The date is set! Coming back for #12 on Saturday, September 26, 2026
The Leelanau UnCaged 2025
Center Stage
Center Stage Performers
a variety of performance talents & styles.
Applications for 2026 are accepted beginning in January.
2025 Center Stage Schedule
Overview of the Performing Groups
Ruby John
Ruby John is an Odawa fiddler who performs hard-driving tunes she learned from her mentors with styles ranging through Old-Time, Métis, Irish and Canadian. Ruby teaches fiddle and has guested with a motivational speaking company Turtle Concepts, in indigenous communities. "I never understood why some fiddlers didn’t like to play for dances, though maybe they thought the tunes would go on for too long. I love playing for dances. When you’re in a band, even with a tune that you all know, there are always slight variations that bring a spark to it, and it’s great to see how the dancers react."
Center Stage with Nic Gareiss at 5pm
Nic Gareiss
Nic Gareiss' work draws from many percussive dance practices to weave together a technique facilitating his love of improvisation; clog, flatfoot, and step dance vocabulary; and musical collaboration. https://www.nicgareiss.com
"A virtuoso step dancer in Irish and Appalachian traditions, Gareiss isn’t unknown in New York: He’s been presented at the Irish Arts Center and last week at the Uptown Rhythm Dance Festival. Nevertheless, he’s an underexposed treasure."
- New York Times April 29, 2025
Center Stage with Ruby John at 5pm
Sandbox Ensemble
Have you ever wondered about John Cage (1912–1992) and his connection to Leelanau UnCaged? This year you’ll have an opportunity to witness the Sandbox Ensemble improvise in the spirit of John Cage and his energetical approach to creation.
Together dancers Benjamin Cheney, Yali Rivlin (also saxophone), and double bassists Betsy Soukup and Paul Erhard will unfold John Cage’s profound influence on improvisation and the unwavering trust in any given action.
The way John Cage and his life-long partner Merce Cunningham (1919-2009), combined their crafts, music and dance,
The Sandbox Ensemble will follow a very similar suit live on stage.
The Sandbox Ensemble is about dance and music happening together in space, as the four musical and movement voices weave in and out of each other with spontaneity and imaginative energy.
See their performance at 4pm Center Stage
Northern Lights Irish Dance Academy
Northern Lights Irish Dance Academy, whose home is in Cadillac, is the only Traditional Irish dance school in all of Northern Michigan.
They perform and compete locally and internationally. This is their premier performance at Leelanau UnCaged.
Center Stage at 3pm
Grupo Folklorico
Started by Beatriz Moreno to give the community a little taste of Mexican culture and to help our Latino community stay connected to their roots. They perform traditional dances from Mexico and Panama.
Center Stage at 2pm
"Symmetry"
"Cry Me A River"
Michael Poelman Photography "Even if It's Lonely" choreographed by Veronica Wurm
"Symmetry"
Design Dance Company
Design Dance Company believes in quality dance education based on creativity, focus, and respect for the art form. Class sizes are small with individualized training in an inclusive environment.
Veronica Wurm, owner and co-director of Design Dance Company
Veronica holds a BFA from Western Michigan University and has taught and choreographed students across the country for over 12 years. Veronica’s exceptional choreography has earned numerous awards, including the prestigious National Choreography Award from NYCDA. She is always excited to bring her fast paced, musicality-centered choreography to the students again and again.
Madelaine Glowicki, co-director of Design Dance Company
Madelaine holds a BS in Movement Science from the University of Michigan and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from University of Vermont. Madelaine has been teaching and choreographing for 12 years from Vermont to Michigan. She enjoys teaching dance with an emphasis on strength and athleticism and loves all aspects of what makes a Design Dancer.
Center Stage at 1pm and 2:30pm
Anishinabek Singers & Dancers
The Anishinabek Singers & Dancers of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians share their tradition through singing and dancing. They will share songs and dances that are deeply rooted in their culture and history.
Center Stage at Noon