About Us
About Us
Our Mission
Our Mission
The mission of ARENA DANCES is to make dance accessible to all through the presentation of contemporary dance, educational outreach, and community gatherings to inspire, promote dialogue and diversity.
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.
The mission of ARENA DANCES is to make dance accessible to all through the presentation of contemporary dance, educational outreach, and community gatherings to inspire, promote dialogue and diversity.
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.
Mathew Janczewski
Mathew Janczewski
Originally from Illinois, Mathew Janczewski (he/him) is a Minneapolis-based dancer, choreographer, director, and creative leader who has been a driving force in Minnesota’s contemporary dance community since 1989. Shortly after earning his BFA in Dance and a minor in Mass Communication from the University of Minnesota, he founded ARENA DANCES in 1995—a non-profit contemporary dance company that has become a cornerstone of innovation, education, and community engagement in the Twin Cities.
Originally from Illinois, Mathew Janczewski (he/him) is a Minneapolis-based dancer, choreographer, director, and creative leader who has been a driving force in Minnesota’s contemporary dance community since 1989. Shortly after earning his BFA in Dance and a minor in Mass Communication from the University of Minnesota, he founded ARENA DANCES in 1995—a non-profit contemporary dance company that has become a cornerstone of innovation, education, and community engagement in the Twin Cities.
Reviews
“Janczewski employs an expressiveness and engaging use of tension and release. His dances, even when exploring difficult topics, highlight an element of beauty and compassion.”
— Sheila Regan, Star Tribune
“His gentle choreography in ‘Thermal‘ provided an experience to marvel at the human body and all it is capable of.”
— Sheila Regan, Star Tribune
“Janczewski uses big, broad and dramatic gestures to convey a range of abstract narratives and evoke honest, heart-on-his-sleeve emotions.”
— Sheila Regan, Star Tribune
“Janczewski employs an expressiveness and engaging use of tension and release. His dances, even when exploring difficult topics, highlight an element of beauty and compassion.”
— Gary Peterson, Minnesota Mist
Reviews
“Janczewski employs an expressiveness and engaging use of tension and release. His dances, even when exploring difficult topics, highlight an element of beauty and compassion.”
— Sheila Regan, Star Tribune
“His gentle choreography in ‘Thermal‘ provided an experience to marvel at the human body and all it is capable of.”
— Sheila Regan, Star Tribune
“Janczewski uses big, broad and dramatic gestures to convey a range of abstract narratives and evoke honest, heart-on-his-sleeve emotions.”
— Sheila Regan, Star Tribune
“Janczewski employs an expressiveness and engaging use of tension and release. His dances, even when exploring difficult topics, highlight an element of beauty and compassion.”
— Gary Peterson, Minnesota Mist
Reviews
“Janczewski employs an expressiveness and engaging use of tension and release. His dances, even when exploring difficult topics, highlight an element of beauty and compassion.”
— Sheila Regan, Star Tribune
“His gentle choreography in ‘Thermal‘ provided an experience to marvel at the human body and all it is capable of.”
— Sheila Regan, Star Tribune
“Janczewski uses big, broad and dramatic gestures to convey a range of abstract narratives and evoke honest, heart-on-his-sleeve emotions.”
— Sheila Regan, Star Tribune
“Janczewski employs an expressiveness and engaging use of tension and release. His dances, even when exploring difficult topics, highlight an element of beauty and compassion.”
— Gary Peterson, Minnesota Mist
The Company
The Company
Nieya Amezquita
Nieya Amezquita
DANCER
DANCER
Alex Arce
Alex Arce
DANCER
DANCER
Non Edwards
Non Edwards
DANCER
DANCER
View Our Past Performances
View Our Past Performances
Our performance history since 2015
Our performance history since 2015
Photography Credits:
Bill Cameron, Galen Higgins, Laura Selle Virtucio, Jake Nehrbass, Armour Photography
©2026 ARENA DANCES |All rights reserved.
Photography Credits:
Bill Cameron, Galen Higgins, Laura Selle Virtucio, Jake Nehrbass, Armour Photography
©2026 ARENA DANCES |All rights reserved.
Photography Credits:
Bill Cameron, Galen Higgins, Laura Selle Virtucio, Jake Nehrbass, Armour Photography
©2026 ARENA DANCES |All rights reserved.