Tapestry Folkdance Center
Folk dance, contra, ballroom, and world traditions in south Minneapolis
Tapestry Folkdance Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organisation based on Minnehaha Avenue in south Minneapolis.
Before your first class
Classes are beginner-friendly; the Tapestry Class Series explicitly invites newcomers to explore participatory dance styles from around the world.
Comfortable, casual clothing.
Comfortable, casual clothing and flexible shoes with clean soles are recommended.
Two free parking lots available—one adjoining the building and one directly across the street; two handicapped spots in the adjacent lot.
About this studio
Tapestry Folkdance Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organisation based on Minnehaha Avenue in south Minneapolis. Over 40 years of fostering joy and community through dance and music, Tapestry now operates as a hub for participatory dance forms from around the world.
The centre runs two main strands: social dances and classes. Social dances span a wide range—Balfolk, Ballroom Variety, Contra, Cumbia, English Country Dance, Family Dance, Israeli Dance, International Folk Dance, Mostly Waltz, and Nordic Dance. Each attracts its own regular crowd and is often accompanied by live music from bands including Contratopia, Anytime English Players, Guiding Star, Northern Aire, Speed Dial, Tub'O'Cookies, Irish Diplomacy, Mayhaps, Patchwork Players, Tunebuggy, and Compass Rose String Band. The Tapestry Class Series offers beginner-friendly sessions (2–6 weeks) in styles not typically in regular programming, taught in partnership with local cultural groups and instructors. Classes featured include Beginner Raqs Sharqi, Contemporary Bharathanatyam, and Joyfully Dancing. Pricing for the class series runs $12 general admission, $9 for Tapestry members, $8 for ages 18–30, $4 for ages 10–17, and free for under 10.
The facility comprises two studios. The Stern Studio (Ed Stern Studio) is approximately 4,000 square feet with mirrors and a sound system, with a capacity of 266. The small studio is approximately 1,400 square feet, also with mirrors, sound system, and an acoustic piano, capacity 119. Both have unvarnished sprung hardwood floors and sit in a building with an HVAC system offering 100% fresh air up to 12 times per hour when ceiling fans are running. Free parking is available in two lots—one adjoining the building and one directly across the street. The building is fully ADA accessible, with no stairs or ramps needed for entrance, hallways, studios, or restrooms. Two handicapped parking spots are in the adjacent lot.
Tapestry also rents studio space to the broader dance and movement community outside of its own programming. Rental rates are $25/hour weekday before 5pm or $35/hour after 5pm on weekdays and weekends for the large studio; $20/hour weekday before 5pm or $30/hour after 5pm for the small studio. One-off rentals incur a $30/hour staffing fee; rentals with 35+ attendees are charged a $75 space cleaning fee. Special-event pricing (weddings, fundraisers, nontraditional uses) is determined case-by-case. The centre welcomes dance, choreography, rehearsals, yoga, somatic practices, movement sessions, and music concerts.
Special events include National Dance Day (Saturday 19 September, 10am–4pm, free), Thistle & Rose, Dancing in the Park, Star of the North 2026, Call of the Loon 2027, International Dance Workshop, and Summer Tango Nights. The board includes Hollie Benton (president), Lydia McAnerney (vice president), Hristina Markova (treasurer), Mary Wells (secretary), Nancy Sather, Art Bjorngjeld, Carrie Guenther, Judine Pattinson, Sally Gordon, and Beau Farmer. The executive director is Sherisa Oie. Office hours are by appointment and Wednesdays 9am–3pm.
What to expect
Your first visit
Walk in and you'll find social dances with live music, beginner-friendly classes in global dance styles, and a warm, mixed-age community. Whether it's your first time or you've danced for years, there's a style and a night for you.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Classes are beginner-friendly; the Tapestry Class Series explicitly invites newcomers to explore participatory dance styles from around the world.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Comfortable, casual clothing. No street shoes in the studio.
What to bring
Comfortable, casual clothing and flexible shoes with clean soles are recommended. No street shoes allowed in the studio.
Studio history
Tapestry has built on over 40 years of fostering joy and community through dance and music. Lydia McAnerney, now vice president, was very involved in the purchase and renovation of the current building.
Styles offered
14 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Tapestry Folkdance Centerhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Tapestry Folkdance Center, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Tapestry Folkdance Center
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Tapestry Folkdance Center teach?
Tapestry Folkdance Center teaches General, Balfolk, Ballroom Variety, Contra, Cumbia, English Country Dance and 8 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Tapestry Folkdance Center located?
Tapestry Folkdance Center is located in Minneapolis, MN. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Tapestry Folkdance Center offer private lessons?
Contact Tapestry Folkdance Center directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Tapestry Folkdance Center teach kids and adults?
Tapestry Folkdance Center welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Tapestry Folkdance Center?
The fastest path is to visit Tapestry Folkdance Center via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at Tapestry Folkdance Center?
Two free parking lots available—one adjoining the building and one directly across the street; two handicapped spots in the adjacent lot. Light rail (38th Street station, Blue Line) and bus route 7 are nearby; bike racks at the front of the building.