Rhythmically Speaking

Rhythm connects us to ourselves, the moment and one another. In it - and with your support - we find: 

JOY through JAZZ!

Rhythmically Speaking's performance and outreach-based work cultivates vibrant, embodied connection through jazz and other American social dance-inspired forms.

Now in our 17th season, we know how transformative it can be for people to pause their fast-paced worlds in favor of shared sensory and kinesthetic human experiences. Thanks to the generosity of last year’s 120+ donors, we are optimistic about increasing our impact, and by contributing here, you become a part of this work of sharing JOY through JAZZ!

This Give to the Max season, we decided to give it to ya straight, so here's some REAL TALK about why we need your money :)

• Art Costs Money to Make: From small things like gaff tape for the stage to bigger things like competitive hourly wages for dancers, the art we make to inspire you costs money to make.
• Your Contribution is Flexible: While grants are an important part of our budget, they are often restricted to specific projects. Your donations can go wherever they are needed.
• Small Amounts Matter: They add up! We are really proud of the magic we make with an annual budget of less than $100,000.00.
• We Rely On You: As donations account for 1/4 to 1/3 of our annual budget in a given year and grants are competitive and unreliable, YOU are our most steady, reliable source of funding. 

REAL TALK - Here's what your money will do this Fiscal Year (10/1/24 - 9/30/25):

• Winter Production: Our new production The Jazz Standard(s) - premieres this 11/16 & 11/17;
• Summer Production: We’ll produce a brand new annual Summer show, continuing our support of MN-local and visiting artists alike bringing you fresh perspectives on and through jazz;
• Outreach: We'll expand our work engaging underserved communities through programming for libraries, schools, senior care facilities, community groups and professional dancers.
• IDEA: We'll continue our inclusion, diversity, equity and access efforts, including donating as reparations 1% of our annual budget to the International Association of Blacks in Dance and intentionally cultivating collaborations with BIPOC artists;
• Organizational Capacity: We'll fund our new Administrative/ Artistic Associate and Grant Writer positions, broadening access to our programming and increasing our long-term organizational stability. 

Help us raise the $20,000.00 in individual donations we need to fund our impactful Fiscal Year 2025 work while keeping ticket prices accessible and artist compensation competitive.

Want to make your tax-deductible, secure donation on GiveMN go further? 

• Give Early: Schedule your donation for any time between 11/1/24 and 11/21/24 to qualify us for GiveMN's Early Giving prizes!
• Cover the Processing Fee: This way, 100% of your donation goes directly to us, providing us with more resources toward fulfilling our mission.
• Pursue an Employer Match: This DOUBLES your donation! For help figuring this out, email us at rhythmicallyspeakingdance@gmail.com.
• Consider Setting Up a Monthly Donation: Keep your support of us going all year long!

“The Rhythmically Speaking show was fantastic! Please know the incredible service to the Minnesota dance community and Jazz dance community nationally you have provided for the last 15 years by creating and sustaining Rhythmically Speaking.” - Heather Klopchin, Chair of St. Olaf College Dance Program and Cohort 2023 Audience Member

To find out more, visit rhythmicallyspeakingdance.org. We're SO grateful for your incredible, ongoing support.

Groove on,

Erinn Liebhard, Artistic  Executive Director

+ Advisory Board & Artists