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Top image: Martha Graham Dance Company in "Appalachian Spring." Photo © Melissa Sherwood.
The Program
Duration: Approximately 123 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission and two short pauses.
“Appalachian Spring"
Duration: 35 minutes
Choreography and Costumes: Martha Graham
Music: Aaron Copland†
Set: Isamu Noguchi
Original Lighting: Jean Rosenthal
Adapted Lighting: Beverly Emmons
Premiere: Oct. 30, 1944, Coolidge Auditorium, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Springtime in the wilderness is celebrated by a man and woman building a house with joy and love and prayer; by a revivalist and his followers in their shouts of exaltation; by a pioneering woman with her dreams of the Promised Land.
The Bride: Laurel Dalley Smith
The Husbandman: Ethan Palma
The Preacher: Antonio Leone
The Pioneering Woman: Leslie Andrea Williams
The Followers: Meagan King, Devin Loh, Marzia Memoli, Amanda Moreira
Commissioned by the Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge Foundation in the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
The original title chosen by Aaron Copland was “Ballet for Martha,” which was changed by Martha Graham to “Appalachian Spring.”
†Used by arrangement with the Aaron Copland Fund for Music, copyright owners; and Boosey and Hawkes, Inc., sole publisher and licensee.
Short Pause — 2 Minutes
“We the People”
Alert: This piece uses haze.
Duration: 26 minutes
Choreography: Jamar Roberts
Music: Rhiannon Giddens
Arranged: Gabe Witcher
Costume Design: Karen Young
Lighting Design: Yi-Chung Chen
Dancers: Ane Arrieta, Zachary Jeppsen-Toy, Meagan King, Lloyd Knight, Antonio Leone, Marzia Memoli, Amanda Moreira, Ethan Palma, Jai Perez, Anne Souder, Leslie Andrea Williams
“We the People” was made possible with a significant commissioning grant from The O’Donnell-Green Music and Dance Foundation.
This production was also made possible by the 92nd Street Y, as part of 92NY’s 150th anniversary celebration, in honor and continued support of Martha Graham’s rich 92NY legacy.
Production support was provided by the University of Michigan.
Intermission — 15 Minutes
“Steps in the Street”
“Devastation — Homelessness — Exile”
from “Chronicle”
Duration: 10 minutes
Choreography and Costumes: Martha Graham
Music: Wallingford Riegger†
Original Lighting: Jean Rosenthal
Premiere: Dec. 20, 1936, Guild Theatre, New York City
Restaging: Kim Stroud
Rehearsal Assistance: Allison Doughty Marquesen
Costume Coordination: Rhiannon Fiskradatz
Performed by University of Minnesota Dance Students:
Lead Dancer: Ella Quinn
Chorus: Ophelia Becker, Maia Bergren, Alena Corniea, Grace Elizondo, Claudia Garcia, Lindsey Hart, Juliana Miller, Meghan Morgan, Cayenne Ramirez, Violet Redstone, Avi Schaffhausen, Olivia VanArk
“‘Steps in the Street,’ from the 1936 ”Chronicle,” was a response to contemporary problems threatening the world, the rise of fascism in Europe. This dance required a new vocabulary, one that Graham had been developing over the previous decade. The female body is cast as an instrument of force, joints, muscles and sinews at the ready. Dancers in ‘Steps in the Street’ are prepared to speak out with an expressive vocabulary in order to make an impact upon a modern world.” — Ellen Graff
“Steps in the Street” reconstructed in 1989 by Yuriko and Martha Graham, from the Julien Bryan film.
†Finale from "New Dance, Opus 18b," used by arrangement with Associated Music Publishers, Inc., publisher and copyright owner. Additional orchestrations by Stanley Sussman.
Short Pause — 4 Minutes
“En Masse”
Duration: 26 minutes
Choreography: Hope Boykin
Music: Leonard Bernstein†
Additional Music: Christopher Rountree
Costume Design: Karen Young
Lighting Design: Al Crawford
Assistants to the Choreographer: Cameron Harris and Terri Ayanna Wright
Premiere: Oct. 4, 2025 at The Soraya, Northridge, California.
Dancers: Ane Arrieta, Zachary Jeppsen-Toy, Meagan King, Lloyd Knight, Jai Perez, Anne Souder, Xin Ying
“En Masse” was commissioned by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; University of Michigan; Boston Symphony Orchestra and Andris Nelsons, Music Director; Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts; and the California State University of Northridge.
“En Masse” was made possible with a significant commissioning grant from The O'Donnell-Green Music and Dance Foundation.
“En Masse” was also made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
By arrangement with Boosey and Hawkes, Inc., Sole Agent for Leonard Bernstein Music Publishing Company LLC, publisher and copyright owner.
Music recorded at Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts and the California State University of Northridge.
†“For Martha (Variations on a Theme by Leonard Bernstein)”
Original music by Leonard Bernstein
Additional composition by Christopher Rountree
“Suite for Dance from MASS”
By Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics for ”A Simple Song” by Stephen Schwartz and Leonard Bernstein
Arranged by Christopher Rountree
Notes on the Repertory
“Appalachian Spring” (1944)
“In 1942, Martha Graham received a commission from the Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge Foundation for a new ballet to be premiered at the Library of Congress. Aaron Copland was to compose the score. Graham called the new dance ‘Appalachian Spring,’ after a poem by Hart Crane, but for Copland it always remained “Ballet for Martha.” Choreographed as the war in Europe was drawing to an end, it captured the imagination of Americans who were beginning to believe in a more prosperous future, a future in which men and women would be united again. With its simple tale of a new life in a new land, the dance embodied hope. Critics called ‘Appalachian Spring’ “shining and joyous,” ‘a testimony to the simple fineness of the human spirit.’ The ballet tells the story of a young couple and their wedding day; there is a Husbandman, his Bride, a Pioneering Woman, a Preacher and his Followers.
