Rhythmically Speaking

About the Company

Rhythmically Speaking is a Twin Cities-based 501(c)3 nonprofit dance organization with a mission to spark vibrancy and connectedness through performance and education work inspired by jazz and American social dance ideas. Using the rhythm that is at our shared human core to groove together, our work cultivates vibrant, embodied human connection (vision). We value:

• Access: Everyone can groove to a beat, and should have opportunities to do so with others
• Inclusiveness: Grooving together socially builds community
• Diversity: Through jazz, tap, hip-hop and other styles that share the elements of groove, interaction and improvisation (present in all American social dance styles), we find unity in difference, and that makes for vibrant art and relationships
• Equity: We prioritize rooted innovation in jazz that centers and celebrates its African diasporic roots, and position this in relationship to equity-building measures
• Resourcefulness: Improvising with the tools at hand
• Playfulness: Not just for kids!
• Joy: An important human emotion we feel is far too underrated in capital A Art

Our mission, vision and values guide and are reflected by the art we create and present, by the people who bring it to life and the ethos with which we operate. Generally, our efforts in performance and education include the creation of two productions a year – one featuring new works and repertoire by local and national artists and one of new dance works by Artistic Director Erinn Liebhard – as well as residencies, workshops and events as needs and interests arise.

Touted by Dance Magazine as ‘revitalizing jazz dance in the Twin Cities area,’ RS is the only organization in Minnesota and one of few in the nation dedicated to creating, presenting and conducting outreach work inspired by jazz and American social dance ideas including tap, hip-hop styles and many others. Since our founding in 2008, we have nurtured enthusiastic idea exchange among passionate people with shared interests.