The University of Minnesota’s Dance Department has grown considerably in size and prestige over the last decade. This week, Wednesday through Sunday, for the first time, the department will host the North Central Regional American College Dance Festival (ACDFA) Conference.

Hosting the conference "demonstrates our leadership in the regional and national college dance communities," says Maggie Bergeron, conference coordinator and teaching specialist in the department. "It’s an excellent way for us to gather together to share classes, knowledge and lectures, and to learn from each other." It’s also free and open to the public.

For a complete list of activities go here.

One event not to be missed is the opening-night concert, "Critical Mass: Professional Dance Companies at the University of Minnesota," on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Ted Mann Concert Hall.  A hallmark of the dance department is that so many members of the faculty have their own critically acclaimed, immensely popular dance companies. The program showcases that diversity. Here’s a partial list:

Black Label Movement (Carl Flink)

Ananya Dance Theater (Ananya Chatterjea)

Shapiro and Smith Dance (Joanie Smith)

TU Dance (Toni Pierce Sands)

Time Track Productions (Paula Mann)

ARENA Dances (Mathew Janczewski)

Flying Foot Forum (Joe Chvala with Karla Grotting)

The conference also concludes with a concert, Sunday, March 22, at 1 p.m. at Ted Mann Concert Hall. It will showcase choreography created by students, faculty and guest artists.