Studio Stories: Reminiscing on Twin Cities Dance with Michael Casper - Season 8, Episode 105

Michael Casper was born and raised in Rockland County, New York.
He began dancing at age 19 at Swarthmore College while getting
his degree in English Literature. In addition to taking classes
with the Swarthmore faculty, Michael studied dance in New York at
the Cunningham studio and worked as an administrative intern for
Twyla Tharp Dance.
He moved to Minneapolis in 1989 to be an understudy with New
Dance Ensemble. He became a company member in 1989 and was with
the Ensemble and Laboratory until its disbanding in 1994. From
1994 to 1997, Michael danced independently with Minnesota Opera,
Children’s Theatre, and independent choreographers in the Twin
Cities, including the Flying Sisters. He also worked as an
independent choreographer. His work was presented at various
venues including Choreographer’s evening at the Walker and Studio
2B at the Hennepin Center for theArts. From 1998 to 2001 Michael
was dance and movement instructor/choreographer for the Eden
Prairie High School marching band color guard. 

In 1996, Michael enrolled at the Minnesota Center for Shiatsu
Study and completed Shiatsu training in 1997. After graduating,
he began working at the school as a therapist and instructor,
which later merged with Northern Lights school of Massage to
become CenterPoint. In 2006, Michael completed the western
massage training at CenterPoint in Swedish, Trigger Point
Therapy, and Therapeutic Massage.

Michael has been a bodywork therapist and instructor for over 25
years. He has practiced in a range of professional settings
including the Aliveness Project, Qi Nordeast, the Great
Metropolitan Backrub and CenterPoint Professional Clinic. He
currently practices at The Wellness Center in south
Minneapolis.

In addition to Shiatsu and Massage therapy, Michael has done
additional training in Thai Yoga Massage, Cupping, Moxibustion,
Tuina, Foot and Hand Reflexology.
In his time as an instructor at CenterPoint, Michael has taught a
wide range of classes including Shiatsu technique, Summary
session, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Professional ethics and
communication, and Special Populations.