Rochester Ensemble of Dance

The mission of Rochester Ensemble of Dance (RED) is to foster the artistic development of our community members by engaging them in meaningful dance performances that celebrate the arts and culture throughout Southeast Minnesota.

We fulfill our mission by presenting classical and contemporary dance productions that challenge local dancers both as performers and choreographers while also creating outreach and educational opportunities to youth organizations in Southeast Minnesota.  Additionally, we benefit the community at large by providing accessible, affordable, family-friendly performances.

RED's first production, Snow White, was held in April 2022, featuring 32 dancers from Southeast Minnesota.  Two public performances and two school performances were held, in addition to community outreach performances at the Rochester Boys and Girls Club and Spark! Children's Museum. 

Our summer and fall gave us the opportunity to host two Minnesota-based artists, Elissa from Minnesota Dance Theatre and Madison from So You Think You Can Dance. These artists each taught a Master Class to more than 30 local students and dance professionals, bringing together dancers from a variety of local studios.

RED's first holiday production, The Nutcracker, is well underway, with three public performances scheduled for November 19 and 20, 2022, in addition to two school performances on November 18. Our cast size has doubled to more than 60 participants! Once again, RED is providing outreach to the Boys and Girls Club by teaching an on-site workshop at the Club on November 14, as well as inviting Club youth to attend a special "preview" performance of The Nutcracker on November 17.  

Our goal for our very first "Give to the Max Day" is $1,000. $1,000 to help us continue to grow and expand our reach in the Rochester community; to involve more dancers in our twice-yearly performances; to offer need-based scholarships; and to continue offering complimentary outreach opportunities to youth-based organizations in our region. We are already looking ahead to our 2023 season with exciting collaborations planned for both our March and November performances.  Thank you for your support!