About
Acting in Motion trains Actors and Dancers in performance.
We strivet create an atmosphere of jouful and inquisitive exploration. We encourage our studens to take chances and provide a safe enviraonment in which to play with the elements of risk and reward.We cultivate and attitude of disciplined freedom and provide students with a method that allows thn to act and dance with intention.
At AIM, we believe in the power and necessity of developing a path for the artist t communicate.
The ability to tell the story is not only what makes a true artist- it is what gets you Booked!
Shelli has been part of the competitive dance world since 2009. Shelli is celebrating her 5th year as Artistic Director, Youth
Company Director and Writer for the Minnesota Dance Collaborative‐ a performance based dance and theatre company
located in the Twin Cities. MDC is committed to creating unique and exciting theatre experiences as well as to being positive
role models in the community. Founding Acting in Motion is the next step in Shelli’s personal and professional journey and a
natural extension of her ongoing work with MDC.
Shelli has been acting since she was a youth growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She received a scholarship to
attend Northern Michigan University where she majored in Theatre and Philosophy. She furthered her studies at Miami
University of Ohio in Oxford and took her first job under an Equity contract working for the Walt Disney World Corp. She
spent four years as Resident Company Member of Dudley Riggs Brave New Workshop‐ writing, performing and teaching Improvisation. She has made her home
in Minneapolis, performing at Hey City Theatre, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, Old Log Theatre, History Theatre, Guthrie Theatre, Theatre Garage and more. She
works as an On‐camera and Voice Talent represented exclusively by Moore Creative Casting.
Shelli has toured schools in New York and New England, taught Voice and Acting for Dancers at Ashley Ballet Arts Academy and Platinum Dance Center and is a
Private Acting Coach. She also does Improvisational Storytelling for Children of all ages and enjoys working with youth.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We like to spend time in assessing the short and long term goals of our students. Many times they come in with a specific project in mind- a solo for competition or a monologue for an upcoming audition. We create a plan to most effectively help them reach that short term goal. The next step is to establish more comprehensive training so that, eventually, they are comfortable in each and every audition and performance they encounter. We make sure the have the tools to work on their own as well as with the support of an AIM Coach.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have studied Theatre at Northern Michigan University as well as Miami University of Ohio.
I have worked professionallly in many states and in the UNited Kingdom. As a Theatre Artist, I have performed in theatres such as Park Square, The Guthrie, Old Log, The Southern, and many more.
As an Improv Artist-I was a 5 year Resident Company Member(writer an performer) at Dudley Riggs Brave New Workshop, an original MN performer in Tony and Tinas wedding and a writer and performer for the Anicomical Players (Walt Disney World, INc.)
I am also the Artistic Diirector and Writer for the MInnesota Dance Collaborative- an emerging company in its 6th year.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
For private lessons I range from 40-65 depending on time, typw and location.
How did you get started teaching?
I was a Teaching Artist at Dudley Riggs.
I stopped teaching for a while and began again when teaching Voice and Acting at a Ballet Arts Academy, I started teaching at a local dance studio, as well.
I started Acting in Motion out of an obvious need for performance training for both competitive and prpfessional dance companies. All the technique in the world will not make up for a flat, phoned-in or nauthentic performance.
AIM has worked privately with Dancers from competitve studios throughout the Minnesota- Larkin, Summit, Platinum DanceCenter, Lake Area, Spotlight, Dance Xtreme, Woodbury Dance, Momentum Dance Project, South West Metro, Ms.Melindas and many more.
We have also had the pleasure of being Guest Artists at MN studios suc as Jamm Dance, Fusion, Momentum Dance Project and Dance Review!
We have taught privates as far away as Montana and have been regular Guest Artist for The Second Skin Dance Festival in Michigan.
What types of students have you worked with?
Our student base has stated as low as 4 years of age an has gone Up to 50!
We have Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Students.
Aim students are Actors, Dancers, Singers- and Storytellers.
Some are preparing for a professional career and others are enjoying the benefits of an arts education!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Tough Question! There are so many!!
Truly, educating artists in what we love at AIM.
Recently I had the opportunity to Coach the cast of Collide's Romeo and Juliet. It was a dance aaptation- no words- and modern music.
It was a cast of seasoned professionals and they had been working on the show for about a month and a half already. I was able to see a full rehearsal before bringing the AIM Method to the table.
It was so exciting to see the final production (playing to sold out houses) at the Cowles Center in Mpls and to hear how well the dancers had integrated character in to the production and how clear the story was without a single word!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure that it is not a machine. Talent develops in a very individual manner. Be sure whomever you hire has not only the credentials but the time ad patiece to develop your talent!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Short term AND long term goals.
What TYPE of learner are you? Do you larn by hearing, seeing, watching, doing....