Our Board of Directors
Each of us brings something different to the table—different experiences, strengths, perspectives, and ideas—but we share a deep belief in what 8:20 can be. Together, we’re building a company rooted in bold artistry, meaningful collaboration, and genuine connection, with each of us bringing our own strengths to help move 8:20 forward.
Maddie Burnham
Maddie Burnham is the Founder and Executive Director of 8:20 Dance Company, a professional dance company dedicated to creating immersive, theatrical work that sparks curiosity and human connection. With over 18 years of dance experience and nearly a decade of professional performance experience, Maddie is passionate about creating opportunities for artists to take risks, collaborate, and tell meaningful stories through movement.
Maddie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance from Gustavus Adolphus College, where she trained extensively in Modern, Continuum, Improvisation, Musical Theatre, and Composition. Her artistic voice is deeply influenced by Continuum and its focus on fluidity, curiosity, spatial awareness, and seamless movement through and across the floor.
As a choreographer and director, Maddie is drawn to work that feels human, honest, and a little unexpected. Through 8:20, she has helped bring multiple original productions to the stage, including Somna and Shadows, while building a space for professional and emerging artists throughout the Twin Cities to create, perform, and grow together.
At the heart of Maddie’s work is a belief that dance can be more than movement—it can create connection, start conversations, and leave an audience feeling something long after they leave the theater.
Executive Director & Founder
Andrew Lupinek
Andy started his journey with 8:20 Dance Company in 2020. Minnesota-born and raised, Andy studied Theatre and Arts Administration at Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, MN. While in school, he found performance opportunities with the Gustavus Dance Team and as a member of the Gustavus Dance Company. Now living in Minneapolis, he has performed most recently with the Christopher Watson Dance Company and An Opera Theater.
Andy is so grateful for the opportunity to stay connected with these wonderful creatives and telling stories through 8:20’s movement style that blends intricacy with fluidity and delicacy with power.
Creative Director
Jessica has been dancing with 8:20 Dance Company since 2020. She is originally from Wisconsin and now lives in the Minneapolis area. Jessica studied Chemistry and Soil Science at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where she was a member of and choreographer for the Dance Collective and the UMN Ballroom Dance Club and Competition Team. Jessica has been dancing for over 18 years with training primarily in ballet, modern, lyrical, and jazz. Jessica enjoys exploring storytelling and expression through movement, and she is grateful for the opportunity to continue dancing with 8:20 alongside such kindhearted and talented dancers. She has enjoyed being a part of the various on-stage and virtual performances with the company, and she is excited to see what the future holds! Outside of the studio, Jess enjoys dabbling in various art forms and spending time outside—hiking, birding, and digging in the soil.
Operations DirectorJessica Winters
Katelyn started dancing with 8:20 in the 2023/24 season and is excited to continue her work with the company. She is originally from Fargo, North Dakota and moved to the Twin Cities to attend the University of Minnesota where she received her B.A. in Political Science. While at the U, she was president of the Dance Collective, a performance-based club embracing all styles and levels of dance. With over 25 years of dance experience across various styles, she has a particular passion for contemporary and lyrical.
Development DirectorKatelyn Osland
Layna Darling
Layna Darling, a born and raised South Dakotan, spent her elementary through high school years training in ballet, lyrical, jazz, and tap at Pierre Dance Academy, but if you ask her mother, she’s been moving her feet and grooving to the beat since infancy. A cornerstone of her college experience was joining and eventually leading the UMN Dance Collective as president. During her time, she found joy in choreographing jazz, lyrical, and contemporary pieces. Layna continued to grow through dance upon graduation, training in heels, contemporary, and hip hop through LaTanya Janteya’s Vibe’d programs. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and finding the best Twin Cities happy hour deal. This is Layna’s sophomore season with 8:20 Dance Company — she’s so ecstatic to be surrounded by such an empowering group of creatives.
Marketing Director