40 Years and Counting…
One of the oldest dance nonprofits in the Twin Cities, Tapestry Folkdance was founded in 1983. Born out of dance groups like Saltari Dance Emporium, in its early years, Tapestry had a somewhat "nomadic" history, moving from a high school (the former Marshall "U" High), to a long-term stay at Sabathani Community Center on 38th Street in South Minneapolis, until acquiring its own building in 1999.
Built by loyal volunteers and sustained by long-standing community members, Tapestry has always been committed to celebrating the joys of dance and music from around the world. Explore the links and resources below to learn more about our story…
A Place for our Soles.
It is the dream of every non-profit organization to own its own building. For folk dance groups, the idea of a building with free span space, a sprung hardwood floor, a stage for the band and a place for dancers to congregate is even grander. In September 1999, this dream came true for Tapestry Folkdance Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, just short of 16 years after the organization’s birth. The building is all that we ever dreamed and has pulled together the dance community in ways never before imagined…
Founders Interview
Tapestry History Project volunteer, Lydia McAnerney talks with several of the people instrumental in starting Tapestry Folkdance Center. (Top): Ted Hodapp, Lydia McAnerney & John Orrison and John Gustafson; (Middle): Sarah Farley, Maggie Wirth-Johnson and Cathy Collins; and (Bottom): Beth Hennessy & Tom Barnes.
Key Community Member Interviews
Meet Ted Hodapp: Caller (contra dance) and dancer of many forms, from the beginning of Tapestry, talks about his involvement from the early days to the present.
Meet Charlie Rusnacko: International dancer and teacher, shares his insights about dancing at Tapestry over the years.
Meet Beth Hennessy and Tom Barnes: Beth, former Executive Director for 20 years, and husband, Tom, main contractor who renovated the building, talk about their experiences over the past 40 years both as dancers, administrators, and volunteers.
Meet Ed Stern: Dancer and teacher of many dance forms, shares his perspective about Tapestry after selling his business, Saltari, from which Tapestry emerged.
Meet Laura Schneck: Membership records volunteer for many years and International dancer shares her perspective on Tapestry's history.
Meet Mary Garvin: International dancer and teacher and involved for many years, shares her memories and experiences from the past.
Meet Terry McGibbon and Nairy Digris: Both International dancers and teachers, their thoughts about how Tapestry has changed and evolved over the years.
Meet Ed Stern and Rolla Breitman: Owners of Saltari in the 1970's. Saltari was a dance hall in Minneapolis, where many early Tapestry dances got their start and from which Tapestry was born.
