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Improvisation and Contemporary Dance -formerly Storytelling in Modern Dance (South)


Adult Enrichment / Dance -
Adult Enrichment Fall 2025

*UPDATE 8.25.25 The title, schedule and location of this class has changed since the brochure was printed.  This class meets at South High School on Thursdays from 7:35-8:55pm, Oct. 9 - Dec 11 (no class Oct 16 or Nov. 27).

In Improvisation and Contemporary, we will explore two distinct dance styles. While these styles are complex and expansive in their own right, I’ve found that putting the two directly in conversation is a beautiful exploration. Each of these movement forms have had a strong influence on the ways in which I interpret the other.

So what are these styles all about? Dance Improv offers us tools to express ourselves through movement in a spontaneous and organic way. Through individual and interactive “dance games” and guided exercises, participants will learn to cultivate free form movement and set aside preconceived ideas about what dance should or shouldn’t be. Contemporary Dance foundations explored in this class will include body alignment, weight transfer, expansion/contraction, floorwork, and storytelling, among others!


Over the duration of the class, participants will practice contemporary techniques and learn short movement phrases taught by the instructor. They will also collaboratively develop a short phrase of their own, building upon improv exercises and support from the instructor. This class welcomes dancers of any and all skill levels and dance experience. Join me in sharing stories, space, and movement!

If class is full, please enroll in the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available.

Nathan Gehrenbeck-Miller

Dance Instructor

Nate Gehrenbeck-Miller was born and raised in South Minneapolis. He graduated from Macalester College in 2023, where he studied Spanish, Psychology, and Dance. In 2022, Nate studied abroad in Costa Rica. It was there, taking Salsa and Bachata classes and letting loose in the discotecas, that a deep passion for movement was born. Today, Nate’s stylistic influences include Modern/Contemporary, Hip Hop, Latin, Ballet, and Dance Improv. He has performed in two Macalester dance concerts, the 2024 Zenon Zone Winter Showcase, and two productions with 8:20 Dance Company. Nate is also an emerging choreographer, most recently debuting his work in 8:20’s summer show.

Looking forward, Nate is excited to continue dancing with 8:20 this season, working as a Care and Safety Team rep. at Dance Church Minneapolis, and sharing his love for movement as a choreographer and instructor! In rare moments of non-dance, you may find Nate climbing a tree or savoring each bite of a quesabirria taco.

AE-34010-F25-SO

  Nathan Gehrenbeck-Miller


South High School : Dance Studio 200
Thursdays, Oct 9 - Dec 11
7:35 - 8:55 PM

  No Class Oct 16 & Nov 27


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Min Age   18 yr.

Registration begins  
Aug. 27th at 9:00 AM