25 Years: Bridging the Past to the Future

While Lundstrum’s roots go back to 1927 when Dorothy Lundstrum opened her studio in North Minneapolis, Lundstrum Performing Arts was officially formed as a nonprofit in 2000 by the five Casserly sisters who were determined to carry on Dorothy Lundstrum’s legacy after her death.

Peter Pan, 2018

In the following 25 years, these sisters have brought their artistic talents and—most importantly—their spirit of generosity and grace to make Lundstrum the visionary arts center it is today. The school that began with just 15 students in a one-room studio at Ascension Club today serves more than 650 students per year and has more than 10,000 alumni who are working as Broadway dancers and actors, recording artists, writers, musicians, and more.

How did this happen? According to Executive Director Amy Ellis, “If you want to get something done, hire a dancer – they’re smart.”

Dorothy Lundstrum with student

More impressive than these growth statistics is the founders’ deep commitment to children and to passing on what they learned from their mentor, Dorothy Lundstrum. Artistic Director Kerry Casserly Carter notes, “Dorothy just left such an impression on you. You just couldn’t come away without thinking about your future, how beautiful she was, how much she loved you, and how special you felt when you were around her.” Susan Casserly-Kosel agreed, adding, “All our dreams for our future performing careers were born in that little studio on Dupont Avenue North.”

Each of the Casserly sisters went on to remarkable careers in the arts – in opera, musical theater, acting, modeling, and film. The entertainment legends they have performed with and for include Bob Fosse, Maurice and Gregory Hines, Michael Bennett, Baayork Lee, and Michael Jackson. These experiences reinforced the first of Lundstrum’s pillars: artistic excellence. Lundstrum students learn from the best of the best: Broadway veterans and industry professionals who pass on the technique of musical theater. Lundstrum’s second pillar is accessibility, and for 25 years, no child has been turned away because of financial need.

Kerry Casserly Carter with Lundstrum Kids

Since 2000, under the Casserly’s leadership Lundstrum teachers have mentored children through dance, voice, and drama. In a safe and loving environment, they have fostered creativity, discipline, confidence, and self-expression, leading with kindness and a love for all that is good, true, and beautiful. These lessons extend far beyond the studio, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts and dreams of the children they mentor. Says Jane Casserly McMonagle, “I remember Dorothy would say there’s no such word as ‘can’t,’ which sticks in my brain to this day.”

As the Casserlys look to the next 25 years, they are energized to see that Dorothy Lundstrum’s vocation of love and mentorship is thriving in the current Lundstrum studios. They are excited to plan for expanded facilities to support the dreams of the next generation of young talent. And most of all, they delight in seeing ever-changing waves of bright, talented faces who will find their spark in the studios of Lundstrum Performing Arts