Minneapolis, MN March 30, 2012 In celebration of its 50 years, Minnesota Dance Theatre (MDT) reprises its repertoire classic, Carmina Burana, running for one weekend: April 26-29, 2012 at The Cowles Center. This seasons revival of a choreographic masterpiece by MDT founder Loyce Houlton, presents a convergence of Twin Cities artistry through collaboration between MDT dancers under the direction of Lise Houlton with Dominique Serrand, and the Carmina Burana chorus plus vocalists Bradley Greenwald, Justin Madel, and Jennifer Baldwin-Peden.

A piece long-connected with MDT history, Carmina Burana brings vibrant energy to a timeless theme. Houltons masterpiece follows a long line of sensuous inspiration, from the silent songs of 13th century vagrant monks poetic homage to passion, to Carl Orff setting the poems to an orchestral eruption of the ancient words. This dynamic performance brings the earthly rumblings of love and lust, mixed with the human pangs of fortune and fate, to a fully expressive celebration in a hedonistic romp of bodies, music, and movement. MDTs cast of sinuously prolific dancers, joined in energetic merrymaking by a powerful corps of musicians, and adorned by the vocal exuberance of guest artists, makes for an uplifting production fitting for a half -century celebration.

Thrills and trills spill from spicy Carmina. Rohan Preston, Star Tribune

Featuring a dynamic mix of MDT dancers, vocalists Bradley Greenwald, Jennifer Baldwin Peden and Justin Madel, the Carmina Burana chorus, and musicians including Tom Linker and Barbara Brooks.

ABOUT MDTS GOLDEN GALA April 28, 2012

Join MDT as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary Season in style. This golden event includes a cocktail hour with silent auction (including one-of-a-kind, experiential offerings), a performance of MDTs popular Carmina Burana, a three-course dinner by Create Catering, and dessert courtesy of La Belle Vie.

5:00 p.m. Cocktail Hour (with champagne and appetizers)

6:00 p.m. Performance of MDTs Carmina Burana

7:00 p.m. Dinner, Live Auction, Raffle, and Dessert

Gala tickets: $250

Includes all of the Gala events listed above

Performance and cocktail hour tickets: $50

For pre-show reception and performance only

All tickets available through The Cowles Center Box Office.

Contact: Marsha Walker

Managing Director

Minnesota Dance Theatre

Phone: 612.338.0627 ext. 4

Mobile: 917.767.0560

marsha.walker@mndace.org

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