The subconscious labels bodies. Movement shatters preconceptions. I dance as an embodied voice in society. I value process as my research and performance is my scholarly work. I create art that does not last but inspires audience discourse. I find my identity in the context of how I move. Choreography is a form of action with which I alter the contour of the world.
– E.B. Martin, Artistic Director
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Erika Martin is a Minneapolis based dancer, choreographer, teacher and engaged citizen. Originally from North Carolina, Erika received a BA in Dance and American Studies at Connecticut College. Their research investigates identity performance and how experience is manifested in movement.
Erika has had the privilege to study abroad at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Dance in London and perform works by Kyle Abraham, Ronald K. Brown, David Dorfman, Elm City Dance Collective, Ori Floman, Ohad Naharin, Paula Mann, Doug Varone and Shen Wei. They are the 2015 recipient of the Martha Myers Prize and the 2017 recipient of the Joan Connell Memorial Award.
From 2012-2015, Erika taught Ballroom Dance at Carolina Ballroom of Cary (NC) and from 2017-2019 returned to ballroom as an instructor and then manager for Dance With Me USA (NJ/NY). Since moving to MN in 2019, Erika has taught at Zenon Dance School, The Cowles Center, and DanceBARN. To date, Erika’s professional works have been shown in museums, theaters, and public spaces in Connecticut, New York, Maine and Minnesota: notably at the Lyman Art Museum (CT), Schaefer Theatre Box, Bates Dance Festival (ME), Melrose Ballroom (NY), Praxis Gallery, the Cowles Center for Dance and Performing Arts, Barbara Barker Center for Dance, DanceBARN, Dances by the Lake Festival, The Southern Theater, and Soiled Dance Series (MN).
Erika is the Artistic Director of eMartin Dance, co-founder of Dance Projects by ME home of the Minnesota International Dance Festival, and serves as School Coordinator for Zenon Dance School.
PERFORMING ARTISTS
Kaitlin Craven is a Twin Cities-based dancer, arts administrator, and yoga instructor. She graduated from The University of Iowa in 2019, and has performed with Concerto Dance Company, Borealis Dance Theatre, Mary Willmeng, Art-a-Whirl Festival, CANDY BOX Dance Festival, Ayumi Shafer, DanceBARN, and eMartin Dance. Kaitlin coordinates art and science programs with The National Theatre for Children, teaches at YogaSix and YogaFit. Within her administrative and movement practices, she is passionate about bringing communities together through the power of storytelling.
Shannon Hartle Dolan is a Twin Cities dancer from Des Moines, Iowa where she graduated from UI in 2019 with a BFA in Dance, Minor in Communication Studies, and Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship. While there, she worked with Monica Bill Barnes, Jennifer Kayle, Christopher Rasheem-McMillan, Eloy Barragan, Armando Duarte, and performed at ACDA, the American Dance Guild, and Hollins University. Shannon is a company member with Threads Dance Project and actively participates in project based work and teaches throughout the cities.
Olivia Geffre is a Twin Cities based dancer and choreographer. She attended the Saint Paul Conservatory for Preforming Artists. In 2022, she became a certified yoga teacher, furthering her kinesthetic knowledge and fascination with movement. She is currently teaching dance at Emerge Preforming Arts, hoping to inspire the next generation to see the beauty and importance of art. She recently preformed in Migration Stories by Dance Projects by ME at the Southern Theatre. She is exploring the sensation of movement the use of the breath.
Zoë Koenig is a Minneapolis-based dancer and choreographer. She graduated from Beloit College in 2018, awarded for outstanding performance. Zoë has worked with Knobby Dance Company II, Sarah Abdel-Jelil, Nieya Amezquita, Noelle and Leila Awadalla, Alexandra Bodnarchuk, Joanna Lees, Erika Martin, Brenna Mosser, Gabriel Rodreick, and Gina T’ai; and performed at DUMBO Dance Festival, Queerly Contemporary Festival (NY), and World Dance Alliance Global Summit (St. John’s, NL). Her work has been shown locally at the Cowles Center, the Southern Theater, Squirrel Haus Arts, Praxis Gallery, and Off-Leash Art Box.
Carmen Lucia (Meli) Lincoln is a Mexican artist based in MN since
2019. Meli holds a Master’s in Tourism Management from Colorado State University. She has combines her work in tourism with dance to create work promoting preservation and access to cultural activities that empower
the local communities. Meli explores movement through the connection between the emotional – physical body. Meli the co-founder of Dance Projects by ME, founder of Terra Matter Experiences and has performed with Ananya Dance Theatre, Time Track Productions, and Body Wattani.
CONTACT US
emartindance@gmail.com
Minneapolis, MN
STAY CONNECTED
@emartindance