Tap, Transcending: The 7th Annual Twin Cities Tap Festival Expands Notions of the Dance Form

Via a recent e-announcement:

Jumaane Taylor by Christopher Duggan

The Twin Cities Tap Festival  is co-presented by The Cowles Center and Northrop

The Twin Cities Tap Festival (TCTF) returns to The Cowles Center from October 21 – 23 to shine a spotlight on the ever-changing art of tap dance. This year’s Showcase (October 21) and Concerts (October 22 & 23) bring the best local and national tap artists to stage. The TCTF Concerts feature Jumaane Taylor and Max Pollak who each explore narratives led by music—the former with John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme and the latter combining percussive dance, singing and Afro-Cuban body percussion. In-person and livestream tickets range from $20-$35.

“It’s an honor to be able to share the Twin Cities Tap Festival from the Goodale Stage again this year,” shares Joseph Bingham, Co-director of The Cowles Center, “Not only are we excited to showcase the festival’s talent and a fresh partnership with Northrop, but it feels like a hopeful return to something even better than ‘normal.’”

The TCTF Showcase kicks off the festival on Thursday, October 21 from 7:30 – 9:30 PM. It will feature phenomenal local emerging tap artists, including this year’s Elite Tap Feet (a troupe of teen dancers). 

The TCTF Concerts take place on Friday, October 22 and Saturday, October 23, also from 7:30 – 9:30 PM. Artists featured include national artists Jumaane Taylor, Max Pollak, Ian Berg, Star Dixon, and Donnetta “LilBit” Jackson along with local tap artists. Jumaane Taylor’s work, Supreme Love, honors the John Coltrane album “A Love Supreme” and displays the spiritual, artistic and historical values that infuse human life, using a symbol of nature to transcend hope. Max Pollak will perform unaccompanied for his solo work All in One that outlines his artistic evolution and creates music only using the artist’s body. 

The Showcase and Concerts are available in-person and via livestream. Learn more and purchase tickets at thecowlescenter.org/TCTF21.

HEALTH & SAFETY AT THE COWLES CENTER

Masks are required at all times in The Cowles Center’s hallways, common/shared spaces, and theaters. Anyone attending an event or performance in our theaters (the Goodale Theater & TEK BOX) will need to show proof of a full course of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to entry. 

We respectfully ask that anyone who is feeling ill or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to please stay home. Please visit thecowlescenter.org/visit to review our full health & safety information.

ABOUT TWIN CITIES TAP FESTIVAL

The Twin Cities Tap Festival celebrates the incredible breadth, depth, and artistry of the ever-evolving American art of tap dance. The Festival provides opportunities for dancers of all ages and abilities to participate in classes, workshops, and performances all centered around enhancing technique, expanding creativity, and experiencing this uniquely American art form. We aim to foster learning, inspiration, and innovation as well as provide a venue to showcase tap artists, companies, and choreographers.

ABOUT NORTHROP

Rooted in the belief that the arts are essential to the human experience, Northop is committed to cultivating intersections between performing arts and education for the benefit of all participants now and for generations to come.

ABOUT THE COWLES CENTER

The Cowles Center is a dance and performing arts hub that promotes movement and growth for artists through supportive programs and spaces; engages audiences through dynamic performances; and educates learners of all ages through robust and inclusive education initiatives.

Small Business Spotlight: Studio ME Fitness

Article by Becky Fillinger

Megan CooperAnother ribbon cutting – this time for a grand reopening in a new location! Studio ME Fitness officially opens their new location at Nordhaus, 305 1st Avenue NE, 11:30 AM on October 6th. We spoke to owner, Megan Cooper, about the concept of the business and the different ways to become healthier under her studio’s care.

Q:  Please tell us about the concept for Studio ME Fitness.  

A:  At Studio ME Fitness we know that everyone's journey is unique and your training should be too. Whether you are in our small group or private 1-on-1 training programs, you will receive the structure, accountability, personalized attention and custom training program you need to finally get results and live your best life. You'll never get lost in the crowd or wonder what to do. You will have a dedicated coach with you every step of the way. We opened in 2014, and are celebrating relocating and 7 years in business on October 6th.

