July 11, 2019, Thursday - July Beyond the Box (multiple locations)
Time: 12 PM – 1 PM
Locations: See below
Hosted by Minnesota Fringe and Mpls Downtown Improvement District
Join us for 2 free back-to-back performances over the lunchtime hour at the new Theater In The Round Amphitheater on Nicollet Mall directly outside the Minneapolis Central Library.
Thursday, July 11 from 12-1p, featured artists are:
Mentor Ensō Daiko (of TaikoArts Midwest) with live brush painting by Laughing Waters Studio highlighting shared cultural traditions, inspiration, and energetic visual elements.
Mentee Micah Chermak choreographs a new work in partnership with fellow Twin Cities dancers incorporating influences of Butoh, and reflecting on the theme of tribalism.
Learn more about the project and artists at minnesotafringe.org/beyondthebox.
ABOUT MENTOR ENSO DAIKO
Enso Daikō offers loud, energetic performances that combine music, dance, culture, and pure athleticism. The group regularly premieres new work adding their unique voice to the expanding canon and innovation of North American taiko. Through performances, studio classes and school residencies, Ensō Daiko has taught thousands of students of all ages and abilities. Ensō Daiko was founded as Mu Daiko in 1997 by Rick Shiomi. New Artistic Director, Jennifer Weir, renamed it Ensō Daiko in 2017, when TaikoArts Midwest took over the taiko program formerly supported by Theater Mu.
ABOUT MENTEE MICAH CHERMAK
Micah received his MFA from the University of Arizona School of Dance, working as a preceptor and instructor of record for the University. Currently a dancer and choreographer for Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota, Micah has worked across the country dancing and setting works at St. Paul Ballet, PDX Contemporary Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Minnesota Dance Theater, Ballet Tucson, and Portland Opera. Micah earned his BFA in Ballet and BA in Liberal Studies from Friends University in Wichita, KS. Some notable danced works include Balanchine’s 'Serenade' and Anna Marie Holmes’ 'La Vivandiere'. Modern and contemporary work includes Christopher Wheeldon’s 'The American', Jose Limon’s 'The Unsung', and Ohad Naharin’s 'Deca'.
ABOUT BEYOND THE BOX
Beyond the Box is a site-specific performance incubator partnership of nonprofit Vibrant and Safe Downtown, the Mpls Downtown Improvement District, the Minneapolis Central Library & Minnesota Fringe. Nicollet Mall is one of the most diverse gathering spaces in Minneapolis. Using free public performances, these partners catalyze free, cutting edge shared artistic "happenings" for all Minnesotans to enjoy.
Join us for the last 2019 installment of Beyond the Box on August 1st featuring BareBones Puppets.
This project is funded in part by support from the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Culture Heritage Fund.
Cover Photo: May performance by Micah Chermak + Company. Photographer: Richard Andersen.
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