Kassel has served in an administrative capacity for many Twin Cities organizations, including the Southern Theater, Threads Dance Project, Voices of Sepharad, Cathy Young Dance and dance writer/choreographer Judith Brin Ingber. She was Co-Coordinator of the Minnesota SAGE Awards for twelve years, has been an advisory member for DanceMN, and a board member for Young Dance. She is currently a member of the Minneapolis Arts Commission. In addition, she worked in event management and catering for over two decades.
After graduating from the University of Minnesota Dance Program, Kassel was a company member of JAZZDANCE by Danny Buraczeski and danced with Cathy Young Dance and Zenon Dance Company, among others. In recent years, Kassel has performed with choreographer Laurie Van Wieren, the New Standards Holiday Show, in Rhythmically Speaking, and as part of Choreographers’ Evening at the Walker Art Center.
Dana k. Kassel, Program Director
Dana K. Kassel (she/her/hers) assumed the role of Program Director in 2021 after having served as Program Associate for more than five years and Program Assistant for more than eleven, for a total of over 21 years supporting McKnight Dance and Choreography Fellows. She brings a wealth of experience to the position with her long history as a performer and a highly skilled and respected arts administrator.
Kassel is a curious and creative collaborator who is passionate about creating opportunities for people and organizations. She has stepped into many roles, as well as directing others. Her collected experience and skillset helps her envision possibilities for people, projects and programs. For over three decades, she has rolled up her sleeves to do the work, create momentum and advocate for artists.
Photo by Canaan Mattson
Colin M. Edwards, Program Assistant
Colin Edwards (he/him/his) joined the team as Program Assistant in January 2021. He is a Twin Cities–based multidisciplinary artist, choreographer, and performer whose work blends hip hop, modern, and contemporary dance with a focus on collective imagery, identity, and emotional expression.
As founder of Meridians Dance Company, Edwards develops choreography and projects that connect movement, music, and visual storytelling. His work has been presented at venues including The Ordway Theater, Guthrie Theater, First Avenue, and the Walker Art Center.
In addition to his creative practice, Edwards has experience as an administrator and event coordinator, supporting a range of dance projects and community-based performances across the Twin Cities. He is a graduate of Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists and continues to contribute to Minnesota’s dance community through performance, teaching, and collaboration.
History
For more information about the McKnight Foundation and the history of the McKnight Artist and Culture Bearer Fellowship Program, visit their website:
Springboard for the Arts is the temporary home for the McKnight Fellowships for Dancers and Choreographers.
Following the closure of The Cowles Center and with no new host organization yet identified for the McKnight
Fellowship for Dancers and Choreographers, Springboard for the Arts has the capacity and infrastructure to temporarily house the Fellowship, ensuring its continuation without interruption. Springboard has already provided this transition home one other time for this Fellowship in the past.
Springboard for the Arts' mission is to support artists with the tools to make a living and a life, and to build just and equitable communities full of meaning, joy, and connection. Our vision is of a world where artists are essential; local economies are vibrant and just; and the systems that surround us are human-centered. We see these three parts of our vision as interdependent.