After the closure of the Cowles Center for Dance Education in 2024, the city’s dance community rallied for something new—something bold—and this program delivers. It’s funded through the Affordable Cultural Access (ACA) 2025–2026 Bridge Fund for Dance and represents a major step forward in equitable arts access for youth across the city. 

“I grew up with dance, and I deeply understand the beauty and importance of the artform,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “After the Cowles Center shut its doors, the dance community spoke up loudly and clearly. They organized, they advocated, and we, as a City, listened. Together, we’re now delivering a program that will reach every corner of Minneapolis, no matter your zip code, because all students deserve access to the arts.” 

Through a proposed contract with local nonprofit Young Dance, the program will include: 

• Dance classes in every MPS elementary school (Pre-K through 5th grade) 
• Dance companies in residence at MPS secondary schools (grades 6–12) 
• Dance programming at every Park Board recreation center 

This will be the first ACA-supported initiative to reach students in all 13 Wards—ensuring that kids everywhere have access to high-quality, culturally rich dance education. 

“Every child in Minneapolis deserves access to the arts—no matter their ZIP code, school, or background,” said Ward 7 Council Member Katie Cashman. “This program ensures that dance education isn’t just a privilege for a few, but a right for all. We’re creating space for every young person to move, grow, and thrive.” 

“Dance is about movement, personal expression, physical health, exercise, and mental well-being,” said Ward 13 Council Member Linea Palmisano. “I don’t know anyone, of any age, who would not benefit from the positive impacts of dance - especially the children of Minneapolis.” 

Dance programs do more than get kids moving—they help young people grow. Research shows dance education improves physical health, builds confidence, sparks creativity, and helps students express themselves emotionally and artistically. When offered in schools and rec centers, these classes can be a lifeline for students seeking connection, belonging, and a safe outlet for self-expression. 

“This new opportunity to expand access to dance across Minneapolis Public Schools is very exciting,” said MPS Superintendent Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams. “At MPS, our mission is to educate the whole child and we believe that the arts, including dance, are an important part of that work.” 

“Dance is not just movement—it's healing, it’s storytelling, it’s community,” said Ben Johnson, the City’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Director. “I’ve seen students light up in a dance class in ways they don’t always get to in other parts of their day. This program will change lives.” 

The ACA Bridge Fund was created in response to the end of operations at the Cowles Center, after Artspace announced it would not renew its contract in 2024. Following the closure, the Minneapolis dance community organized a series of town halls and submitted formal correspondence to City leaders urging action to preserve and expand access to dance education. This program is that response. 

The proposed contract is headed to the full City Council for final approval on May 1. 

The full press conference can be found on the City's YouTube channel.