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.