Kaleena Miller Dance

As we enter our 10th year, Kaleena Miller Dance is fundraising for two projects: first, the premiere of MDF––a free and structured improvisational performance with a cast of 6 acclaimed tap dancers that prioritizes manifold listening––, and second, the development of pay-as-able Listening/Sounding workshops.

Eschewing hierarchies of rhythm in performed dance, MDF invites a reconsideration of sounding values and an interruption of expectations of tap dance. Engaging repetitively transformed audio works, improvisation legacies in music and dance, and the material MDF (medium density fiberboard)––a substance literally made of discarded parts of itself––, the cast of performers honor their embodied knowledge and histories while carving out space for individual and collective contemporary desires. An experimental playground to consider tap dance futurities.

MDF will be performed in Minneapolis, Chicago and New York City, exact dates TBD.

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An extension of the practice utilized to make MDF, Listening/Sounding workshops will be offered in time ahead of performances. The pay-as-able sessions utilize Deep Listening modalities and ideas from Wadada Leo Smith's text notes (8 pieces) to offer exercises, scores and conversation that explore how we can listen and respond as a community, but not compromise self. For anyone interested in moving and making sound with others in space.

Your support means the world!

Thank you.

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A brief history of the company - 

Since 2015, Kaleena Miller Dance has produced 6 concept-driven evening length works, had multiple guest performances at the Twin Cities Tap Festival, and have brought incredible percussive dance guest artists to the Twin Cities including Ian Berg, Derick Grant, Naomi Funaki, Nic Gareiss, Caleb Teicher, Lisa La Touche, Max Pollak, Lia Spirka and Dianne Walker. 

In 2018, we started KMD2 - the pre-professional company - to give space for young, emerging Tap Dance artists to develop and showcase their works and thoughts-in-process. 
KMD2 is currently on hiatus as Kaleena finishes her MFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

We have been committed to artistic expression through tap dance in Minnesota since our inception, giving emerging and established artists the opportunity to perform, expand and connect with internationally renowned artists and scholars.

photo by Bill Cameron