In a letter to Aaron Copland, Graham wrote that she wanted the dance to be “a legend of American living, like a bone structure, the inner frame that holds together a people.” As Copland later recalled, ‘After Martha gave me this bare outline, I knew certain crucial things — that it had to do with the pioneer American spirit, with youth and spring, with optimism and hope. I thought about that in combination with the special quality of Martha’s own personality, her talents as a dancer, what she gave off and the basic simplicity of her art. Nobody else seems anything like Martha, and she’s unquestionably very American.’ Themes from American folk culture can be found throughout the dance. Copland uses a Shaker tune, “Simple Gifts,” in the second half of his luminous score, while Graham’s choreography includes square dance patterns, skips and paddle turns and curtsies, even a grand right and left. The set by Isamu Noguchi features a Shaker rocking chair. ‘Appalachian Spring’ is perhaps Graham’s most optimistic ballet, yet it does contain a dark side. The fire and brimstone Preacher and his condemnation of earthly pleasures recalls the repressive weight of our Puritan heritage, while the solemn presence of the Pioneering Woman hints at the problems of raising families in remote and isolated communities. In this newly cleared land life was not simple, and Graham’s vision pays homage to that as well.” — Ellen Graff
“We the People” (2024)
Premiered in Feb. 2024, this dance of 21st century Americana references and reverberates with Martha Graham Dance Company history. Its new score by Rhiannon Giddens, as arranged by Gabe Witcher, offers the historic sound of American folk music. While the choreography by Jamar Roberts is very much of today and in counterpoint to the music. The choreographer has said, "’We the People’ is equal parts protest and lament, speculating on the ways in which America does not always live up to its promise. Against the backdrop of traditional American music, ”We the People” hopes to serve as a reminder that the power for collective change belongs to the people."
“Steps in the Street” (1936)
“Steps in the Street” premiered at the Guild Theater in New York City on Dec. 20, 1936 as one section of a larger work, "Chronicle." The dance was a response to the menace of fascism in Europe. Earlier that year, Graham had refused an invitation to take part in the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany, stating: “I would find it impossible to dance in Germany at the present time. So many artists whom I respect and admire have been persecuted, have been deprived of the right to work for ridiculous and unsatisfactory reasons, that I should consider it impossible to identify myself, by accepting the invitation, with the regime that has made such things possible. In addition, some of my concert group would not be welcomed in Germany” (a reference to the fact that many members of her group were Jewish). “Steps in the Street,” subtitled “Devastation — Homelessness — Exile,” depicts the isolation and desolation that war leaves in its wake.
“En Masse” (2025)
“En Masse” (2025) was commissioned to celebrate Graham100, the 100th anniversary of the Martha Graham Dance Company. This momentous occasion aligns with the 250th anniversary of the country, and the Company wanted a new work that would resonate with its past, present and future. The Company returned to a collaboration from the late 1980s between two iconic American artists — Martha Graham and Leonard Bernstein. Archival records show that these remarkable artists were inspired by a wide range of American social issues, but finally, that work did not come to fruition. However, in the course of their research, the Leonard Bernstein Organization uncovered a very short, unknown piece of music titled ”Vivace” that they believe Bernstein composed for Graham.
The score for ”En Masse” is an expansion of ”Vivace” by Christopher Rountree. It is joined by a new arrangement of excerpts from Bernstein's ”MASS” also by Rountree. For the choreography, the Company turned to Hope Boykin who has danced and created to Bernstein's music on many occasions. She offers these thoughts about “En Masse”:
“Together we try, we fall, we restart and grow. Together we make change, learn and build. Alone, however, our failures scream and endurance is tested. In community, we thrive, lean and depend on one another. ‘En Masse’ shares how we are often bound by our limitations, and the process toward release is not easy, but worth it.” — Hope Boykin
Welcome from the Executive Director
Welcome to another extraordinary season of dance and music at Northrop — a season we are proud to offer, inspired by your curiosity, energy and commitment to making the arts a central part of life.
Rooted in the belief that the arts are essential to the human experience, Northrop is committed to cultivating intersections between performing arts and education — for all participants, now and for generations to come. This season, those intersections will be more vibrant than ever. We have curated performances that stretch boundaries, inspire reflection and celebrate both innovation and tradition in equal measure.
You’ll see in this season’s lineup a range of world-class artists and ensembles — some of whom we know well, others who bring voices and perspectives new to our stage. Each program is selected not only for its artistic excellence, but also for its ability to provoke thought, open dialogue and offer learning opportunities beyond the stage: workshops, pre-show discussions, community gatherings and more. These elements are meant to deepen your experience, helping to illuminate context, process and the living, breathing nature of creative work.
As part of the University’s teaching, research and service mission, Northrop strives to be a catalyst — igniting transformation in each individual, inspiring positive change in our world. Through the rhythm of dance, the textures of music and the shared moments among us in the audience, we hope you will find something that moves you, surprises you and invites you to see the world just a little differently.
I invite you to join us not just as spectators, but as participants. Ask questions. Bring friends. Explore more. Share what you experience. We are honored to present this season, and even more honored to share it with a community that values what the arts offer — beauty, challenge, joy and connection.
Thank you for being here and supporting Northrop. Together, let us make Northrop’s 97th season remarkable.
With gratitude,
Kari Schloner
Executive Director
Welcome from the Advisory Board Chair
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Northrop Advisory Board, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to Northrop, the University of Minnesota’s historic home for the performing arts. For almost a century, Northrop has been a place where artistry, learning and community converge — a stage not only for extraordinary performances but also for dialogue, discovery and inspiration.
