Somna Choreographers
The choreographic voices behind Somna represent a dynamic and deeply connected community of artists. This year’s lineup features works created by company members, the co-owner of Cultivate Dance Collaborative, and longtime artistic collaborators whose relationships with 8:20 span years of shared creative exploration.
Together, this group brings a diverse range of perspectives, movement languages, and artistic histories to the stage. From emerging choreographers within the company to trusted mentors and lifelong friends, each artist contributes a unique voice to the world of Somna. Their collective work reflects the spirit of 8:20 Dance Company — rooted in collaboration, artistic trust, and the ongoing pursuit of meaningful contemporary dance.
Choreographers
Maddie Burnham
Choreographed:
Call of the Flow
Off by One
Rain
Dancing with your Ghost
Run boy Run
Meet you in the Maze
Daydream
Bio:
Founder & Executive Director, 8:20 Dance Company
Madelyn Burnham is a choreographer, performer, and arts leader based in Minnesota. She is the Founder and Executive Director of 8:20 Dance Company, a contemporary dance company she established in 2019 to create meaningful performance opportunities for artists and to produce original evening-length dance works in the Twin Cities.
Originally from Victoria, Minnesota, Madelyn graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Dance. Over the past decade, she has choreographed for dance studios, musical theatre productions, and professional dance projects, developing work that blends contemporary movement with emotional storytelling and human connection.
Madelyn’s choreographic work often explores themes of identity, resilience, mental health, and the internal landscapes we navigate as humans. Through 8:20 Dance Company, she has produced and presented original mainstage performances that she choreographs, produces, and directs—bringing together professional dancers and emerging artists to share powerful, collaborative dance experiences with audiences.
In addition to her work with 8:20 Dance Company, Madelyn is the owner and director of Cultivate Dance Collaborative, a community-focused dance studio that provides performance, training, and wellness programming for dancers of all ages. Through Cultivate, she strives to build a supportive environment where dancers can grow artistically while developing confidence, creativity, and connection.
Madelyn has also taught throughout the Midwest and previously in Florida, including teaching at Skyra Studios and Underground Movement. She continues to create opportunities for artists and students through choreography, performance, and collaborative projects.
Since becoming a mother in December 2024, Madelyn has found a renewed connection to the body, rest, and the rhythms of life—experiences that continue to shape her artistic voice and creative process. She is passionate about creating work that resonates with audiences while supporting the growth of the dance community around her.
PC: Crown of Life
Melissa Brown Guenther
Choreographed:
I Follow Rivers
Darkness Visable
Come into my arms
Bio:
PC: Crown of Life
Jessica Doro
Choreographed:
Mermaid in Lisbon
Beauty
Come into my arms
Highspeeds
Falling Colour
Delta Waves
Bio:
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.
PC: Crown of Life
Andy Lupinek
Choreographed:
Aeroplane Bathroom
Tumbling Lights
Daydream
Walk the Dog
Bio:
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.
PC: Crown of Life
Katelyn Osland
Choreographed:
Walk the Dog
Bio:
Jack Fischer
Choreographed:
Pas De Deux
Jack Fischer was born and raised in Roseville Minnesota, where he grew up dancing at Out On A Limb dance school. Jack graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a BA in Dance and a minor in studio art. While at Gustavus, he had the privilege of performing in multiple spring and fall dance concerts, as well as at two American College Dance Association conferences. After college, Jack danced for one season with Borealis Dance Theater and danced the role of Harry Beaton in the Faith Church community theater production of Brigadoon. Having previously performed with 8:20 Dance Company during his time at Gustavus, Jack is excited to be back and create and share more beautiful and meaningful dance.
PC: Crown of Life