Studio Stories: Reminiscing on Twin Cities Dance with Michael Casper - Season 8, Episode 105

Michael Casper was born and raised in Rockland County, New York. He began dancing at age 19 at Swarthmore College while getting his degree in English Literature. In addition to taking classes with the Swarthmore faculty, Michael studied dance in New York at the Cunningham studio and worked as an administrative intern for Twyla Tharp Dance.He moved to Minneapolis in 1989 to be an understudy with New Dance Ensemble. He became a company member in 1989 and was with the Ensemble and Laboratory until its disbanding in 1994. From 1994 to 1997, Michael danced independently with Minnesota Opera, Children’s Theatre, and independent choreographers in the Twin Cities, including the Flying Sisters. He also worked as an independent choreographer. His work was presented at various venues including Choreographer’s evening at the Walker and Studio 2B at the Hennepin Center for theArts. From 1998 to 2001 Michael was dance and movement instructor/choreographer for the Eden Prairie High School marching band color guard. In 1996, Michael enrolled at the Minnesota Center for Shiatsu Study and completed Shiatsu training in 1997. After graduating, he began working at the school as a therapist and instructor, which later merged with Northern Lights school of Massage to become CenterPoint. In 2006, Michael completed the western massage training at CenterPoint in Swedish, Trigger Point Therapy, and Therapeutic Massage.Michael has been a bodywork therapist and instructor for over 25 years. He has practiced in a range of professional settings including the Aliveness Project, Qi Nordeast, the Great Metropolitan Backrub and CenterPoint Professional Clinic. He currently practices at The Wellness Center in south Minneapolis.In addition to Shiatsu and Massage therapy, Michael has done additional training in Thai Yoga Massage, Cupping, Moxibustion, Tuina, Foot and Hand Reflexology.In his time as an instructor at CenterPoint, Michael has taught a wide range of classes including Shiatsu technique, Summary session, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Professional ethics and communication, and Special Populations.