With the beloved Northrop Auditorium closed for revitalization, we at Northrop are taking the old adage "The show must go on" quite seriously. We've launched our NORTHROP MOVES campaign as we relocate to another historic beauty, the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Minneapolis until Northrop reopens. We've also got a fantastic season lined up, staying true to our rich tradition of presenting the best international dance in the Twin Cities. Here's my inside scoop on why each of these companies deserves your attention this season.

Minnesota Premiere and Season Kick-off. Scottish Ballet, Scotland's national ballet company, has a great balance of fresh, contemporary ballet and traditional classic technique in their repertoire. This Minnesota premiere is a must-see with Jorma Elo's newest work Kings 2 Ends, and Sir Kenneth MacMillan's masterpiece Song of the Earth. To make this season opener even more celebratory, the Twin Cities Scottish Club is bringing fun, energetic Scottish-themed entertainment and fare to the Orpheum.

Visual sensation. After experiencing a sold-out performance of Moulin Rouge - the Ballet, I'm excited to see Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet's newest burst of creative energy. A visual and sensory explosion, Wonderland is an all-out, fun, and quirky retelling of the classic fairytale. And to make this a spectacular weekend of fun, join us for Wonderland Family Fun Day at Macy's, along with a slew of other community involvement opportunities, including a handful at the Hennepin County Library - Minneapolis Central!

Shanghai Tango. You won't find any tango here. Instead, choreographer Jin Xing's personal story of empowerment and courage aids your understanding of this deeply personal and contemporary snapshot of the ever-changing Shanghai. Jin Xing is the most important choreographer in China, and this piece will be a cultural experience.

Crowd favorite. Over the years, you've all shown just how much you love the Houston Ballet. We agree with you, which is why we're bringing them back for two nights of timeless ballet with their precision and grace. Ballet fanatics, this is for you.

Bringing a fairytale into modernity. The French company, Ballet Preljocaj, infuses Snow White with such evocative movement that this contemporary reinterpretation is undeniably fresh. Feast your eyes on the very best superstars of French design and costumes - you can't say that this fairytale feels tired.

Cultural ambassador to the world. Alvin Ailey, and his company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, are names known world-wide as synonyms for cultural ambassadorship and phenomenal dance. His company is rock-solid, in physicality, repertoire, and legacy. They'll be performing Ailey's signature piece, Revelations, which speaks to history through breathtaking movement.

New Performance Preview Series. Northrop is launching our new Performance Preview Series, each to be held on the 3^rd floor Catalonia Room of Solera and led by local dancer/choreographer couple Carl Flink and Emilie Plauchè Flink. We're extending the length of the preview from 30 minutes to 45 minutes. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. Each preview will end with 30 minutes for you to walk next door to the Orpheum and find your seat.

We'll see you downtown!

By Melissa Wray
Marketing and Communications Associate

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