Rhythmically Speaking

Rhythm connects us to ourselves, the moment and one another. In it - and with your support, we find: 

JOY through JAZZ!

Rhythmically Speaking's performance and education-based work cultivates vibrant, embodied connection through jazz and other American social dance-inspired forms.

Now in our 16th year of programming, we’ve seen first-hand how transformative it can be for people to pause their fast-paced worlds in favor of shared sensory and kinesthetic human experiences. Thanks to the generosity of last year’s 119 donors, we are optimistic about continuing to increase our impact, and by donating here, you become a part of this work of sharing JOY through JAZZ!

We are proud of the pivots we made during the challenging pandemic years, including producing the first virtual dance show in the Twin Cities, drastically expanding our outreach programming, creating our first dance film RadioBody, co-curating jazz film screenings and shifting regular programming into outdoor events and new collaborations. It is this same sense of resourcefulness that got us started 16 years ago and carries forward our work today. Must be fueled by all that thinking on our feet - i.e. - improvising we do, both INSIDE and AROUND our artmaking :)

Here’s what your support will do this Fiscal Year (10/1/23 - 9/30/24):

• Winter Production: After a four year hiatus, we are excited to bring back our beloved show CHILL: The Entire “Charlie Brown Christmas” Soundtrack, Played Live & Danced!, which includes collaborating with live jazz combo The Jazz Outlaws;
• Summer Production: We’ll continue our support of MN-local and visiting artists alike and bring you fresh perspectives on and through jazz with The Cohort;
• Outreach: Our work engaging underserved communities through education and performance-based Outreach programming at libraries, schools, senior living organizations and community events continues to expand, including an extensive series with Walker Methodist Senior Living this year. We’ll also continue our outreach to the professional dance community through our MoveTogethers;
• IDEA: We will continue our inclusion, diversity, equity and access efforts, including donating as reparations 1% of our Fiscal Year budget to the International Association of Blacks in Dance and intentionally cultivating collaborations with BIPOC dancers and choreographers, among other efforts;
• Organizational Capacity: We will continue to fund our new Administrative Associate position, as well as hire a Grant Writer for the FIRST TIME. This work is helping us broaden the community that has access to our programming and increase our long-term organizational stability. 

Help us raise the $18,000.00 in individual donations we need to fund our impactful Fiscal Year 2024 work while keeping ticket prices accessible and artist compensation competitive.

Your gift, in ANY size, makes an enormous difference, and could help us achieve these future goals:

Want to make your tax-deductible, secure donation on GiveMN go further? You've got options:

• Give to the Max Early: Schedule your donation for any time between 11/1/23 and 11/16/23 to qualify us for a $500 ‘Early Giving Golden Ticket’! Every day-of donation made also qualifies us for other ‘Golden Ticket’ prizes worth between $500.00 and $10,000.00! 
• Cover the Processing Fee: This way, 100% of your donation goes directly to us, providing us with more resources toward fulfilling our mission.
• Pursue an Employer Match: This DOUBLES your donation! If you'd like help figuring out if your employer offers this option, email us at rhythmicallyspeakingdance@gmail.com.
• Consider Setting Up a Monthly Donation: Keep your support of us going all year long!

“The Rhythmically Speaking show was fantastic! Please know the incredible service and benefit to the Minnesota dance community and Jazz dance community nationally you have provided for the last 15 years by creating and sustaining Rhythmically Speaking. I can't thank you enough.” - Heather Klopchin, Chair of St. Olaf College Dance Program and Cohort 2023 Audience Member

To find out more about our vision, values, history and current programming, visit rhythmicallyspeakingdance.org. We are SO grateful for your incredible, ongoing support, now and always.

Groove on,

Erinn Liebhard, Artistic and Executive Director

+ Advisory Panel & Artists