2026 MINNESOTA DANCE SUMMER WORKSHOP
Join us for the 2026 Minnesota Dance Summer Workshop hosted by Perpich Center for Arts Education!
Featuring TU Dance, “Creating A Space of Belonging” will celebrate the legacy of TU Dance Founding Artistic Director, Toni Pierce-Sands!
DATE AND TIME:
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Registration Due by August 7, 2026
COST: FREE
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:
As we mourn the passing of Twin Cities’ dance legend, Toni Pierce-Sands, we will gather to celebrate her impact on the company she co-founded and her transformational legacy in the field of dance education. We will discuss how Toni inspired and helped to shape the TU Dance values and specifically how they are incorporated into The School at TU Dance Center, through diverse dance techniques, teaching philosophies, community engagement work and unique formatting for student showings and performances. Laurel shared that Toni often highlighted the importance of “being a good community member,” and the fact that this should be valued just as much as receiving high-level dance training. At TU Dance Center, students, families, teachers, choreographers, accompanists, and staff are all held to that expectation, to first and foremost create a space of belonging before any training can begin.
During our time together, we will explore Toni’s philosophy as we move with TU Dance presenters Laurel Keen (Ballet through a contemporary lens) and Hassan Ingraham (Horton-Based Modern); along with Mary Harding of Perpich Center for Arts Education. Presenters will lead participants through a series of dance sessions and reflective conversations, and together we will reflect on our own personal philosophies and how they impact our teaching.
ABOUT TU DANCE and TONI PIERCE-SANDS
“TU Dance draws from diverse dance expressions to connect communities with transformational possibilities that bring to life our shared humanity.” – TU Dance’s Mission Statement
Founded in 2004 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, TU Dance is a leading voice for contemporary dance. The professional company is acclaimed for its diverse and versatile artists, performing work that draws together modern dance, classical ballet, African-based, and urban vernacular movements. Through celebrated performances of the professional company and CULTIVATE, A Trainee Program, and accessible dance education at TU Dance Center, TU Dance provides opportunities for everyone to experience the connective power of dance.
Toni Pierce-Sands (TU Dance Founding Artistic Director) Prior to co-founding TU Dance, Minnesota native Toni Pierce-Sands performed with Minnesota Dance Theatre, Tanz Forum in Germany, Rick Odums in Paris, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where she was a featured soloist in such signature pieces as Revelations, Cry and Rainbow Round My Shoulder. Her command of the Horton Technique has led to teaching posts throughout the United States and Europe. Toni directed programming at TU Dance Center in Saint Paul. She was a full-time core faculty member at the University of Minnesota for twenty years and also served as Director of University Dance Theatre. Toni has been featured in COSMOPOLITAN Germany and GQ publications, the American Express Alvin Ailey commercial, and the Lester Horton Technique instructional DVD series. She wrote columns for Dance Studio Life magazine on various pedagogical approaches for modern dance. Toni was awarded a 2004 McKnight Artist Fellowship in Dance, named the Sage Awards’ “2011 Leadership Training and was a panelist for the 2018 Dance Miami Choreographers’ Program. She served as a member of the University of Minnesota’s Northrop Advisory Board.
ABOUT THE DAY:
Presenters Laurel Keen and Hassan Ingraham from TU Dance, along with Mary Harding of Perpich Center for Arts Education, will lead participants through a series of dance sessions and reflective conversations.
Workshop classes will accommodate a wide range of experiences. Please indicate your self determined experience range below in order to support Laurel and Hassan in their planning.
All skill levels are welcome.
Facilitated conversations will guide you to reflect on your choices in your teaching. You will consider what is important to you as you consider your curriculum, your teaching philosophy, your connection to community and your student showings and performances.
LOCATION:
Perpich Center for Arts Education – Dance Studio
6125 Olson Memorial Hwy, Golden Valley, MN 55422
LUNCH:
Lunch and light snacks will be provided. We ask that you list your dietary restrictions in the form. Thank you!
CLOCK HOURS:
You will receive 7 Professional Development clock hours for attending.
Questions or comments? Email mary.harding@pcae.k12.mn.us
