Groovers & Makers 2026 to Spotlight Jazz Dance in Minnesota

Minnesota audiences will have the opportunity to celebrate the vibrant world of jazz dance this summer as Groovers & Makers 2026, presented by Rhythmically Speaking, returns to The Southern Theater in the Twin Cities from July 30 to August 1. The eagerly anticipated summer production brings together acclaimed choreographers and an ensemble of Minnesota’s finest dance talents, promising a diverse showcase of American social dance-inspired works and jazz movement.

Choreographers Merge Traditions and Innovation

The event’s lineup features notable choreographers whose unique visions are set to redefine expectations in jazz choreography. Karla Grotting, a highly respected local artist, delves into introspective themes with a new piece set to the grooves of The Saxopaths and Snorre Kirk’s music. Her work will explore dialogue—internal and communal—through movement and rhythm.

Traveling from New York City, Maiya Redding brings a piece examining the energetic interplay between classic jazz and house music, bridging eras and traditions in American social dance. Meanwhile, Alexis Robbins of New Haven, Connecticut, debuts a tap dance piece that fuses contemporary jazz elements with intricate, rhythm-focused communication, highlighting the versatility and improvisational potential of jazz dance forms.

Leadership and Vision from Rhythmically Speaking

Artistic Director Erinn Liebhard, a driving force in Minnesota’s jazz movement, adds her own creative voice to this year’s concert. Her contribution is a dance work inspired by society’s fascination with time travel—offering audiences a conceptual journey blending jazz improvisation with explorations of memory and possibility.

Since its founding in 2008, Rhythmically Speaking has been committed to honoring and advancing the legacy of jazz dance. The dance company has presented over 119 original works and engaged more than 360 artists, fostering innovation and community in Minnesota and beyond.

An Ensemble of Local and Visiting Dance Artists

This year’s company features 11 accomplished dancers, including Minnesota standouts such as Malia Craft and Jayde Grass. The ensemble draws upon a range of influences and training in jazz, tap dance, and American social dance. Their collaboration ensures the performances are rich in artistic diversity and emotional resonance, reflecting both tradition and fresh interpretation.

Groovers & Makers: A Platform for Emerging and Established Voices

Groovers & Makers, now a staple in Minnesota’s dance performance calendar, is a testament to Rhythmically Speaking’s dedication to nurturing both emerging and established voices in jazz choreography. By inviting choreographers from across the country, the event encourages dialogue between regions and generations, further expanding the reach of contemporary jazz dance.

The project’s commitment to education and outreach has connected numerous communities through movement workshops, discussions, and performances. This approach continues to inspire artists and audiences alike in Minnesota, sustaining the legacy and relevance of jazz improvisation and jazz movement within today’s vibrant dance landscape.

Engaging Minnesota’s Audiences in Jazz Dance

Looking ahead, Groovers & Makers 2026 is poised to draw Minnesota’s diverse arts community together, uniting local institutions, dance enthusiasts, and new audiences around the enduring powers of jazz dance. By showcasing choreography that is both reflective and experimental, Rhythmically Speaking and its collaborators offer the region a unique perspective on an evolving American art form.