Each season, Northrop presents world-class dance, music and other performances, and serves as a gathering place for students, faculty and community members alike. These experiences enrich our campus and our state, fostering the creativity, curiosity and cultural understanding that are so vital in today’s world.
Your presence here affirms the importance of the arts in higher education and in civic life. We invite you to be more than an audience member — become an advocate for the arts. Share your experiences, bring new friends to Northrop and help us amplify the voices of artists and thinkers who inspire us to see the world anew.
We also ask you to consider a gift to Northrop. Your financial support ensures that future generations can access the transformative power of the arts, that students can encounter artists in their classrooms as well as on our stage and that our community can continue to gather here for moments that move and unite us.
Thank you for being part of Northrop’s story. Together, we can sustain this remarkable institution and secure its role as a cultural cornerstone for decades to come.
With gratitude,
Kelly McQueen, Chair, Northrop Advisory Board
About Martha Graham Dance Company
Martha Graham Dance Company in "We the People." Photo © Isabella Pagano.
Since its inception, the Martha Graham Dance Company has received international acclaim from audiences in more than 50 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The Company has performed at the Metropolitan Opera House, Carnegie Hall, the Paris Opera House, Covent Garden and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as well as at the base of the Great Pyramids in Egypt and in the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus theater on the Acropolis in Athens. In addition, the Company has also produced several award-winning films broadcast on PBS and around the world.
Though Martha Graham herself is the best-known alumna of her company, the Company has provided a training ground for some of modern dance’s most celebrated performers and choreographers. Former members of the Company include Merce Cunningham, Erick Hawkins, Paul Taylor, John Butler and Glen Tetley. Among celebrities who have joined the Company in performance are Mikhail Baryshnikov, Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, Maya Plisetskaya, Tiler Peck, Misty Copeland, Herman Cornejo and Aurelie Dupont.
In recent years, the Company has challenged expectations and experimented with a wide range of offerings beyond its mainstage performances. It has created a series of intimate in-studio events, forged unusual creative partnerships with the likes of SITI Company, Performa, the New Museum, Barney's and Siracusa’s Greek Theater Festival (to name a few); created substantial digital offerings with Google Arts and Culture, YouTube and Cennarium; and created a model for reaching new audiences through social media. The astonishing list of artists who have created works for the Graham dancers in the last decade reads like a catalog of must-see choreographers: Kyle Abraham, Aszure Barton, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Lucinda Childs, Marie Chouinard, Michelle Dorrance, Nacho Duato, Mats Ek, Andonis Foniadakis, Liz Gerring, Larry Keigwin, Michael Kliën, Pontus Lidberg, Lil Buck, Lar Lubovitch, Josie Moseley, Richard Move, Bulareyaung Pagarlava, Annie-B Parson, Yvonne Rainer, Sonya Tayeh, Doug Varone, Luca Vegetti, Gwen Welliver and Robert Wilson.
The current company dancers hail from around the world and, while grounded in their Graham core training, can also slip into the style of contemporary choreographers like a second skin, bringing technical brilliance and artistic nuance to all they do — from brand new works to Graham classics and those from early pioneers such as Isadora Duncan, Jane Dudley, Anna Sokolow and Mary Wigman. “Some of the most skilled and powerful dancers you can ever hope to see,” according to the Washington Post last year. “One of the great companies of the world,” says The New York Times, while Los Angeles Times notes, “They seem able to do anything, and to make it look easy as well as poetic.”
Staff
Executive Director: LaRue Allen
Artistic Director: Janet Eilber
Deputy Executive Director: Simona Ferrara
Rehearsal Director: Ben Schultz
Rehearsal Director: Blakeley White-McGuire
Company Manager: Lauren Mosier
Director of Development Operations: A. Apostol
Development Associate: Christina Convertito
Partnership Coordinator: Jacob Larsen
Finance & Administrative Assistant: Susan Lamb
Director of Marketing: Melissa Sherwood
Director of Martha Graham Resources: Antonio Fini
Production Supervisor: Chloe Morrell
Resident Lighting Designer: Yi-Chung Chen
Associate Lighting Supervisor: Becky Nussbaum
Wardrobe Supervisor: Gabrielle Corrigan
Costume Consultant: Karen Young
Director of School: Ashley Brown
Dean of Students and Government Affairs: Tami Alesson
Program Director/Director of Graham 2: Virginie Mécène
Program Director: Lone Larsen
Teens@Graham Program Director: Amélie Bénard
Administrative Assistant: Camille Nemoz
School Assistant: Tyler Quick
Press Agent: Janet Stapleton
Regisseurs
Miki Orihara
Virginie Mecene
Peggy Lyman
Peter Sparling
Blakeley White-McGuire
Elizabeth Auclair
Lone Larsen
Tadej Brdnik
Masha Maddux
Maxine Sherman
Martin Lofnes
Anne Souder
PeiJu Chien Pott
Amelie Bernard
Board of Trustees
Javier Morgado, Co-Chair
Barbara Cohen, Co-Chair
Christopher Jones, Treasurer
Christine Jowers, Secretary
Judith G. Schlosser, Chair Emerita
LaRue Allen, Executive Director
Janet Eilber, Artistic Director
Amy Blumenthal
Geoffrey D. Fallon
Lorraine S. Oler
Nichole Perkins
Dr. M. Felicity Rogers-Chapman
Stephen M. Rooks
Lori Sackler
Lawrence Stein
Ellen Stiene
Inger K. Witter, In Memoriam
North American Representation
Jemma Lehner, Opus 3 Artists
(opus3artists.com)
International Representation
LaRue Allen, Executive Director
(lallen@marthagraham.org)
Alumni Search
If you or someone you know has ever performed with the Martha Graham Dance Company or attended classes at the Martha Graham School, please send us names, addresses, telephone numbers and approximate dates of membership. We will add you to our alumni mailing list and keep you apprised of alumni events and benefits. Call +1.212.229.9200 or e-mail info@marthagraham.org.
The Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance is a not-for-profit corporation, supported by contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies. Contributions in support of the Martha Graham Center will be gratefully received at the Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance, Inc., 55 Bethune Street New York, NY 10014, or visit marthagraham.org/support.
For more information, visit marthagraham.org
Meet the Artists
Janet Eilber (Artistic Director)
Janet Eilber has been the company's artistic director since 2005. Her direction has focused on creating new forms of audience access to Martha Graham's masterworks. These initiatives include contextual programming, educational and community partnerships, use of new media, commissions from today's top choreographers and creative events such as the "Lamentation Variations."
Earlier in her career, Eilber worked closely with Graham. She danced many of Graham's greatest roles, had roles created for her by Graham and was directed by Graham in most of the major roles of the repertory. She soloed at the White House, was partnered by Rudolf Nureyev, starred in three segments of "Dance in America" and has since taught, lectured and directed Graham ballets internationally.
Apart from her work with Graham, Eilber has performed in films, on television and on Broadway directed by such greats as Agnes de Mille and Bob Fosse, and has received four Lester Horton Awards for her reconstruction and performance of seminal American modern dance. She has served as director of arts education for the Dana Foundation, guiding the foundation's support for Teaching Artist training and contributing regularly to its arts education publications. Eilber is a Trustee Emeritus of the Interlochen Center for the Arts and was recently honored with a doctorate of fine arts from The Juilliard School.
She is married to screenwriter/director John Warren, with whom she has two daughters, Madeline and Eva.
Ben Schultz (Rehearsal Director)
Ben Schultz joined the company in 2009 and serves as rehearsal director for the company. He has danced lead roles including King Hades in “Clytemnestra,” Jason in “Cave of the Heart” and Shaman in “The Rite Of Spring.” He premiered Martha Graham’s work in Russia performing “Errand into the Maze” with prima ballerina Diana Vishneva at the Mariinsky Theatre, Saint Petersburg. He’s also performed with Buglisi Dance Theater, Hannah Kahn Dance Company and The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. Currently, he’s on staff at both The Martha Graham School and The Alvin Ailey School, teaching Graham Technique to pre-professional students and divisions.
Lloyd Knight
Xin Ying
Leslie Andrea Williams
Anne Souder
Laurel Dalley Smith
So Young An
Marzia Memoli
Devon Loh
Antonio Leone
Meagan King
Ane Arrieta
Zachary Jeppsen-Toy
Amanda Moreira
Jai Perez
Ethan Palma
Kim Stroud (Regisseur for “Steps in the Streets”)
UMN Dance Students
Ophelia Becker is a dancer and dance maker in their last semester of their BA in dance at the University of Minnesota. Becker grew up dancing in Northfield, Minnesota both competitively and in a concert environment, graduating from St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists. They have danced for Paufve Dance and Morgan Thorson and have been in works at UMN by Elayna Waxse, Taja Will, jess pretty, Joanie Smith, Jordan Demetrius Lloyd, Maria Bauman and Penny Freeh. Becker looks forward to continuing their dance practice after graduating in the spring of 2026.
Maia Bergren is a dance and movement artist from and currently based in Minneapolis and a third-year student studying toward a BFA in dance at the University of Minnesota. Bergren’s background in postmodern/modern dance forms and exploratory floorwork has led to having opportunities to work with artists such as Maria Bauman, Eva Mohn, Laja Field, Carlo Antonio Villanueva and Carl Flink. Within their own work, Bergren values the opportunity for artists and audiences to have an immersive experience, one that draws them in. Bergren’s future goal is to incorporate thought-provoking concepts into their own work in a way that allows the audience to have a unique experience and leave them with something to ponder.
Alena Corniea just wrapped up her last semester as a BFA student in the University of Minnesota’s dance program. During her time at the UMN she has been in works by artists Carlo Antonio Villanueva, Ananya Chatterjea and jess pretty. This past summer, she had the opportunity to perform with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company at Bates Dance Festival. Corniea hopes to expand her contemporary dance practice in Chicago as of May 2026.
Grace Elizondo is a first-year student at the University of Minnesota. She is currently studying for her BA in dance and plans to double-major in kinesiology. She has experience in teaching and dancing in a studio environment. Elizondo currently dances with Crash Dance Productions 2, where she has been in works by artists Rachel Doran and Laura Sukowatey. As Elizondo is just beginning to envision her professional career as a dancer, she is grateful to be able to perform one of Martha Graham's works.
Claudia Garcia is a fourth-year student at the University of Minnesota majoring in journalism and minoring in dance. She is originally from Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, where she grew up dancing and choreographing at her local studio. As a UMN student, Garcia has been a part of compositions by Joanie Smith, jess pretty and Carl Flink. She is excited to take on a historic piece by Martha Graham as well as learn the Graham Technique. After graduating in May, Garcia hopes to become a broadcast journalist and to keep dance a part of her life in any way she can.
Lindsey Hart is a second-year BFA student at the University of Minnesota. She has experience with performing and teaching competitive dance. Her influences include work with Annie Duetz, Shakia (the Key) Barron, Carlo Antonio Villanueva, jess pretty and Carl Flink. In the future, Hart hopes to expand her dance experience in the Twin Cities and beyond.
