Celebrate the end of the 2019-20 season with northrop video, other daily inspirations

This week at Northrop marks the end of our 2019-20 Northrop Presents season, which was my first season at Northrop and in the Twin Cities. I’m looking back fondly on all of the amazing experiences we had as a Northrop family, both on stage and in studios, classrooms, and public spaces since September. Thanks to all of you who have welcomed me so warmly, and worked with us so collaboratively. It’s inspiring to be thinking about new and exciting ways to bring artists and audiences together, even though it’s also frustrating not to know quite how or when that will happen. Until then, we take it one day, one connection, one inspiration at a time.

One of the beautiful things that happened this week was a team effort between Northrop’s Marketing, Engagement, Production, and Programming departments. Together we created a video commemorating our State Ballet of Georgia performance, which also includes the pop-up library and lobby music that would have added to the performance experience. The good news is we’ve rescheduled the State Ballet of Georgia performance for Spring 2021--stay tuned for more details about our season announcement.

We learned from our friends at Martha Graham Dance Company that they’re going back to work! This means that their free Insta-Graham (get it?) classes have come to an end, but you can still participate in the company’s 19 Poses for the 19th Amendment challenge. While you’re at it, why not register to exercise those 19th Amendment rights?

I grinned from ear to ear as I remembered our time with Black Grace and watched this video clip of Crying Men. I was profoundly affected by Black Grace’s company culture of shared work and mutual respect during their time in the Twin Cities.

We also shared some good memories of our season opener Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, who brought us The Great Gatsby in September and also visited Northrop the previous season for a performance with Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra titled Mozart in Motion.

And with today’s Daily Inspiration, we’re thinking about both Ballet West and our friends at New York City Ballet as we share information about NYCB’s Digital Spring Season. NYCB is posting new programs each Tuesday and Friday, with each digital event available for 72 hours, through May 29. Tuesday programs are focused on the company's legacy choreographers George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, with Fridays devoted to contemporary work. Next Tuesday’s program is Rubies from Jewels, which Ballet West just performed beautifully for us in February.

I’d love to hear your favorite Northrop memories from this season! Knowing that many of you are excited to come back for more dance and music (as soon as we can do that safely) helps keep *me* inspired as we continue our planning for the future.