Rhythmically Speaking

Rhythm connects us to ourselves, the moment and one another: 

Become a Rhythm-Maker!

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

Headed into our 15th 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. We are optimistic about continuing to build this impact and more sustainable nonprofit structures around our work, and by donating here, you become a part of this work of sharing JOY through JAZZ!

. . . 

Thanks to the generosity of last year’s 114 donors, we are laying foundation to increase our impact, including the hiring of an Administrative Associate (our first time EVER being able to hire someone to help with the day-to-day work), a pursuit completely funded by your generous support! This work is helping us increase our long-term organizational stability AND broaden the community that has access to our shows, events and workshops.

Over the last couple of challenging years, we’ve continued to spark vibrancy and connection through jazz and American social dance ideas. We’re proud that we:

• Produced the first virtual dance show in the Twin Cities
• Shared virtual ‘Roots and Branches’ workshops that reconnect jazz dance to it’s vibrant African diasporic roots
• Began a partnership with Hopewell Music North to expand access to jazz music and dance for underserved youth in North Minneapolis
• Created our first dance film RadioBody, which has been accepted to several screendance festivals
• Pivoted our 20/21 annual summer production to an outdoor show in collaboration with Keane Sense of Rhythm tap company
• Engaged students, seniors and the general public through increased education and performance-based outreach, including work at Marcy Open Elementary, Sholom Home West and the Minnesota State Fair
• Improved our anti-racism and equity efforts, including donating as reparations 1% of our Fiscal Year 2022 budget to the International Association of Blacks in Dance
• Developed relationships with local BIPOC artists working in jazz-related forms and bettered our connection with the public through our MoveTogethers (company classes)
• Produced our first dance films screening with partners Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema, the Boulder Jazz Dance Workshop and Twin Cities Film Festival
• Returned safely to indoor live performance, offering brand-new show Riffin' in November 2021, returning to our Summer home of The Southern Theater for The Cohort 2022 and expanding our 2021 RadioBody films into an evening-length stage show for February
• Are continuing our support and presentation of local to Minnesota and visiting artists alike through our program The Cohort, for which the 2023 call for submissions is currently out

Help us reach our goal of raising $12,000.00 in individual donations, so we can continue our impactful work while keeping ticket prices and workshops accessible. 

Your gift, in ANY size, makes an enormous difference.

[RS Company Profile - 2019-Present]

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

• Give Early: Schedule your donation for any time between 11/1/22 and 11/16/22 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: By choosing to do so, 100% of your donation goes directly to us, providing us with more resource 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: As 1% of our annual budget will go to the International Association of Blacks in Dance, an organization that preserves and promotes dance by people of African ancestry or origin, support of this kind will make a regular and direct impact on our inclusion, diversity, equity and access efforts. 

“It was so magical, it had me moving and grooving in my seat, not to mention wishing I was on that dance floor!” - Crystal Secor, Audience Member for The Cohort 2022

A special perk: we are participating in Alternative Motion Project's 'Move to the Max' event this year, which allows folks who donate any amount to any participating dance company the opportunity to watch an on-demand showcase of works by all of them, available 11/18 - 11/25! It's a GREAT line-up, so this is a pretty sweet perk. If you donate, you will receive the link to this on 11/18, the day after Give to the Max Day.

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)