We were lucky to catch up with Sherisa Oie recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sherisa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

Tapestry Folkdance Center is unique in that over its 40 year history as a nonprofit, it has only ever had part-time staff. Volunteers have quite literally sustained and helped grow the organization to what it is today. The word “investment” means many different things in our community, and is a two-way concept for us. Community investment and organizational investment go hand-in-hand.

Investment has looked like taking time spent building relationships and finding common ground between different dance groups in order to collectively form a nonprofit. Investment has looked like over 60,000 hours of volunteer service over the years. Investment has looked like an outpouring donations to allow for the purchase of our own building, and then the payoff of the mortgage.

In order to continue thriving, it is essential that the organization invest its money wisely, yes, but also that it prioritizes how it invests in PEOPLE. When community is central to your identity, people have to come first. How Tapestry as an organization invests in staff, volunteers, instructors, musicians, members, first-time dancers, on and on – matters. The best investment will always be to advance the vision for a strong and healthy community, whatever that requires – money, time, other resources, relationship. And for Tapestry, the idea of investment will always be two-ways – the organization invests in its people and mission, and those people invest back to help achieve the collective vision.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

One of the oldest dance nonprofits in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, Tapestry Folkdance Center was founded in 1983. Built by loyal volunteers and sustained by long-standing community members, Tapestry’s mission is to welcoming all to participate in the joys of dancing and music from a variety of cultural traditions.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In 2024, Tapestry Folkdance Center celebrated 40 years as a nonprofit focused on providing people with opportunities to participate in the joys of dance and music from many different cultural traditions. We are one of the oldest dance nonprofits in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Each week, over 600 people come through our doors to participate in various social and folk dance offerings, which include International Folk Dance, Nordic Social Dance, Contra, Ballroom, English Country Dance, and more! We believe in the power of dance to transform lives and brighten our world. We envision people united through the joys of dance and music, fostering stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.

The one most important thing that has kept Tapestry going and set it apart through all these years is community investment. For many, this place is like a family, and they maintain a sense of personal pride and responsibility for its wellbeing and success. As an organization created to facilitate in-person experiences that bring people together, this community investment was especially crucial in getting us through the COVID-19 pandemic years.

One of the stories of resilience and community action of which we are most proud, however, is realizing our dream to own our own building. In November 1998, faced with a huge increase in rent and a cut in available rental space where we had been for 11 years, the Tapestry Board of Directors faced a major decision. After leasing different spaces over the years, should the organization pursue another lease situation or bite the bullet and purchase a building? In early 1999, the organization began a capital campaign and initiated the purchase of a building. In just six months, we raised close to $200,000! We were also awarded a significant grant award. For 4 months, 3 paid contractors and over 200 volunteers renovated the building – building and insulating walls, installing electrical systems, painting, laying a sprung plywood floor, and more! On September 17, 1999, we held our first dance in our own space.

In the couple years to follow, Tapestry community donations continued to pour in, allowing the organization to pay off the mortgage. We’re still in this building today – hosting our own programs, as well as opening up our studios to over 20 regular rental groups and many additional one-time renters.

The entire process of raising money and renovating the building created friendships across dance communities within Tapestry. It raised the commitment to the building and to the organization. By including volunteers in the process all the way along, we built more than a building. It created a strong and connected community, the foundation of our vision for the future.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Tapestry’s dance programs are all participatory. Folk dance, social dance – whatever term is used – we believe that dancing together breaks down walls between people and builds connection in a very strong and special way. There’s a reason cultural communities have held to and passed on dances throughout history. It is our mission to welcome all to participate in the joys of dance and music.

Our vision statement sums up what is driving us the best —

Building on over 40 years of fostering joy and community through dance and music, Tapestry Folkdance Center envisions itself as a lively cultural hub in the Twin Cities and beyond. We want to be a community destination that welcomes people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to engage with a rich tapestry of dance programs led by expert instructors, callers, and musicians, in a high quality dance facility.

We also desire to be more than a place to dance. We envision offering opportunities for many throughout our region to participate in the joys and benefits of movement and music, with programming in parks, in schools, in senior centers, at special events, and other community gatherings.

We aspire to provide a network of connection and support for instructors, callers, musicians, and community folk dance groups around the region, and to be a resource for learning about cultural dance traditions and music styles.

We want to serve as a bridge between cultures and generations, increasing understanding and acceptance of diversity through dance and music. By cultivating a culture of curiosity, enthusiasm, and respect, we desire to strengthen the social connections that lead to stronger communities.

We believe in the power of dance to transform lives and brighten our world and are committed to making that happen, one step at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tapestryfolkdance.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tapestryfolkdancecenter/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tapestryfolkdance/

Image Credits

PC: Dan Browning