Our Story

In 1999, Maria Genné imagined a community of dancers that included people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. As they began creating dances together, she looked around and noticed that the oldest performer was only 70—which according to her, “wasn’t very old.” By 2001 she and Kairos Dance colleagues had begun developing the first Dancing Heart program for the Southwest Senior Center.

On Valentine’s Day 2002, Kairos Dance performed “Dances of the Heart” with performers ranging in age from three to 90 years. Since then they have performed locally and nationally, from the Lake Harriet Bandshell Summer Celebration to the Opening Plenary for the American Society on Aging/National Council on Aging Conference in San Francisco, California.

We have also performed at:

  • Como Park Pavilion
  • Minnesota Children’s Museum
  • Sundin Hall with One Voice Mixed Chorus
  • Lake Harriet Peace Garden
  • The Dakota Jazz Club
  • The Greater Harlem Nursing Home, New York City
  • New Jersey Performing Arts Center
  • Struther’s Parkinson Center
  • Landmark Center
  • Walker Methodist Health Care Center
  • Sojourn Adult Day Services
  • Caponi Art Park
  • School residencies and performances in the Twin Cities and Duluth