Many people only associate northern Minnesota with stereotypical outdoorsy activities. Hiking, camping, and wildlife watching are all a huge part of the culture here. But another important part of the culture? The arts.
In Ely, a thriving group of artists work together in a collaborative effort to explore the arts and enrich the community with fun new experiences. This group is called the Northern Lakes Arts Association, and it has been around for almost 40 years. The NLAA not only promotes workshops, art shows, festivals, and projects, but it also includes Reflections Dance Company.
In the fall of 2018, the dance company was formed after a standalone performance piqued the community’s interest. Reflections Dance Company joined NLAA in September 2023.
“We are really inclusive,” said Molly Olson, the director of the dance company. “All bodies can dance. We do a lot of contemporary-style dance. It’s very accessible for all dancers. We also do ballet, tap, and jazz. We’re unique in that we have all ages perform together on stage. Our company piece this year includes the youngest student, who is 8, and the oldest, who is in her 60s.”
Olson herself has been doing various types of dance her whole life, from cheerleading to musical theater to dance team. When she decided to create Reflections Dance Company in Ely, she knew it was meant to be.
“Dance, [like other forms of art], is a creative process that is enhanced by having these beautiful surroundings, and it seems like there’s just such a really great support network here for the arts,” she said.
Reflections offers two showcases throughout the year: one in November or December, and another in the spring. In the summer, there are three full-length shows.
“We’re very thematic,” said Olson. “Our previous themes include Looking Skyward, a dance movie: ‘Home on Earth’ during the pandemic, Work/Play, Math in Motion, and a ballet storyline called Matters of the Heart. Last year’s show was Constant Change—this year is Water 2.0.”
Choreographers include Olson, Megan Wind (assistant director), Crystal Poppler, and Cora Olson. Classes are usually an hour long, but in the summer they can run closer to two hours. Reflections typically does 8- to 10-week sessions. “Different kids get busy during different sport seasons,” said Olson. “We do things a little differently than other dance groups in that we have an intense summer, and our off time is usually in the winter.”
Reflections Dance Company has a summer performance coming up in August. Water 2.0 is a continuation of the initial performance that started it all—Reflections on Water. “[The dances will show themes such as] the impact of water in our changing world, our use of plastics and the modern lifestyle, water as a role in our lives as a healing power, promoting conservation, and the idea of our bodies being a vessel for water,” said Olson.
Water 2.0 performances will take place at the Vermillion Fine Arts Theater on Friday, Aug. 8, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 9, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 10, at 2 p.m.
The NLAA has a variety of other events happening this summer as well. Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical and workshops with Rachael Pace are among the upcoming highlights. For more information on the NLAA and Reflections Dance Company, visit: northernlakesarts.org.
“My favorite parts [of dance] are working with the people and seeing their smiles and joy as we laugh and create together, making so many wonderful friends through this company, and showing that movement can convey ideas,” said Olson.