Amez Dance: Making Waves

Lundstrum  Performing Arts is a springboard for talent with our youth classes and conservatory program, and Lundstrum also strives to strengthen the Twin Cities performing arts community by supporting artists as they create new work and new collaborations. One such artist is Nieya Amezquita of Amez Dance.

Amez Dance has been rehearsing for its first show in the Lundstrum studios for several months. Nieya Amezquita, the founder of Amez Dance, is no stranger to Lundstrum; she’s taught dance classes and works during the day in our Development Department. We recently sat down with Nieya to discuss why she started Amez Dance and her future goals.

“The company strives to create an environment that fosters mutual respect and encouragement for all so the dance community is used as an avenue of change for the broader community.”

-Nieya Amezquita

Nieya always knew that dancing would somehow be part of her life. She has been dancing since age three and found her path while at college at the University of Georgia where she was one of the founding members of two dance companies: CADE:NCE and Linds&Co. While a college student, Nieya was able to perform nationally and internationally at the American College Dance Association (Orlando), Rettleford Nex Conference (Jamaica), Collegium for African Diaspora (North Carolina), and the Brooklyn Academy of Music (New York). Currently Nieya dances professionally in Minneapolis with Threads Dance Project and Rhythmically Speaking Dance. She has choreographed works for Ballet Co.Laboratory, the Blackness Is...arts festival produced by the Guthrie Theater, Threads Dance Project, and Alternative Motion Project.

With such an extensive dance resume, it would seem natural for Nieya to start her own company, but that was not necessarily her dream. Instead, Nieya shared that the stars just lined up. “I always tell people that the universe told me I had to start the company. Amez Dance became an opportunity for me to serve others. I wanted to start something that will eventually be a vehicle for other artists looking to take their new career leaps. Whether that be an artist looking for performance opportunities, choreographic opportunities, or simply looking for a space to connect with other artists, Amez Dance strives to provide that.”

It was important for Lundstrum to support Amez Dance by providing the rehearsal space to reach their goals. Lundstrum strives to be a resource in the community to give everyone a place to have an opportunity to learn, express oneself, and practice their skills whether that is in dance, voice, drama, or any combination in the performing arts.  As an employee and dance teacher, Nieya had seen the positive impact Lundstrum had on children in the community, “Lundstrum strives to be an incubator for emerging professional artists. They have a state-of-the-art facility and are committed to utilizing it and their connections to help the arts flourish in Minneapolis. I appreciate Lundstrum’s presence and efforts to prioritize the arts.”

Amy Casserly Ellis, Lundstrum’s Executive Director, noted that “helping young artists like Amez Dance has always been a part of Lundstrum’s culture. Over the years, we’ve supported the creative work of many individuals and companies by providing space to develop their ideas and also connect with other creators. Lundstrum has been blessed with a beautiful facility that houses sunlit dance studios and theater spaces. We take pride in our role as a ‘springboard for artists.’”

You can watch Amez Dance in their premiere production on June 14 and 15, 2024 at the Southern Theater. “Our evening-length work is created to explore the African American family unit. How does African American culture and history affect the family structure today? What traditions have been passed down that may need to be rewritten? How does a family unit interact and evolve together?” We at Lundstrum are excited to see the show and watch the future of Amez Dance!

Photo Credits: Bill Cameron

Dancers: Gabby Abram, Javan Mngrezzo, Sean Scantlebury, Nieya Amezquita 

 Nieya Amezquita is a fiscal year 2024 recipient of a Creative Individual grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature; and by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.