North Minneapolis Dance Team Aims to See World-Famous Black Dance Company

Coach hopes to give students a chance to be inspired by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's upcoming Minneapolis performance.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:20pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of blurred, colorful figures moving gracefully, conveying the passion and emotion of dance.The vibrant energy and artistry of young dancers in North Minneapolis will be uplifted by the chance to witness the legendary Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in person.NYC Today

A north Minneapolis dance coach, Cierra Bernaugh, is raising funds to take her Dance City troop to see the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater perform in Minneapolis this weekend. Bernaugh wants to expose her students, including 13-year-old Aunesti Fullilove, to the pioneering Black dance company as a way to inspire them and connect them to their cultural heritage.

Why it matters

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was founded in 1958 to uplift the African American experience through modern dance. Exposing young Black dancers from north Minneapolis to this iconic company could have a profound impact, helping them see new possibilities for their own futures in dance.

The details

The Dance City troop from north Minneapolis previously earned an invitation to dance with the Alvin Ailey company after winning first place at a national competition in 2023. However, the team was unable to make the trip to New York due to lack of resources. Now that the Alvin Ailey company is coming to Minneapolis, Bernaugh is hoping to raise enough funds to take 25 girls and their parents to see the performance.

  • The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will be performing in Minneapolis this weekend.
  • In 2023, the Dance City troop won first place at the Starpower National Competition in Las Vegas.

The players

Cierra Bernaugh

The dance coach of the north Minneapolis Dance City troop who is raising funds to take her students to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater perform.

Aunesti Fullilove

A 13-year-old member of the Dance City troop who is excited for the opportunity to see the world-famous Black dance company perform.

Alvin Ailey

The founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, a pioneering modern dance company that was established in 1958 to uplift the African American experience through dance.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

A world-renowned modern dance company that was founded to celebrate and preserve the legacy of African American dance.

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What they’re saying

“It makes me very happy because when I'm dancing all my emotions go away, it's like a safe space. I like competing and I love my dance team and community.”

— Aunesti Fullilove, 13-year-old Dance City troop member

“Exposing the girls to different forms of dance, exposing the girls to Black history is a top priority of mine.”

— Cierra Bernaugh, Dance City coach

“I want the girls to be able to see the phenomenal Black dancers on stage and say I can do that, I can be that.”

— Cierra Bernaugh, Dance City coach

What’s next

The Dance City troop is fundraising on their Instagram page to try to raise enough money to take 25 girls and their parents to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater perform in Minneapolis this weekend.

The takeaway

This story highlights the power of exposure and representation for young Black dancers. By giving these north Minneapolis students the chance to see the legendary Alvin Ailey company perform, their coach hopes to inspire them to dream big and see new possibilities for their own futures in dance.