Allison Doughty Marquesen is a proud Twin Cities native. She has been a dance artist, choreographer and educator for 25 years, working with dancers in both the United States and in Thailand. She holds a BFA in dance from the University of Minnesota, and an MA in holistic health studies from St. Catherine University. In addition to her performing career, Doughty Marquesen has been a part of the dance department teaching faculty at MN State University, Mankato since 2014, and the University of Minnesota since 2017. She is passionate about guiding dancers to nurture their whole being so their authentic light may have a far-reaching impact. Visit Allison's website.
Juliana Miller is in her first year at the University of Minnesota working towards a bachelor of fine arts in dance, along with a minor in photography. Originally from Plymouth, Minnesota, she has trained at a competitive level in many styles including contemporary/modern, lyrical, ballet, jazz and broadway jazz. Additionally, she works as a dance and acrobatics coach at The Awakening Dance and Gymnastics private lesson studio. This past fall, she had the opportunity to perform one of Carl Flink’s works and is now very grateful to study and perform a classic choreographed by Martha Graham.
Meghan Morgan, hailing from Pulaski, Wisconsin, is an honors dance BFA and global studies minor in her fourth year. She spent the first half of 2025 in Auckland, New Zealand furthering her practice as a contemporary dance artist. During her time at UMN, Morgan has danced in works by Carl Flink, Jordan Demetrius Lloyd, Eva Mohn, Taja Will and Carlo Antonio Villanueva. As both a choreographer and performer, she values deliberate gaze, intimate interdependence and challenging the preconceived relationships between audiences and artists.
Ella Quinn is in her third year as an honors dance BFA student at the University of Minnesota. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, she trained in Graham Technique at Kanopy Dance Academy, where she was also a part of Kanopy Dance Company 2. During her time at the UMN, she has performed works by Dr. Ananya Chatterjea, jess pretty, Laja Field, Carlo Antonio Villanueva, Dr. Cynthia Oliver, Carl Flink and Joanie Smith. She is excited to return to her dance roots by performing one of Martha Graham’s classics.
Cayenne Ramirez is in her third year of pursuing a BFA in dance at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Originally from Saint Paul, she trained in Horton Modern, ballet, and African Diasporic forms at TU Dance Center. Ramirez’s undergraduate endeavors have included performing in works by Ananya Chatterjea, Cynthia Oliver, Shakia “The Key” Barron and jess pretty, as well as involvement in a student club called The Dance Collective. She is excited and grateful for such an amazing opportunity to engage with and perform Graham work.
Violet Redstone is a third-year dual-degree student at the University of Minnesota, pursuing a bachelor of arts in dance and a bachelor of science in sociology of law, criminology and justice. Redstone spent her high school years in Stillwater, Minnesota, studying ballet rooted in the Vaganova method, along with Ukrainian character dance. As a university student, Redstone has performed in works by Carl Flink and Laja Field, as well as pieces choreographed by her classmates. She is passionate about broadening her training and exploring new ways of moving. Redstone is beyond excited and honored to have the opportunity to participate in and engage with the work of Martha Graham.
Avi Schaffhausen is a first-year product design student at the University of Minnesota. They have experience in both dancing and choreographing, performing works by Ronald K. Brown, Yusha Marie Sorzano, Laurel Keen, Carl Flink and Rachel Doran, as well as their own work. While studying design, they continue to dance with the university and the surrounding community, deepening their experiences across many techniques. They are excited and grateful for the opportunity to dive into Martha Graham’s iconic work.
Olivia VanArk is originally from Stevens Point, Wisconsin. She is committed to exploring how joy, curiosity and shared energy inform her movement and performance. VanArk is a fourth-year BFA student at the UMN’s dance program. As she prepares to graduate this May, she is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn one of Martha Graham’s works as she heads into her post-grad career.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Martha Graham Dance Company Acknowledgments
Major support for the Martha Graham Dance Company is provided by:
The Arnhold Foundation, Barbara and Rodgin Cohen, Geoffrey D. Fallon, Noah and Kyle Hawley, The Hayes Foundation, Howard Gilman Foundation, Christopher Jones and Deb McAlister, Christine Jowers and Rob Friedman, National Endowment for the Arts, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, Dr. M. Felicity Rogers-Chapman, Judith G. Schlosser, The Shubert Foundation, Lawrence Stein, Thompson Family Foundation, Inger K. Witter, Nadia Zilkha
Thank you for supporting Northrop! You make legendary performances possible!
At Northrop, we believe in connecting great artists and ideas with our community and to a new generation of audiences. Your gift helps make memorable arts experiences possible by supporting extraordinary performances and new arts commissions, and helping ensure accessibility to everyone through live-streamed programming, outreach to diverse communities and subsidized student tickets. Our Friends are at the center of Northrop’s biggest ideas and brightest moments on stage.
Become a Friend of Northrop today!
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To learn more about supporting Northrop please contact:
Cynthia Betz
betzx011@umn.edu or 612-626-7554
The Northrop Advisory Board
- Cynthia Betz
- Kristen Brogdon
- Dr. Robert Bruininks
- Deb Cran
- Susan DeNuccio
- Benjamin Eng
- Cari Hatcher
- Jill Hauwiller
- Holly Kellar
- Bob McMaster
- Kelly McQueen, Chair
- Jim Moore
- Robyne Robinson
- Toni Pierce-Sands*
- Kari Schloner
- Chaz Sloane
- Kao Lee Vang
- Donald Williams
*Emeritus
The Northrop Advisory Board is committed to the growth and awareness of Northrop’s mission, vision, and the continued future of presenting world-class dance and music in our community. If you would like more information about the advisory board and its work, please contact Cynthia Betz, Director of Development, at 612-626-7554 or betzx011@umn.edu.
