April 17–18
Luminary Arts Center
Join us for an energizing evening of four world premieres by celebrated choreographers Wynn Fricke, Wendell Gray II, Shane Larson, and Assaf Salhov—performed by the powerhouse repertory company of ARENA DANCES in its 30th anniversary season.
Rooted in collaboration, courage, and the transformative power of dance, this program features a dynamic ensemble of dancers: Nieya Amezquita, Alex Arce, Non Edwards, Sarah McCullough, and Jake Nehrbass. Together, they bring to life unique choreographic voices spanning generations, geographies, and aesthetics.
A Repertory Season of Depth and Evolution
This season marks a bold evolution for ARENA DANCES, strengthening long-term artistic relationships and investing deeply in a sustained creative process. By fostering extended collaboration between choreographers and dancers, the company cultivates shared language, trust, and risk-taking—resulting in work that is both rigorous and profoundly human.
Featured Choreographers
Wynn Fricke
Minnesota-based choreographer Wynn Fricke brings her singular, intuitive approach to the stage. Described by the Star Tribune as a “choreographic shaman,” she creates powerful, timeless works exploring the human condition. A seven-time McKnight Foundation Fellow and founder of Borrowed Bones Dance Theatre, her work has been commissioned by Zenon Dance Company, Ragamala Dance, and Minnesota Dance Theatre, where she served as Resident Choreographer.
Wendell Gray II
A rising New York City–based artist, Wendell Gray II contributes a bold, acclaimed choreographic voice. His work has been presented at Danspace Project, Movement Research at Judson Church, and Gibney. A 2025–2028 Jerome Hill Artist Fellowship Fellow and Movement Research Artist-in-Residence, he was recently nominated for a Bessie Awards for Outstanding Breakout Choreographer.
Shane Larson
Minnesota native and interdisciplinary artist Shane Larson bridges dance, video, sound, and technology. A longtime member of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company and 2021 Bessie Award recipient, his work interrogates memory, identity, and physicality. Recent projects include participation in Jacob’s Pillow’s inaugural Choreotech AI Lab, positioning his practice at the forefront of performance and innovation.
Assaf Salhov
A New York City–based choreographer, dancer, and Artistic Director of Le Ballet Fou, Salhov is known for his immersive and theatrical approach. He has created and presented over fifteen works across Israel, Europe, and the United States, with performances at Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Shed, and international festivals. A longtime performer in Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More, his choreography draws audiences into richly physical, cinematic worlds shaped by collaboration across disciplines.
Looking Forward
Together, these world premieres reflect ARENA DANCES’ vision for the future:
– A commitment to artistic depth
– Living-wage employment for dancers
– Creative relationships built over time
– Bold, forward-looking choreographic exploration
As we celebrate 30 years of making dance accessible to all, we invite audiences to experience what becomes possible when artists are given time, trust, and support to imagine the future.
Performance Notes
Duration: 90 minutes
Intermission: One 10-minute intermission