Launched in 2001 and sunsetted in 2022, Momentum: New Dance Works program elevated an exciting next generation of dance innovators, at pivotal moments in their careers, through a significant commissioning award, relevant professional mentorships, and a fully produced festival of their evening-length choreographies. The Jerome Foundation generously supported this program from its inception to completion. With the Foundation’s support and under my 12-year leadership, the program became the most important platform for early career dance artists in Minnesota.

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2007 Commissioned Artists: Maggie Bergeron, Cathy Wright, Justin Jones, and Off-Leash Area

 

2008 Commissioned Artists: Chris Schlichting, Maia Maiden/Ellena Schoop, Eddie Oroyan, and Anna Marie Shogren

 

2009 Commissioned Artists: Sachiko Nishiuchi, Vanessa Voskuil, Megan Mayer, and Sally Rousse

 

2011 Commissioned Artists: Chris Yon, Mad King Thomas, Kaleena Miller, and Kenna (Sarge) Cottman

 

2013 (10th edition) Commissioned Artists: SuperGroup, Pramila Vasudevan, Leslie O’Neill, and Jennifer Arave

 

Momentum in the Garden Commissioned Artists: Kenna Cottman, Chris Schlichting, and Kaleena Miller (to celebrate Minneapolis Sculpture Garden 25th Anniversary) 

 

2015 Commissioned Artists: Hiponymous, Luke Olson-Elm, Angharad Davies, and Nic Lincoln

 

2017 Commissioned Artists: Fire Drill (Emily Gastineau and Billy Mullaney), BLAQ (Deja Stowers), //CATHEDRAL\\ (Dolo McComb, Kimberly Lesik, and Scott Stafford), and STRONGmovement (Darrius Strong)

 

2019 Commissioned Artists: Jonathan van Arneman, Herbert Johnson III, J. H. Shuǐ Xiān, and Leslie Parker

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I wrote the program’s first equity statement in 2018:

Motivated by love and the belief that all dances create deep/sincere human connections, Momentum is committed to working together towards mutually beneficial relationships rooted in respect, while generously holding one another accountable in the process. Our aim is to provide an exchange free of oppressive biases including racism, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, ableism, ageism, bullying, and classism.