The Northrop Organ Advisory Board
- J. Michael Barone
- Cynthia Betz
- Dean Billmeyer
- Kristen Brogdon
- Dr. Robert Bruininks
- Dee Ann Crossley
- Laura Edman
- Dave Fielding
- Nils Halker
- Cari Hatcher
- Pamela Neuenfeldt
- Phillip Radtke
- Emily Roth
- Kari Schloner
- Tate Shannon
- Lindsey Siders
- Greg Zelek
With the restoration and reinstallation of Northrop’s Aeolian-Skinner Opus 892 organ, a group of dedicated volunteers now partner with Northrop for the awareness, success, and growth of organ programming and education. The Northrop Organ Committee features volunteers who are help with advocacy, network building, relationship development, and fundraising to help sustain and build Northrop’s Pipe Organ Music Series and other community events.
Northrop Campus & Community Council
- Linnea Fahnestock
- Jillian Nelson
- Emma Marlar
- Anise Mazone
- Carolina Maranon-Cobos
- Eve Schulte
- Laurel Keen
- Julia Heinen
The Northrop Campus & Community Council acts as a resource for Northrop’s future success and growth, ensuring that Northrop builds relationships with and engages the communities where we live, learn, and work. This group of committed volunteers helps Northrop connect with new audiences and advises on programming that reflects the diverse communities we serve.
Friends of Northrop
A special thank you to our patrons whose generous support makes Northrop's transformative arts experiences possible. Make your mark on Northrop's future by becoming a Friend today, learn more by visiting Northrop's Give page.
We gratefully acknowledge the support from the Anna M Heilmaier Charitable Foundation, Americans for the Arts/National Relief Fund, Curtis L. Carlson Family Foundation, City of Minneapolis, Minnesota State Arts Board, New England Foundation for the Arts, United States Artists, hospitality partner the Graduate Hotel Minneapolis, and event sponsors PNC Bank and RBC Wealth Management.
Director's Circle
10,000+
- Anonymous
- Anna M Heilmaier Charitable Foundation
- Carlson Family Foundation
- Robert Lunieski
- Dr Thomas Von Sternberg and Eve Parker
- Graduate by Hilton Minneapolis
- PNC Bank
- RBC Wealth Management
5,000+
- Eleanor Crosby
- The Longview Foundation
- The Crosswols Foundation
- Nancy Gossell and Edward Kvarnes
- Richard Gregory
- Stuart Hanson
- Gail Kochie
- Jennifer Marrone & David Short
- Sandra Morris
2,500+
- Jerry Artz
- Drs. Robert Bruininks and Susan Hagstrum
- Susan DeNuccio
- Kathy Gremillion
- Ron Lotz and Randy Hartten
- Katheryn Menaged
- Thomas and Conchy Morgan, In Memory of Sylvia and Henry Frisch
- Timothy and Gayle Ober
- Gregory Plotnikoff & Shawn Monaghan
- Gary Reetz
- Donald Williams and Pamela Neuenfeldt
- Scarborough Fair Boutique
Friend's Circle
1,000+
- Jeanne Andre
- Frederick and Cynthia Betz
- Jeff Bieganek
- Deb Cran and Robert Craven
- Fran Davis
- Patricia Gaarder
- Stephen Gordon and Pat Gavan-Gordon
- Judith and Bruce Hadler
- Minhchau & Lawrence Harms
- Dana and Lori Klimp
- Jennifer Leopold and Steve Katz
- Timothy and Anne McClarnan
- Bob and Susanna McMaster
- Kelly McQueen
- Bruce Mebust and Kirsten Scribner-Mebust
- Gwen Myers
- Lance Olson
- John Reay and Karen Hanson
- Chaz Sloane
- Joseph Tashjian and Kay Savik
500+
- Kurt Bjorklund
- George Ehrenberg
- Lara Kluge
- Valerie Meyer & Mitchell DeJong
- Mark & Cece Morrow
- Curt Nelson
- William & Jennifer Neujahr
- David Perlman
- Marianne Remedios & John Wald
- Michael Unger
250+
- Margaret Albrecht
- Jefrrey and Mary Ellen Anderson
- Kristen Brogdon & David Ulaszek
- John Bullough
- Judith & Robert Cameron
- Peter & Wenda Carlyle
- Kate Christianson
- William Craig
- Stephen Davis & L Thomas
- Lisa & Dan Gray
- Denise & Corey Holtz
- David & Leni Moore
- Amy Olson
- James & Leah Sheehy
- Darlene Sholtis & Heino Beckmann
- Trisha Taylor
- Thomas Tessman
100+
- 2 Degrees North
- Lisa & Todd Anderson
- Paul Aslanian
- Karen Bachman
- Sylvia Beach & Gordon Rouse
- Tonja Bivins
- Sherry Blohm
- William and Judy Brady
- David Burton
- Stephen & Mary Chicoine
- Michelle Connor & Greg Froehle
- Sandra Daly
- Jo DeBruycker
- William Durfee & Devorah Goldstein
- Kristin Elizondo
- Todd Farrington
- Thomas & Cynthia Gerst
- Mark Gilbert
- John Gilbert
- Annalee Gray
- Richard Gwynne
- Annette Hansen
- Michael Heath
- Patricia Herrmann
- Kurt and Jeanne Hulse
- Sally Humphries Leider & Richard Leider
- Kimberly Hutchens
- Ann Jaede
- Holly Kellar
- Geoff Krug
100+ (continued)
- Joseph Kuznik
- Roberta Lamps
- James & Sharon Lewis
- Sheryl & Jeffrey Louie
- Holly Manning
- Elizabeth and Calrton McCambridge
- Meghan DeBruycker Legacy Fund
- Stephen Nelson & Joan Bren
- Denis O'Pray
- Elizabeth Parker
- David & Mary Parker
- Connie Plaehn
- Danielle Robinson-Prater and Joel Prater
- Tracey Rutherford
- Andrea Sjogren
- Carol & Joel Skinner
- Craig Swan
- Cindy Tong & Robert Denison
- Ertugrul Tuzcu & Karen Owen Tuzcu
- Caroline Hsiao Van and Douglas Van
- John Van Bogart
- Renee Warmuth
- Paula Webster & Cynthia Toher
- Johnathon White
- Monica Winker-Bergstrom & Lindsay Bergstrom
- Cheryl Winston
- Christine Winterkamp
- Roger Worm
- Mark Wright & Elizabeth Walton
- Joseph Zachmann
Up to $99
- Melissa Albachten
- Barbara Allan
- Toyin Alowonle
- Tyler Amick
- Erling and Julie Anderson
- Alexis Andrus
- Heather Anfang
- Verna Arcedo
- Mary Athorp
- Michael and Jessica Austin
- Danica Balsiger
- Courtney Barancin
- John Baynes and Karen Spurth
- Lynette Beck
- Allen Beers
- Bryan Behun
- John and Lani Bennett
- Steven Bergerson
- Maximiliano Bezada
- Juliane Bingener
- Mark Bohnhorst and Mary Wahlstrand
- David Braslau
- Lawson Brown
- Odell Brown
- Jeanne Brownell
- Michael and Kimberly Byrd
- Cristina Castro
- JaNan Cavanaugh
- Kyle Cedermark
- Oscar Chamberlain
- Carol Chomsky and Steven Liss
- Charles Christianson and Ramona Jacobs
- David and Nancy Claussen
- Conni Conner
- Patrick Cornette
- Stephen Coyle
- Clinton and Kristin Cutler
- Jorge Delgado
- Shannon Doty
- Scott Drawe
- Abby Duke
- Ben Eng
- Karn Engelsgjerd
- Mary and Mark English
- Jeanne Enstrom
- Anna Erskine
- Constance Evingson
- Christine Faust
- Raymond Finzel
- Elizabeth Flavell
- Samantha Ford
- Katharine Fournier
- Charlotte Frank
- Lauren Fryer
- Geoffrey Fulton
- Paul Gerberding
- Laura Gilbert
- Shanna Glatz
- Magee Glenn Burns
- Allison Goulson
- Peter and Mary Gove
- John Graham
- Lily Gray
- Elizabeth Gray
- Brian Green
- Jodi Gusso
- Philip Hage and Kathleen Franzen
- Jon and Diane Hallberg
- Katherine Hammond
- Jamie Hansen
- Stephen Hanten
- Catherine Hart and Andres Gonzalez Leon
- Joyce and Eugene Haselmann
- Nancy and Richard Haskin
- Elizabeth Heffernan
- Carrie Hendrickson
- Zoe Henrot
- Annemarie Herrlich
- Christina Herzog
- Kirby Hoberg
Up to $99 (continued)
- Stefanie Hofman
- Jeanne Holly
- Therese Hovard
- Christi Hutchinson
- Irondale High School Marching Band
- Gianna Isaacson
- Leah Chalmers Janus
- Benjamin Johnson
- Marsha Johnston
- Sean Kalafut
- Kathy Kampa
- Brittany and Matthew Keefe
- Holly Kellar
- Karen and Martin Keller
- Thomas Kelly
- Kelly Kemp
- Sharon Kessler
- Susan and Douglas Kmetz
- Brenda Knapp-Polzin
- Robin Knight
- Deborah Kucera
- Ann Kuitunen
- Eve Makiko Laabs
- Shirlynn Lachapelle
- Mark Lang
- Deborah Lang
- Carol and Gary Lange
- Rose Mary and William Larson
- William Larson and Richard Space
- Pamela Layton and Paul Giguere
- Brenda Leach
- Stephen Levin
- Jorge Lievano Carvajal
- Barbara Lind and Craig Poeschl
- Rebecca Lindholm
- Brittney Lovdahl
- Xiang Luo
- Shannon Mackey Bojack
- Kimberley MacLennan
- Eloise Maki
- Gertrude Malamsha
- Avis Mandel and Guy Warner
- James Manderfield
- Diane Martucci
- Anise Mazone
- Livia Betancourt Mazur
- Beth McClure
- Anne and Michael McInerney
- Debra McKenzie
- Curt McLelland
- Dan McMahill
- Nathaniel McNeil
- Margaret McVay
- Solveig Mebust
- Samantha Meland
- Daniel Mensah
- Drs. Mary and Timothy Miley
- Katherine Miller
- Philip and Michele Miller
- David Milne
- Emily and James Moore
- Christine Moore
- David Musolf
- Tamara Nadel
- Theresa Nelson
- Lori and Thor Nelson
- Zachary Nelson
- Maren Neuberger
- Pamela Ngunjiri
- Linda Nitchals
- David Noerper
- Michelle Norton
- Sandra Olson
- Field and Cynthia Olson
- Barbara Olson
- John and Pat Owens
- Heidi Oxford
- Russell and Mrs. Marcia Palma
- Michael Palmquist
- Gary Pang
Up to $99 (continued)
- Ann Pasch
- Marjorie Pearson
- Beth Peck
- Lisa and Gary Pederson
- Michelle Petersen
- Christina Peterson
- James Pikala
- Jane Powers
- Nylce Prada Myers
- Bently Preece
- Anne and Mark Preston
- Lee Prevost
- Shawn Prosser
- Jan Prust
- Patricia and Joseph Pulice
- Subra Mani Ramadurai
- Virginia Read
- Gary Reetz
- Jeffrey Reichel
- Debra Reischl
- Jon Reischl
- Jon Reynolds
- M. Ann Ricketts
- Mary Roberts and Edward Kraft
- Lisa Roe
- Deb Rohloff
- Leah Rosch
- Catherine Ryan and Michael Muchow
- Marcia Sandberg
- Annette and Victor Sandler
- Edward Sarnoski Jr.
