Zoe Sealy
Eclectic Edge Ensemble
Zoe Sealy
a major influence in the development of jazz dance in the Upper Midwest moved to the Twin Cities 45 years ago. In 1972 she founded the Zoe Sealy Dance Center, which for many years was a primary training ground for jazz and tap artists. In addition, Zoe founded and was Artistic Director of the Minnesota Jazz Dance Company and toured with the company in the 70’s and 80’s throughout the U.S. and Canada. For 25 years Zoe was on the faculty in the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance at the University of Minnesota where she was instrumental in building the jazz program. She has also been on the faculties of the International Music Camp, Jacobs Pillow, Northwest Ballet, and Ballet Arts Minnesota. Her teaching and choreographic work has been commissioned across the nation and internationally in Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Now retired, when her travel plans allow, she continues to freelance as a teacher and choreographer and is active in the dance community in various volunteer capacities. Her most gratifying work now is mentoring younger artists, helping them to develop their skills and watching them grow as artists. Recent honors include the 2011 and 2013 Sage Nomination for Outstanding Dance Educator, and the 2012 Sage Nomination for Special Citation.