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 year of programming, we’ve seen first-hand 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 continuing to increase our impact, and by contributing here, you become a part of this work of sharing JOY through JAZZ!

REAL TALK - We are really proud of the magic we make happen on a pretty small budget: every year, we spark vibrancy and connectedness through jazz and American social dance ideas by creating two evening-length productions to share with the public, and offering robust outreach programming for local libraries, schools, senior care facilities, community groups and professional dancers.

REAL TALK - We do all of this with an annual budget of LESS THAN $100,000.00: If you don't know, we'll tell you that given the high quality of our productions, affordable ticket prices, sheer volume of our outreach work and our payment of competitive hourly wages to our artists, this is INCREDIBLE. 

REAL TALK - And as you likely know, we cannot make our impactful work happen without your help. 

REAL TALK - Your individual contributions account for 1/4 to 1/3 of our annual budget in a given year: With the competitive and unreliable na individual contributions are our most steady, reliable source of income. 

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

• Winter Production: We'll premiere a new production - The Jazz Standard(s) - at Amsterdam Bar & Hall this 11/16 & 11/17;
• Summer Production: We’ll create and share a brand new annual Summer show, continuing our support of MN-local and visiting artists alike and bring you fresh perspectives on and through jazz;
• Outreach: We'll expand our work engaging underserved communities through outreach 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 Fiscal Year 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 to the Max 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! If you'd like 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 and benefit 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 about our vision, values, history and programming, visit rhythmicallyspeakingdance.org. We are SO grateful for your incredible, ongoing support, now and always.

Groove on,

Erinn Liebhard, Artistic and Executive Director

+ Advisory Panel & Artists