- Steve and Sheryl Schellhaass
- Kari Schloner
- Jeffrey Schuh
- Molly Schwendeman
- Anthony Scott
- John Seaborn
- Angela Sechler
- Charles Self III
- Ilse Barbara Shaterian
- Drs. Rebecca and John Shockley
- Alessandra Silva
- Holly Slocum and Paul Gunther
- Caroline Smith
- Tom Smouse
- Elaine Solomon
- Catherine Staats
- Kamie Stack
- Susan and Thorlief Stangebye
- Susan Steffen*
- Sarah Stein and Robert Vork
- Bridget Stevens-Murphy
- Erika Sullivan
- Matthew Suszkiewicz
- Marypat Takacs
- Jonathan Tallman
- Rodney and Carol Thompson
- Robert and Marilyn Thompson
- David Tidaback and Mary Buss
- Eliza Tocher
- Michelle Tolliver
- Stephen Tornio and Virginia Bell
- Emily Tubman
- Nicole and David Tyler
- Lyn Uhl
- Ann Van de Winckel
- Kristina Vozni
- Sean Walker
- Ann Waltner and Robert Anholt
- Steven Wastler
- Beth Waterhouse
- Brian and Mrs. Katherine Weitz
- Roxanne Weymouth
- Timothy Whisler and Elizabeth Stejskal
- Katrina Williams
- Christina Witzel
- Liza Womeldorf
- Drs. Sri and Aks Zaheer
- Louise Ziegler
- Jeanne Zimmer and Alfred Steinke
- Thea and Kristen Zschomler
The Heritage Society Members
The Heritage Society honors and celebrates donors who have made estate and other planned gifts for Northrop at the University of Minnesota.
- Nancy Allen*
- Jerry Artz
- John Follows*
- Stephen Gordon and Pat Gavan-Gordon
- Gail and Stuart Hanson
- Charlie Johnson
- Peter Lund
- Darlene M. Sholtis
*Deceased
Northrop's Aeolian-Skinner Organ
Thank you to the generous donors who continue to support programming for Northrop’s beloved Aeolian-Skinner Organ. It is because of you that this magnificent instrument’s voice will be enjoyed by many for years to come.
Northrop Organ Supporters
- Barbara Allan
- Monica Allen
- Ann and Ted Allison
- Timothy and Suzanne Almen
- Elizabeth Anderson
- Janet and Dean Anderson
- Terry and Vicki Anderson
- Briana Baldwin
- Karen Barale
- J. Michael Barone
- Christopher Barth
- Matthew and Anna Beckler
- Carol Bessler
- Dean Billmeyer
- Cynthia Bleskachek
- Lauren Boerboom
- Dian and Timothy Boonstra
- Dayne Bose
- Toni Brekke
- Joyce Brown
- Drs. Robert Bruininks and Susan Hagstrum
- Mark Carter
- Carol and Loren Carver
- Peter Colburn
- Scott Cragle
- Dee Ann and Kent Crossley
- T. John Cunningham
- Tim Dockter
- Mollie Dunlap
- Anne and Timothy Droske
- Laura and Tim Edman
- Edward Eiffler
- Chris Fernlund
- Douglas Feyma
- Karl Fischer
- Alexander Ford
- Nancy Fox
- Salvatore Franco
- Reid Froiland
- Renee Gallup
- Amanda Greb Jones
- Nils and Heather Halker
- Peter Hanson
- Jeremy Haug
- Todd Helmer
- Ruth Hoff
- Karen Hopps
- Kenneth and Julie Hoyme
- Ruth Ann and Charles Hyser
- Maria Jette
- Charlie Johnson
- Michael Jones
- John Kearns
- Jenny Kisner
- Carla Koepke
- Joseph Kuznik
- Carol and Terry Leach
- Randy Lee
- Tobias Leppert
- Ronald and Diane Low
- Glen Lubiens
- Peter Lund
- Rosemary Lundell
- Steven Mathe
- Nathaniel McNeil
- Yelena Mdivani
- Sherri Meyers
- Janell and John Miersch
- Arthur Miller
- Jenna Miller
- Josh Miller
- Susan Murray
- Jennifer Nehls
- Alan and Kay Noland Smith
- Pamela Neuenfeldt and Don Williams
- Kelly Nezworski
- Danita Ng
- Eric Nielsen
- Steven and Mary Oakley
- Jennifer Oknich
- Dennis and Betty Jo Olsen
- Nate Otto
- Steve Panizza
- Jon Poling
- Melissa Powers
- Holly Radis-McCluskey and Glen McCluskey
- Phillip Radtke
- Chris Rhea
- Martin and Susan Richards
- Filip Rosseel
- Thomas Ryan
- Sarah Schaffer
- Laura and Ron Schlatter
- Barbara Shaterian
- Erica Skeate
- Preston Schlueter
- William Slobotski
- Cynthia Smith
- Kumi Smith
- Martin Stachnik
- Kathleen and Joseph Stanford
- Amy Stech
- Alice Storm
- Lisa Swanson Faleide
- Chelsea Thein
- Andrew Thompson
- Marilyn and Robert Thompson
- Richard Thorne
- Olivia Tobin
- Hoa Trinh
- Jane Weiers
- John Wells
- Carolyn Whitson
- Jeff Wyant
- Enrica Zaidman
This season’s listing is current as of 2/2/26
Please contact Matthew Keefe at keefe175@umn.edu if you have any corrections or questions.