Q:  You had many career years as a nonprofit executive. What was the catalyst to leave that to open your fitness business?

A:  I was active my entire life - a tri-sport athlete in high school and played D2 collegiate tennis. Once college was over, I really missed the team aspect and structure that came with it. As I started my career in the health field, something was missing. I started moving up the corporate ladder and stress started to get the best of me, so I found a small studio that re-ignited my passion for exercise and moving my body. Fitness then became my outlet when my older sister was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer, at 26 years old. In order for me to be able to show up for my family the way they needed me, I needed to take care of myself. That's when I realized the power of fitness and having a fitness family. That one hour I could spend not thinking about my sister and the possible outcome, was an hour that let me relax, relieve stress, and be me. I soon started teaching group fitness classes and starting filling my resume with every certification I could. I started to see a huge gap in the fitness scene in Minneapolis and that's when Studio ME was born. We opened our doors in the Historic St Anthony Main building in October 2014. 

It really started as a hobby with a dream to make it a full-time job. I was still working at Be The Match at the time. Balancing both running a business and being in a strategic position at the nonprofit was challenging. After two years of doing both and burning the candle at both ends, I finally decided it was time to take the leap and go all in on what I knew Studio ME could become.

COVID-19 has forced us to think outside the box and pivot our business model, which led us to relocate to the NordHaus retail space - a move that happened probably 2-3 years prior to our plans. We knew we had to change and it forced us to look hard at how we best serve our clients. Staying in our old space was no longer who we were or where we wanted to go.

Q:  Will you offer opening promotions?

A:  Yes! We have three promotions: 

The ELITE 10 program

- Pay in full for 6 months and get 1 month of training free. 

- Pay in full for 12 months and get two free months of training. 

- BOGO 1/2 of our ME12 Transformation program: 12 weeks of 5 days/week of training + plus a two-phased nutrition program.

Q:  What do you want Mill City Times readers to know about your small business?

A:  We aren't just another gym or place to work out. We are a community. That's what our space and membership is all about. We want to help people live their best lives. It's not about a number on the scale or how much you can lift. It's about getting stronger, getting out of pain, loving yourself, and living your best life. We sit down with you, learn your goals, and make a plan to achieve them - together! We offer programs:

1. Private Training - For those just getting back into fitness, maybe have some injuries or restrictions, have a specific goal in mind, or just like the 1-on-1 attention.

2. Semi-Private - For those who like to work out in a group but have specific goals or needs.

3. Small Group Training - For those that need the energy from a group and are looking for more structured group workouts. This person likely doesn’t have any restrictions or limitations and is looking to get back into fitness safely.

4. ME12 - 12-week transformation program that is guaranteed to transform your body and get you results. 

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  We hope to see you at the ribbon cutting! Then, please do follow us at studiomefitness.com, Facebook, Instagram or our Blog.

September 2021 by the Numbers from Cynthia Froid Group

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Overview

Via an October 1 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department will be constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis. This project is anticipated to be completed in Summer of 2023.

The new tunnel will be constructed parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Ave S between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. The existing tunnel under Chicago Ave between Washington Ave S and the Mississippi River will be expanded to handle the increased stormwater capacity. The purpose of this project is to reduce pressure in the existing tunnel, provide more room for future growth, and to reduce the need for future repairs and tunnel failures.

Latest project news

• The east lane of 4th Ave S between 3rd St S and Washington Ave will be temporarily closed starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, October 4. This closure is needed to install a temporary dewatering well. This work is anticipated to take 2-3 weeks to complete.
  • The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S will be temporarily closed while the well is being installed. Pedestrians will be able to use the sidewalk on the west side of 4th Ave S. 
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 4th Ave intersection will remain open. 
  • Access to driveways off 4th Ave S will remain open. There may be short-term delays while crews move equipment and materials around the area. 
    
