Studio Stories: CANDY BOX Dance Festival special with Ayumi Shafer - Season 6, Episode 85

Ayumi Shafer is an educator, choreographer, and mover currently active in the Twin Cities and greater area. Originally from California, Shafer has now been teaching for over 15 years in various cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco (BA, San Francisco State University 2009), Eugene (MFA, University of Oregon 2013), and Minneapolis. As she continues to teach in both public and private institutions, Shafer has focused on collaborating with local artists in both dance and other disciplines. In 2014, Shafer co-founded DanceBARN Collective, a nonprofit organization that brings dance to rural communities. In Shafer and her co-director’s vision, DanceBARN has been committed to building community engagement, fostering collaborations, and providing support for dance artists. Recently, Shafer had the opportunity to present some of her work through Inbox@Artbox, The Cowles Center’s Generating Room, and 6x6 Solos. Drawing inspiration from the idea of play, the freedom to act on our impulses, and active curiosity, she strives to create work that tells a story. Shafer is enthusiastic about sharing dance with all members of her communities, and continues to organize events for people with all types of experiences in art and life.