Finding Your Cultural Home
Today, on Give to the Max Day, Northrop’s goal is to raise enough money to provide 500 free tickets to youth and families who would otherwise not have access to the Northrop experience. Friend of Northrop, Mira Akins shares with us the importance of Northrop in making her feel connected in a new country and community. Find your cultural home today when you join the Friends of Northrop and Give to the Max!
For Mira Akins, cultural participation began early in life with regular visits to the theater with her family in Leningrad (present-day St. Petersburg). She still remembers the first time she saw Sleeping Beauty danced by the Kirov Ballet when she was seven years old. “I was lucky. I grew up with the theater. I didn’t know life without culture existed. I was brought up with some of the best art in the world.”
After moving to the Twin Cities in 1978, Mira took refuge in Northrop’s performances. “I associate the beginning of my life in America with Northrop. Coming to a new country, I chose performances without language barriers. The language of dance is universal and powerful. Northrop is extremely special in this way.” Having lived in the Twin Cities for more than 30 years, Mira still feels that her most memorable experiences have been at Northrop. “For me, each dance tells a story. I like that when I am at Northrop each evening feels like a holiday. I am always uplifted.”
What she now finds most compelling about Northrop is the unique diversity and quality of its performances. Wherever Mira travels she makes a point of attending performances, including cities such as London, Milan, Paris, and recently Santiago. “What I’ve learned is that Northrop’s quality is absolutely first class and comparable to the best in the world. Northrop stands as a place of international culture that connects us to the world and creates a bridge to our community. In the future, with the revitalization of Northrop’s building, it is my hope that companies from around the world will aspire to dance on Northrop’s stage.”
Mira’s passion has led her to become an active donor and volunteer, giving her valuable time and expertise to Northrop’s staff. “In the Twin Cities we like to give, and I believe that involvement in the arts brings out the best in us. It’s immensely satisfying to give to an organization that has given so much to me. When I believe in something with all my heart it’s hard not to get involved. I find that I talk about Northrop all the time. Northrop is part of the Twin Cities’ history and tradition. We are proud of where we live, and Northrop is a tradition worth sustaining for future generations.”
Be a part of the transformation that only live performance can inspire! Give to the Max and help others experience the joys of the Northrop Dance season. Join Mira and all of our fabulous Friends in celebrating and stewarding Northrop Concerts and Lectures!