Arena Dances Spring Show 2026

April 17–18 at Luminary Arts Center for ARENA DANCES—four world premieres by Wynn Fricke, Wendell Gray II, Shane Larson, and Assaf Salhov, performed by ARENA DANCES’ powerhouse repertory company in our 30th anniversary season.

Rooted in collaboration, courage, and the transformative power of dance, this program brings together a powerhouse ensemble of dancers—Nieya Amezquita, Alex Arce, Non Edwards, Sarah McCullough, and Jake Nehrbass—for an evening of world premieres by four commissioned choreographers whose voices span generations, geographies, and aesthetics.

• Date: Saturday, April 18

• Time: 2 p.m. (Pay-what you-can performance)

• Location: Luminary Arts Center, 700 1st St N, Minneapolis

• RSVP today: https://my.luminaryartscenter.com/2882/3159

• Additional showings are available on 4/17 & 4/18 at 7:30 p.m. with tickets beginning at $20

Featured Choreographers

Wynn Fricke
Minnesota-based choreographer Wynn Fricke brings her singular, intuitive approach to the stage. Described by the Star Tribune as a “choreographic shaman,” she creates powerful, timeless works exploring the human condition. A seven-time McKnight Foundation Fellow and founder of Borrowed Bones Dance Theatre, her work has been commissioned by Zenon Dance Company, Ragamala Dance, and Minnesota Dance Theatre, where she served as Resident Choreographer.

Wendell Gray II
A rising New York City–based artist, Wendell Gray II contributes a bold, acclaimed choreographic voice. His work has been presented at Danspace Project, Movement Research at Judson Church, and Gibney. A 2025–2028 Jerome Hill Artist Fellowship Fellow and Movement Research Artist-in-Residence, he was recently nominated for a Bessie Awards for Outstanding Breakout Choreographer.

Shane Larson
Minnesota native and interdisciplinary artist Shane Larson bridges dance, video, sound, and technology. A longtime member of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company and 2021 Bessie Award recipient, his work interrogates memory, identity, and physicality. Recent projects include participation in Jacob’s Pillow’s inaugural Choreotech AI Lab, positioning his practice at the forefront of performance and innovation.

Assaf Salhov
A New York City–based choreographer, dancer, and Artistic Director of Le Ballet Fou, Salhov is known for his immersive and theatrical approach. He has created and presented over fifteen works across Israel, Europe, and the United States, with performances at Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Shed, and international festivals. A longtime performer in Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More, his choreography draws audiences into richly physical, cinematic worlds shaped by collaboration across disciplines.

This Bridge Fund for Dance activation is funded by the City of Minneapolis Arts & Cultural Affairs Department.