By Julie Sand, TU Dance

In August 2011, and with significant support from Knight Foundation, TU Dance launched its educational programming with its first-ever Summer Intensive at the new TU Dance Center in Saint Paul.  Artistic Directors Toni Pierce-Sands and Uri Sands welcomed over 40 students, almost one-fourth of them on full or partial scholarships. It was a dynamic and hard-working group and a joy to see their confidence, technique and skill grow over the two-week session.

The year-round programming at TU Dance Center includes a pre-professional training program, classes for youth ages 5-13 and teens, and open classes for people of all ages and levels.  Toni, who is leading the programming, was named “Outstanding Dance Educator” at the 2011 Sage Awards for her exemplary teaching abilities and fierce commitment to students.