5 Reasons to Dance this Season
There is so much inspiration during this winter season, and here at Northrop we are inspired not only by performing arts, live music, orchestras, and choreography of the Northrop Dance Season, but also the simplicity of fresh air, hot chocolate, and stocking stuffers. As Northrop is in the midst of a marvelous medley of performances this season, we hope you are inspired to dance. From the brilliance of a warm fireplace to sugar cookies bringing friends together, there is an overflow of joy in the holidays.
1. Snow is Your Spotlight
Whether serving as a romantic backdrop for a slow dance in the backyard, or as the burst of excitement confirming the holiday season is here, embrace snow as the context for cheerfulness. This year, whether you will be independently inhaling revitalizing, cold, crisp air, clasping mittens with your best friend, or bundling up kids squealing about snow angels and snowmen, go dance in the snow. There’s something magical about the simultaneous fragility and power of endless sky-fallen sparkle; small complexities we should all take a moment to recognize and revel in. With a fresh layer already blanketing our cities, we are one step closer to the deep of winter – and one step closer to the slush of spring. And while the white of winter will disappear, we are looking forward to the celebration of the 100th anniversary of The Rite of Spring with Joffrey Ballet.
2. Holiday Parties Are Magical
Give yourself an extra excuse to indulge in bright, elaborate sugar cookies and marshmallowed hot chocolate embellished with cinnamon sticks. The holidays are all about togetherness, and this season, string up an extra bundle of white lights and celebrate with friends. Holiday parties are evenings surrounded by glowing candles, empty mugs of eggnog, the scent of pine, and – of course – your favorite music playlist. Consider creating a lineup made to jingle bellies and bob the noggin. There are few better moments than dancing in your living room with favorite company. And don’t hesitate to consider the children as stars of the evening; a pair of red sheets frames the stage for a youthful interpretation of The Nutcracker. If you want to join the many year-round festivities of Northrop, consider becoming a Friend of Northrop and join us in our frequent celebrations of the arts through artist receptions, private dinners, open rehearsals, and exclusive social events.
3. Fuzzy Socks Love Linoleum
The perfect stocking stuffer? Socks. Fuzzy ones. There is no lack for entertainment with fuzzy socks on linoleum. And this season, we all have the opportunity to shop local and explore all the creative boutiques the Twin Cities has to offer. Discover the joy of frosted window shopping, beautiful handmade and hand-knit items, rich tastes and scents, and impossibly perfect gifts in the many independently owned stores throughout the cities. If you’re seeking to give experiences over knits – or are concerned about hips with socks on linoleum – consider the elated expressions of friends receiving a Northrop gift certificate or tickets to an upcoming event such as the Brazilian exuberance of Grupo Corpo or the Cambodian passion of Khmer Arts Ensemble. It’s the gift that creates joyful anticipation weeks before and delightful memories weeks and years after
4. There is So Much Inspiration
Living in one of the most highly respected performing arts scenes of the nation, we do not have to wander far to find incredible inspiration this season. World-renowned New York City Ballet MOVES graced the Orpheum Theatre stage in October, dazzled a full house of Northrop Dance guests, and still poises as a point of inspiration months later. Another of America’s leading ballet companies, Joffrey Ballet will present clean lines and a magnificent masterpiece in February. If you’re seeking submergence into seasonal delight, Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy continues its enchanting tradition as one of Minnesota’s most treasured holiday events. Throughout December, this classic ballet will be marveling at the Cowles Center. Also in February, Northrop Dance anticipates the return of Bebe Miller Company; a Women of Substance series performance showcasing sheer beauty, self-examination, and an intentional focus on movement as both a record of thought and contemplation of past and future. Treat yourself – and the people who deserve to be pampered and inspired – to a dance performance this season, and find your own inspiration to move and create.
5. Music Enlightens
They say music is the soundtrack to our souls. And it’s true that music can inspire contemplation, decisiveness, creation, and enlightenment. And this year, Northrop has overflowed with an incredible diversity of talent, composition, presentation, and variety. Our Summer Music Festival at Northrop 2012 featured local musicians performing live outdoors every week. Eager to share a love of classical and contemporary chamber music, Accordo showcases some of the very best instrumentalists from Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Minnesota Orchestra in a four-part series presented in partnership with The Schubert Club and Kate Nordstrum Projects. Leaping into the world of contemporary dance, November’s Rosie Herrera Dance Theatre performance brought everything from Celine Dion’s Titanic powerhouse classic to characterized Disney music to the stage, and Hofesh Shechter Company unleashed electric guitars and a drumline at the Orpheum. In the approaching months, we will be moved both by the music of the University of Minnesota Symphony Orchestra performing innovative scores live with Joffrey Ballet, as well as eight live instrumentalists and singers performing alongside crocodiles with the Khmer Arts Ensemble. As we all embrace the inspirations of this season, find the tracks that put you in the spirit of the holidays – whatever that means for you.
This season, the Northrop staff cannot stop listening to a few classic melodies that make us melty and happy.
- “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” by The Drifters
- “Cold December Night” by Michael Buble
- "Carol of the Bells" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
- “Winter Song” by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson
- "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole