Contemporary dance thrives where culture, movement, and storytelling collide—and few places embody that fusion like Standing Rock. Here, the land itself seems to pulse with rhythm, making it an unexpected but powerful hub for dancers seeking depth, innovation, and connection.
Whether you're a beginner drawn to fluid improvisation or a seasoned performer exploring Indigenous-informed techniques, these schools and programs are redefining what contemporary training can be.
Red Earth Movement Lab
Fort Yates, ND
Founded by Lakota contemporary choreographer Mariah Yellow Bird, this studio blends floorwork with traditional Indigenous footwork patterns. Their signature "Breath to Bone" intensive (held each solstice) attracts dancers from across Turtle Island.
- Scholarships for Native dancers
- Site-specific performances along the Missouri River
- Collaborations with local drum groups
Standing Rock Dance Project
Cannon Ball, ND
More than a studio—this activist-artist collective trains dancers in contemporary techniques while centering environmental justice themes. Their classes often incorporate spoken word and protest movement vocabularies born during the #NoDAPL movement.
- Free community classes every full moon
- Underground "garage series" for experimental work
- Partners with NYC's Movement Research for exchanges
Prairie Flux Contemporary
Bismarck (with satellite programs in Standing Rock)
Directed by former Martha Graham dancer Javier Lightfoot, this company offers rigorous technical training with a twist—their "Land as Partner" curriculum incorporates butoh, contact improv, and prairie ecology.
- Weekend intensives at Standing Rock's cultural camps
- Dancers train barefoot to connect with terrain
- Annual collaboration with Standing Rock Sioux Tribe artists
Why train here? Because contemporary dance isn't just about steps—it's about context. At Standing Rock, you'll move with the weight of history, the urgency of now, and the kind of creative fearlessness that only emerges where the stakes are real.
Pack your most flexible spirit (and good hiking shoes—many classes start with sunrise land walks). The prairie will teach you as much as any instructor.
