Joseph "MN Joe" Tran
2019 Dancer FELLOW
Joseph “MN Joe” Tran by V. Paul Virtucio
Joseph "MN Joe" Trần is a world-renowned breaker and former member of Knuckleheads Cali (KHCA)—a breaking crew respected for their uniquely intricate and non-traditional methods of movement. He is the recipient of the 2025 MSAB Creative Individuals Grant, 2025 Base Residency in Seattle, WA, 2023-2025 Jerome Hill Artist Fellowship for Dance and 2019 McKnight Dancer Fellowship. Trần is known for his signature moves which have earned him multiple first-place victories in breaking competitions across the U.S., Europe, and South America. Notable first place wins include: Fludio Jam 6 Rome in Italy, Who Got The Flower?! in France, Battle of EST in Estonia, Outbreak 7 in Florida, Red Bull BC One Midwest Qualifier in Illinois, and Breaking for Gold Olympic Midwest Qualifier in Minnesota.
As a choreographer, he has created original works which have premiered at various venues such as Walker Art Center, Southern Theater, and Orchestra Hall with the Minnesota Orchestra. Trần has toured and performed with BRKFST internationally to Ireland for Dance2Connect Festival and nationally to Hartford, CT with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Trần has set repertoire with BRKFST at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Carleton College, and Bates Dance Festival. From 2007-2019, he was a dancer and choreographer for the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves “First Avenue Breakers.”
2021 SOLO Commissioned Choreographer Rudi Goblen
