Dance Projects by ME

WHY GIVE THIS SEASON

Your contribution directly supports meaningful cultural programming in Minnesota—and creates paid opportunities for over 50 artists, including dancers, choreographers, musicians, and cultural educators. Every gift, at any level, sustains the workshops, festivals, and community engagement events produced by Dance Projects by ME.

  

Your donation supports:

• Staff salaries and artist stipends

• Production, travel, and housing for national and international artists

• Subsidized and free community workshops

• Scholarships for students and emerging artists

• Accessible performances and community conversations

You help ensure that dance remains a vital, accessible cultural resource in our state.

OUR MISSION

Inspired by diverse styles and community exchange, we create dance projects inspired by diverse styles and community exchange. We strive to create dance accessibility through choreography, education, and performance.

ABOUT US

MNIDF 2023Founded by Carmen Lucia Lincoln (Guadalajara, MX) and Erika Martin (North Carolina, US), Dance Projects by ME is a Twin Cities–based collaborative dance organization committed to cultural exchange and community-centered dance practices.

Carmen Lucia works to expand Latin American dance visibility and cultural acess in Mni Sota Makoce, while Erika’s choreographic and educational work explores identity, embodiment, and community storytelling. Together, they bring a shared passion for arts accessibility, cross-cultural collaboration, and equitable pay for artists.

OUR PROGRAMS

Since our founding we have developed two primary areas of programing: Movement as Language and the Minnesota International Dance Festival that engage with the community to increase dance accessibility and empower the local dance community.

Movement as Language 2023 | Bill Cameron

Movement as Language is a community-centered program offering workshops, performances, and facilitated conversations that explore dance as a tool for expressing personal and cultural narratives. Movement as Language nurtures artistic exploration through embodied storytelling.

Upcoming: Community workshops in partnership with The Ordway, Zenon Dance School, and Wattanak Dance Troupe will culminate in three public performances at The Southern Theater (Minneapolis, MN) on June 26th - 27th, 2026.

The Minnesota International Dance Festival is a recurring festival that brings together community members, emerging artists, and international instructors for a week of classes, performances, and cultural exchange. The festival provides accessible dance education to 300+ Minnesotans, celebrating the vibrant cultural communities that shape our state.

Upcoming: MNIDF 2026 — Ecuador
Celebrating Ecuadorian dance and movement traditions, the October 2026 festival will feature experienced artists,  free-community workshops, student engagement, and collaborative performances. This festival deepens cross-cultural relationships and highlights the artistic contributions of immigrant communities in Minnesota.

Learn more at mnidancefestival.org.

MNIDF 2023 | MexicoMNIDF 2024 | Cambodia 

THANK YOU

Thank you for supporting cultural programming that celebrates community, honors diverse traditions, and invests directly in the livelihoods of artists. Together, we are shaping a more accessible and connected future for dance in Minnesota.