New Dance Ensemble records

The New Dance Ensemble (NDE) was incorporated in Minneapolis, Minnesota in September, 1981. Formed by Artistic Directors Linda Shapiroand Leigh Dillard, the mission of the modern dance repertory was, according to promotional materials, to "employ a company of highly trained, professional dancers and to commission works by nationally recognized and locally prominent choreographers." Seed money was provided by grants from Jerome and Northwest Area Foundations. "The aesthetic focus of the company [was] based on the work of Merce Cunninghamand the Judson Church group of the 1960s" as stated in materials found in the collection.

Also central to NDE's mission was the introduction of modern dance to high school and grade school audiences. NDE provided lectures and demonstrations at local schools in Minnesota. In addition, it created "Danceablilty" workshops to explore movement for physically disabled people.

Throughout the history of NDE, the company toured in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, New York City, Washington D.C., and San Francisco. In May 1990, Leigh Dillard resigned her position. In 1991, NDE changed direction to a performance laboratory, and their name became New Dance Laboratory. The goal was to invite choreographers for a period of time to experiment and develop new material to perform, versus hiring them only for commissioned (already "completed") works.

Due to the challenge of financially sustaining the creative endeavor, The New Dance Ensemble / New Dance Laboratory ceased its operations on May 31, 1994.