Black Dance Improvisation
Initiative
an experiment pt. II
June 21-22, 2025
Ceder Cultural Center
Minneapolis, MN
Contemporary Experiment
Workshop
April 29 - May 5, 2025
Movement Research
New York, NY
Black Dance Improvisation
Festival 2025
March 28-29, 2025
Mixed Blood Theater
Minneapolis, MN
​Mixed Blood Theatre, Pillsbury House + Theatre, Leslie Parker Dance Project, and the Center for Performing Art co-present Black Dance Improvisation Festival 2025 on March 28 & 29.
BDI Fest 2025 amplifies experimentation, solo dance improvisation, and dynamic storytelling with a powerful cohort of celebrated artists.
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BDI Festival Sponsors
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Black Dance Improvisation
Intensive 2024
June 2024
Minneapolis, MN
See Intensive Schedule for Locations
Leslie Parker Dance Project brings together improvisers in the Twin Cities who practice various models of improvisation globally to participate in three weeks of practice.
The Twin Cities Black Dance Improvisation Intensive 2024 is an extension of CtR methodology centering Black, Native, Indigenous, Artists of Color narratives. The focus is on creatives who are steeped in dance and performance practices to provide more opportunities to deepen awareness in Improvisation.
BDI Intensive 2024 is open to all!
Update: Registration is full and is now at capacity. Drop-ins are welcomed if there is space!
Presented in partnership with:
Black Dance Improvisation Intensive
2024 Workshop Schedule
June 3-6, 2024
TU Dance Center
Saint Paul, MN
Workshop Session with
Ishmael Houston-Jones
June 10-13, 2024
Northrop Dance Studio
Minneapolis, MN
Workshop Session with
Merián Soto
June 17-18, 2024
Barbara Barker Dance Center
Minneapolis, MN
Workshop Session with
Cynthia Oliver
**Note the change in schedule: Cynthia Oliver is facilitating on June 17 & 18 only.
an experiment
with Leslie Parker & Collaborators
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June 22, 2024
Ceder Cultural Center
Minneapolis, MN
The public offering of an experiment is a live collaborative improvisation performance drawing from Blackness in experimental music, storytelling, visual art, and dance.
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Performances by:
Black Dance Improvisation Intensive participants &
Music Collaborative with Michael Wimberly, Farai Malianga, Dameun Strange, and DeCarlo Jackson​
FREE!
Donations accepted
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This is a Twin Cities Jazz Festival event
