Mission
Our mission is to foster understanding and awareness of world cultures through the re-creation and presentation of traditional ethnic dance and music.
To our audience:
We believe that ethnic music and dance are true affirmations of human artistic expression. Many of the cultures which are represented in our programs are currently in great conflict. Through our performances, we acknowledge the inherent beauty and dignity of all peoples.
Also, read more about the Ethnic Dance Theatre!
Read about the history of the Ethnic Dance Theatre and view a company timeline!
Read more about Ethnic Dance Theatre Artistic Director Donald LaCourse.
See who's in the Ethnic Dance Theatre Dance Troupe and who's in the Ethnic Dance Theatre Folk Orchestra!
Finally, view a list of Ethnic Dance Theatre alumni!
Concert Facts:
Did you know that?
Coming Soon. . . Factoids for THEN and NOW, EDT's Spring Show 2011
Click to enlarge
May 13-15
Ethnic Dance Theatre presents THEN and NOW, its 37th Annual Spring Concert Series featuring the music and dance of Bosnia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Iran, Norway, Sweden, and Turkey at the Ritz Theater in NE Minneapolis.
One of the most compelling elements of a people's identity is its folk culture. EDT is known for the authenticity it brings to interpreting ethnic music and dance for the stage, and is respected for its work in promoting ethnic music, dance, and costume as art. The first half of the show--THEN--demonstrates our signature performance style at its best.
Folk cultures are constantly evolving, and the manner of presenting folk music, dance and costume on the stage has been undergoing much change around the world in recent years. In some instances, change in the style of presentation has preserved the baby of tradition, while in others, we feel it has not. In the second half of the show--NOW--audiences will experience something of a departure from EDT's traditional style as we present our own contemporary interpretation of ethnic dance, music and costume!
Presentation of THEN and NOW is made possible in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature, the McKnight Foundation, the Target Foundation, and our individual donors.
**If you know something interesting--including your own personal story--about a culture represented in our current season, please tell us about it here!