater concluded its company performances earlier this year, though its school remains open. Adding to the difficulties, the James Sewell Ballet recently announced it will cease operations in March 2025.These closures highlight the fragility of the arts in the face of economic pressures.
The financial strain is widespread. “Donorship is down, not just donorship from the three (corporate) giants as I call them, but donorship from people,” explains a source familiar with the situation. “We all have experienced some kind of a setback, I think.” This sentiment reflects the broader economic challenges impacting individual donations to arts organizations nationwide.
The situation in Minnesota serves as a microcosm of the challenges facing the American arts sector.The decline in funding, both corporate and individual, underscores the need for innovative solutions and increased support to ensure the survival of these vital cultural institutions. The future of dance in Minnesota, and indeed across the nation, hinges on addressing these critical funding issues.
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Economy Forces Minnesota Ballet Companies too Dance to a New Tune.
Minnesota’s rich ballet history is currently facing a critical juncture; a confluence of economic pressures are impacting funding for its beloved dance companies, jeopardizing the future of this treasured art form.
Wendy Turner, Senior Editor of
world-today-news.com, speaks with Dr. Annelise Bergeron, a leading researcher on arts management and philanthropy at the University of Minnesota, about the challenges facing Minnesota ballet and potential solutions.
The Tightrope Walk Alone
Wendy Turner: Dr. Bergeron, thank you for joining us. This seemed like a particularly difficult time for arts organizations, especially ballet companies.
dr. Annelise Bergeron: Thank you for having me, Wendy. You’re right, many Minnesota ballet companies are facing incredibly tough times.
The economic downturn post-pandemic has hit arts nonprofits especially hard. Ticket sales are down, individual donations have shrunk, and corporate sponsorship is pulling back.
Ballet, in particular, is expensive to produce. You have dancers to pay,elaborate costumes,sets,and the costs associated with putting on professional-level performances.
Many companies are having to make difficult choices: reducing performance schedules, cutting educational outreach programs, or even laying off staff. These are all detrimental not only to the ballet companies themselves, but to the cultural landscape of Minnesota.
A Legacy Worth Preserving
Wendy Turner: Tell us about the history of ballet in Minnesota. It truly seems to have a very strong foundation.
Dr. annelise Bergeron: Absolutely. Minnesota has a surprisingly rich ballet history. From the Andaházy Borealis Ballet School founded by Lorand and Anna Adrianova in 1945 to the Minnesota Ballet, established in 1965, the state has long nurtured a passion for this artform.
There’s a real sense of community among Minnesota’s dancers and ballet lovers. Virginia made a point of highlighting that “We’re not a flyover country. There’s a lot happening here.”
And it’s true! We have vibrant companies like Ballet Minnesota and the Minnesota Ballet, dedicated to bringing
high-quality ballet performances to diverse audiences.
Wendy Turner: So, what can be done? How can we ensure this legacy continues?
Dr.Annelise Bergeron: this is the critical question, Wendy.
First, we need increased awareness of the funding crisis
facing ballet companies. People may not realize how dire the situation has become.
Second,fostering a culture of individual giving
is crucial.Even small donations can make a big difference.
businesses can step up as well, recognizing the value that art and culture bring to a community.
Explore creative funding models:
This might involve partnering with local businesses, crowdfunding campaigns, or grant writing initiatives specifically targeting the arts.
advocating for increased public funding for the arts at both the state and local levels is essential.
A Dance Sustained
Wendy Turner: Dr. Bergeron, it truly seems there’s a lot to be done, but also a clear sense of optimism.
Dr. Annelise Bergeron: Absolutely, Wendy.We can’t let Minnesota’s vibrant ballet scene fade away. There’s too much at stake—the artistry, the cultural heritage, and the inspiration that ballet brings to our lives.
By working together, we can ensure that ballet companies in Minnesota thrive for generations to come.
