The Walker Art Center’s Choreographers’ Evening, the ever-popular showcase of contemporary Minnesota dance, is back, bigger and wilder than ever, for its 33rd year on Saturday, November 26, at 7 and 9:30 pm. Emerging, mid-career, and established choreographers from around the region unveil their latest works and passions in what is sure to be another memorable sampler of dance in all styles. For the first time, Minnesota dance artists get to spread out fully, using the exceptional stage capabilities of the Walker’s new William and Nadine McGuire Theater. Curated by Mathew Janczewski, one of Minnesota’s leading dancer/choreographers and the director of ARENA Dances, this year’s show features: Maggie Bergeron, Melissa Brown, BodyCartography, Carl Flink, Penelope Freeh, Robert Haarman, Sara Jacobs, Paula Mann, Megan Mayer and Jaime Carrera, Rita Mustaphi, Kelly Radermacher, Chris Schlichting, Karen Sherman, and Edna Stevens.
Mathew Janczewski is a Chicago native who began his early dance training at DanceCenter North. At age 19, he moved to the Twin Cities and began his training at the University of Minnesota. There he performed the works of Doug Varone, Bill T. Jones, Mark Morris, Bebe Miller, Merce Cunningham, and others. He received his BFA in Dance in 1994. He has danced with a variety of Minnesota choreographers, including Beth Corning, Shawn McConneloug, Robin Stiehm, and Cathy Young. He was a company member of both Shapiro & Smith Dance and JAZZDANCE! by Danny Buraczeski for five years.
Since 1992, Mathew has choreographed more than 30 contemporary works. His continued studies of ballet, tap, hip-hop, yoga, tai-chi, and modern dance continue to influence his movement style. Most recently he has choreographed musical theater for the original play Century Ballroom by Theater Latte Da and for the Jon Hassler Theater’s production and the World Goes ‘Round based on the songs of Kander and Ebb, directed by Peter Rothstein. Over the years Janczewski has been recognized by the McKnight and Jerome Foundations, the Minnesota State Arts Board, and the Foundation for Contemporary Performing Arts, receiving artists fellowships to create and explore new works. In 1998, He was the emerging choreographer in residence, creating new work on the students of Bates Dance Festival.
Several companies in the United States have performed Janczewski’s choreography. Special projects and commissions have included choreographing work for the Repertory Project of Cleveland, Macalester College, State University of New York–Potsdam, State University of New York–Brockport, Carleton College, University of Minnesota, Walker Art Center, and Zenon Dance Company and School.
Tickets to Choreographers’ Evening are $16 ($13 Walker members) and are available by contacting the Walker Art Center box office at 612.375.7600 or walkerart.org/tickets.