‘Role Model’ – ARENA DANCES Founder and Choreographer Mathew Janczewski Choreographs No More, Mostly

“It’s so much more than just what’s up on stage — it’s really about shifting the ecosystem of the community.”

Such is the ambition of Mathew Janczewski, artistic director of the Minneapolis-based contemporary dance company, ARENA DANCES, for the past 29 years … but that title, along with other things, is about to change: starting in the fall, Janczewski will be subletting the studio’s choreography duties for the first time ever.

This means that ARENA DANCES audiences shall soon indulge in the variegated machinations of three different choreographers, two out-of-towners, one Minnesotan and zero Mathew Janczewskis. Each non-Mathew will craft a 20-30-minute dance brought to life by local dancers.

“Dancers are the instruments, the medium, and the voice — the living art through which choreographers create,” the re-invention’s press release proclaims. “This repertory model prioritizes long-term relationships between choreographers and a core ensemble of versatile dancers, allowing for deeper exploration, trust, and artistic risk.”

The new business model has a preexisting name, of course: those in the know call it “a contemporary repertory dance company.”

This will translate to a different experience for anyone in attendance, including, especially, long-time patrons.

“[Audience members] are going to get a variety of choreographers,” Janczewski promises. “[The new choreographers] will be presenting a variety of styles, aesthetics and topics. It’s really about uplifting the work and sharing it with the whole community.”

But why the change? The press release announcing the evolution probably puts it best: “ARENA DANCES envisions a bold, inclusive future for contemporary dance. By investing in dancers and choreographers, embracing diverse voices and creating emotionally powerful performances, ARENA DANCES will continue to be a catalyst for artistic innovation and a stabilizing force in Minnesota’s shifting dance landscape.”

Almost every aspect of ARENA DANCES will change … but not every aspect.

“It’ll keep ARENA DANCES’ name — it’ll just lose my name in the logo,” Janczewski notes with an uncertain laugh. “I’m going from creative director to executive director.”

This swearing-off of the notional doesn’t mean Janczewski will spend the next year choreographing his thumb twiddles.

“I feel like my full-time job is fundraiser,” Janczewski reports. “We’re good for this year … but national funding is a little scary right now.”

That funding doesn’t only cover the planning of the dance numbers.

“I’m giving [the new choreographers] the opportunity to make work with other dancers, as well as experience Minnesota, as well as Minnesota getting to experience outside choreographers,” Janczewski points out. “So, I have a full-time company now, which is different, as well — before, it was always project to project. Now I’m able to give a salary to the dancers.”  

But those dancers will earn every penny.

“The fall premiere of this new company will be September 19 and 20,” Janczewski declares. “Our fall show is called ‘Debut,’ which is kind of funny after 30 years, but it’s the debut of this new model, and I’m super-excited — the work is very subtle.”

This Neapolitan presentation will be brought to life within the Luminary Arts Center, which describes itself as “A playspace to amplify the power of discovery and uncover originality with liberated imagination.” 

ARENA DANCES’s short-term goals and long-term goals both teem with promise.

“The whole year is booked with choreographers,” the executive director says. “I want this to continue as a force forward.” 

Moving thusly, the dancers will enjoy a reward more profound than money.

“It’s really exciting because I have cream of the crop dancers, and each will be training in a new style,” Janczewski gushes. “Before, it was all my [choreography] work. Now they can experience a different style.”

These changes aren’t merely changes for change’s sake: they’re a necessary phase of growth.

“For me, it’s really about the community and not my work, honestly,” Janczewski insists. “It’s really about uplifting people’s work and sharing it with the community.”

Because of his concern for the local community, this wasn’t a reinvention that the executive director took lightly.

“I’m definitely crazy,” Janczewski confesses cheerfully. “These are the new things that I’m excited about. I certainly have enjoyed community support over the past 29 years, and I hope people will join me on this journey.”

ARENA DANCES
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