As an urban designer and architect, I commend the Ordway Center for again providing our St. Paul, Minnesota community with its Summer Dance Series in 2012. This summer-long, weekly outdoor event is an exceptional example of community building. People from all over gather downtown in a public plaza and dance the night away to every sort of music type and ethnicity. All ages from the very, very young to teens and much, much older have a wonderful dance experience with free lesson prior to the featured live band performance. For-profit and nonprofit dance groups lead the lesson, building audience and patrons for their venues. Food, drinks, tables, chairs - every detail for a fun evening on a summer night has been well thought out - a splendid urban event that brings people together. Thank you, Ordway Center.

The summer of 2010 the Ordway Theatre provided a vibrant, fun, evening outdoor dance series in a downtown plaza, featuring live music, dance demonstrations and dancing by all to follow - all free to whomever wished to attend. Dances included the tango, country western / cajun, disco, ballroom, latin, etc. People of all ages and cultural backgrounds danced, watched while sipped beverages from outdoor seating / tables and enjoyed these wonderful summer events far into the evening. The following night the St. Paul Public Library featured an outdoor film of the same dance theme featured by the Ordway the night before. As the Ordway dance series progressed, people increasingly dress the part and local dance clubs / organizations provided true inspiration for mastering each dance. The Ordway Dance Series was successful on many levels - and - most importantly, as a great community builder for our lovely city, St. Paul, Minnesota. Thanks you, Ordway!