    
• There will be an overnight closure of 2nd Ave S between Washington Ave and 2nd St from 7 p.m. Thursday, October 7 to 6 a.m. Friday, October 8. This closure is needed to lay pipe across the road. Access to properties off 2nd Ave S will be maintained. 
  • The week of October 11, traffic on 2nd Ave S will switch to a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Avenue and 1st St S. 
  • Access to driveways off 2nd Ave S will remain open. There may be short-term access delays while switching traffic.
    
    
• Work will soon begin near the Washington Ave and Hennepin Ave intersection. Starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, October 4, the north sidewalk along Washington Ave will be closed between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall. The contractor will be utilizing an existing shaft to perform work for connecting the existing tunnel to the new tunnel. This sidewalk will reopen in spring 2022. 
  • During this work, pedestrians will share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  • The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave will remain open.
    
    
• Work continues at the Mississippi River portal site. Crews are working on removing a retaining wall in preparation of the excavation work that will begin in mid-October.
  • The parking lot off Portland Ave east of the Stone Arch Bridge, near the Mill Ruins Park, is temporarily closed for winter and will reopen Spring 2022. This closure is necessary to complete the work in this area safely and efficiently. 
  • The parking lot near Portland Ave and W River Pkwy remains open.
    
    
• Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.
  
  
• Schedule is tentative and subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Stay connected

There are multiple ways to get information including email updates and ongoing stakeholder meetings. Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates:

https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/central-city-tunnel/

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

Immersive Van Gogh Artist in Residence: Jeff Gauss

Article and photos by Becky Fillinger

You’ve seen the Facebook posts from friends who have visited the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit in Minneapolis. You’ve read the news stories about how the exhibit induces a sense of tranquility and is stunningly beautiful. Don’t stop reading – there’s more!

Jeff Gauss, Artist in Residence for Immersive Van Gogh Minneapolis

The Immersive Van Gogh program sponsors Artists in Residence at their installations. So far, they have awarded 21 residencies in four cities (San Francisco, Charlotte, New York and Minneapolis), and are launching the program in Las Vegas and Cleveland in the coming weeks with two additional artists – a total of 23 artists to date.  

Jeff Gauss is the first Artist in Residence for Immersive Van Gogh Minneapolis. I met with Jeff to discuss what the selection has meant for him.

Q:  You’ve been a professional artist for over 25 years. How many pieces have you produced? 

A:  At this point, it is somewhere in the neighborhood of 59,700 magnetic pieces, micro-doodling drawings and paintings. In addition to producing art, I’ve also taught art classes and workshops throughout my career.

Multidimensional magnets

Micro-doodling

Q:  What has it meant to you to be chosen as the first Artist in Residence at the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit?

A:  It has truly given me a rebirth. The last two years have been difficult - my mom died of Alzheimer’s disease, I lost my house, and the building where my studio was based was looted during the Uptown unrest.  This opportunity has allowed me to be in front of people again doing what I love – creating art. Van Gogh suffered from depression too. I have not experienced the levels I imagine he did – I haven’t tried absinthe! – but I can still relate. I so enjoy being around people every day who love art and appreciate what he created.  This opportunity has also allowed me to show my art to children again. When the pandemic began, I got my CDL license to drive school busses – I loved being around children that much. Then the schools shut down.  Children understand that art can be tactile more than adults. My magnetic art is multidimensional – I really like it when children call their parent’s back to appreciate something they walked by without noticing. The designation as artist in residence validates my work as an artist. 

Q:  What’s next for you?

A:  So many things are on the horizon for me – I need to move my store and studio, prepare for the holiday season and next summer’s shows. I have two children’s books I’m working on at this time. I have started streaming my creative work at the suggestion of exhibit attendees. One of my TikTok videos went viral! I’m also interested in NFTs – non-fungible tokens. Could my magnetic art be an NFT? Or a functioning token?  I’m also preparing for ArtPrize 2022. And I want to teach so many classes!  

Q:  How many we follow your news? 

A:  Many social media channels - Personal Facebook and Business Facebook, TikTok,  Instagram and Twitter – follow me!

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Know someone who might like to be the next artist in residence? Immersive Van Gogh is accepting additional applications through October:  https://lighthouseimmersive.slideroom.com/#/login/program/61210.