Program areas at The Cowles Center for Dance
Performance Program -The Cowles Center provides opportunities for resident and non-resident performing arts organizations to present performances to the public in a world-class venue that is designed to meet the needs of dance artists. The theater is specifically designed for the needs of dance, with a sprung floor, a fly-loft, and sightlines that keep dancers visible from their toes to their greatest leaps. The 15-20 Minnesota-based companies featured in The Cowles Center's annual performance season pay no upfront rental fees for the use of space. The costs of marketing materials, paid advertising, box office/support staff, and significant portions of technical backstage labor are also absorbed by The Cowles Center. These subsidies mitigate prohibitive cost barriers and ultimately free artists/companies to focus on what they do best creating and performing innovative dance work that is dynamic, challenging, and surprising.
Facilities Program: The facilities program at The Cowles Center supports the performing arts community by providing performance, rehearsal/studio, and administrative office space at 40% below market value for 20 area nonprofit dance and performing arts organizations, including two of Minnesota's leading dance schools, and a network of independent artists and choreographers.
Education Program - The Cowles Center enriches arts education for more than 11,000 students and community members annually through residencies with The Cowles Center Teaching Artists, Student Matinee performances, MovementWise dance workshops for older adults, and a host of other community-focused initiatives. Generous support from community partners allows The Cowles Center to provide these programs for free or at little cost to participants, removing the barriers to high-quality dance education.In 2022, K-12 residency programs (Dance without Barriers, Creations, and First Moves) reached 3,382 students through 531 sessions.
McKnight Fellowship Program: The Cowles Center is home to the prestigious McKnight Fellowships for Dance and Choreography, which annually awards three mid-career dancers and three mid-career choreographers to deepen their craft and develop new projects.