The new year brings promising shows at nontraditional venues including Art Shanty Projects and go-to space Fresh Oyster, but I'm more intrigued by the lineups at established stages, especially the Cowles Center. In "Still Life" March 17-19, Minnesota dancer Morgan Thorson re-imagines the Cowles as a ruin, as an abandoned proscenium theater.
Collaborations are one indicator of a healthy dance scene, and one of 2017's most delicious-sounding combinations is Joe Chvala's Flying Foot Forum and Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theater, performing together at the Cowles April 21-23. Birthdays are another sign of life. Shapiro & Smith celebrates its 30th at the Cowles April 13-15, performing works old and new.
As the Twin Cities hip-hop dance movement picks up steam, be sure to catch the May 19-21 run of "Mixtape," featuring a lineup of breakthrough artists at the Cowles. And don't miss "Oyate Okodakiciyapi," a festival of indigenous choreographers curated by Rosy Simas March 4 at the Ordway.
