Black Label Movement

Join us in the fight against cancer with our upcoming projects: ‘Rules of Life’ and ‘The Battle’

We have a matching gift of $2,500 this GTMD. Donate today to help us unlock our match!

‘Rules of Life’ is a boundary-defying collaboration between cancer researchers and Black Label Movement that explores the aggressive complexities of glioblastoma through dance, science, and human connection. An evening-length stage work set to premiere on January 16 and 17, 2026 will fuse the cutting-edge biomedical work of David Odde and Paolo Provenzano with Carl Flink’s visceral choreography, asking what “the rules of life” mean across biology, relationships, and society. The performance will reimagine scientific research not just as data - but as embodied experience and radical inquiry.

‘The Battle’ is a spectacular fusion of art and science, will bring together choreographer Carl Flink, Black Label Movement, the University of Minnesota Marching Band Led by director Betsy McCann, cancer researchers David Odde and Paolo Provenzano and their labs, and hundreds of Twin Cities students to launch a full-scale, live-action model of groundbreaking cancer research. Happening April 2026 at Huntington Bank Stadium, this epic scale working research model aims to decode “the rules of life” hidden within deadly tumors like glioblastoma by visualizing how t-cells might better fight cancer. Powered by the innovative Bodystorming system (www.bodystormingsystem.com), this dynamic project won’t just communicate science—it will do science, pushing the boundaries of research and performance alike.

 A donation to Black Label Movement goes directly to ‘Rules of Life’ and ‘The Battle’. Therefore, opening doors for expanded cancer research and creating opportunities to examine cancer's effect in our society. Join us in our fight by donating today. 

*if you would like to give via check let us know by emailing sherisa@blacklabelmovement.com for instructions

Learn more about Black Label Movement:

Black Label is a Minnesota dance company led by Carl Flink that makes wildly physical, intellectually and emotionally engaging movement driven art and embodied activities that examine and engage the human condition to inspire vivid lives. 

Our Values:

Work Hard. Creating challenging, physical movement theater requires hard work.

Embrace Risk. Too much caution and control rarely leads to powerful art.

Challenge Always. Make art that pushes personal and societal boundaries.

Make Art. Make your own art, its good for you and your local community.

Engage Everyone. Engage everyone and community you can, it is through connections you evolve and learn.

We are celebrated for our:

♦ Propulsive, daring and socially conscious dance making 

♦ Unusual Collaborations with Unexpected Partners - Click the image below to learn more 

 

♦ Embodied Presentations about "Big Ideas"  - Check out our TED Talk Dance versus Powerpoint: A Modest Proposal