Rhythmically Speaking

In our ask for your support for our 2026-2027 season, our message is:

RHYTHM ON RECORD

We've been at this 'sparking vibrancy and connectedness through jazz and American social dance ideas' thing for 18 years now. Our longevity and growth have proved us to be a durable, vibrant organization worth supporting. See for yourself!

For the record, some here's proof of our excellence in art-making, community engagement and organizational acumen as we head into our 19th season:

From artist engagement and programming quality to the building of our annual budget and expansion of donor support, we have a clear track-record of growth in the things that matter.

First shows, fiscal sponsorship from Springboard for the Arts, donor base starts at 45 people and annual budget sits at $18,300

First grant and presentation of out-of-town guest artists, receipt of 501(c)3 non-profit status

Ten years of creating unique and inspiring work in jazz and American social dance ideas

Shift to dance company format with two production season, major ramp up in outreach work, donor base has increased to 90+ and annual budget sits at $40,500

First tour (to NYC no less!), receipt of private foundation funding for operating costs

Ordway debut and first full-show tour, donor base has increased to 120+ and annual budget sits at around $100,000

It's not just us singing our own praises - our unique work in jazz and American social dance ideas is consistently uplifted by audience members, colleagues and art critics.

“What a truly amazing show! It brings all the parts about jazz dance that make it so unique – it’s sense of community, the essence of cool, the communicative use of call and response, the improvisational elements, and of course it’s connection to the music! You have put together something so magical, and it had me moving and grooving in my seat!” - Crystal Secor, Audience Member

"Colorful, infectious, and accessible...The integration of improvisation with set choreography was quite seamless." - Karen Bovard for Broadway World

“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 by creating and sustaining Rhythmically Speaking. I can't thank you enough.” - Heather Klopchin, Chair of St. Olaf College Dance Program

"Dance can be esoteric, but if you allow yourself to sit back and breathe it all in, you’re bound to find your own personal meaning. Stop thinking, relax and enjoy. This show is beyond worth it. Congrats to Ms. Liebhard and crew, you’ve done it again. Rhythmically Speaking is a local gem." - Erin Roberts for Minnesota Playlist

With institutional arts funding becoming increasingly unpredictable, we respect that your donations are our most reliable source of income - we tell you where your money will go, and then we make it happen.

• This year, what we raise will break out like this:

  • $13,000 for Summer show Groovers & Makers 2027,

  • $10,000 for Winter production CHILL (yep, our Charlie Brown Xmas show is BACK!)

  • and $2,000 for administrative time

• 85-90% of our annual budget - including your donations - goes to the creative people that bring to life the impactful art you love

• We communicate with you about our real costs - infographic breaking this down coming soon!

Want to Make Your Contribution Toward Our $25,000 Goal Go Further?

• Give Early: Schedule your donation NOW for between 11/1-11/16 to qualify us for Early Giving prizes

• Cover the Processing Fee: This way, we receive 100% of your donation

• Pursue an Employer Match: This DOUBLES your donation!

• Set Up a Monthly Donation: Keep your support of us going all year long!

We thank you for your ongoing support, and we know that you - our donors - are a critical part of our...

RHYTHM on RECORD

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