Main Company Members
2024/24 Season
Madelyn Burnham
Founder/Artistic Director
Madelyn Burnham is from Victoria, Minnesota where she attended Mayer Lutheran High School and graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a BA in Theater and Dance. She has been choreographing for 12 years now for musical theater, dance studios, and her own dance company. She founded the company in 2019 back in Minnesota.
She has had many opportunities to create work. Her most recent work was a mainstage show for the company. Being able to choreograph, produce, market, and put on full-evening dance work was the best experience she has had yet as a creator. Being able to see the dancers shine and to see the work finally on display to others for them to be able to relate to and enjoy is so rewarding. She is hoping this company touches those who witness the work the same way it touches her.
Her recent move to Orlando, FL has given her some time to grow and gain insight as a creator. The company was able to stay in touch through the gift of technology. When in Florida Maddie taught at Skyra Studios as well as Underground Movement. Maddie looks forward to sparking more ideas, collaborative opportunities, and performance outlets in the future.
PC: Crown of Life
Jessica Winters
Company Member/ Assistant Artistic Director/ Choreographer
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
Company Member/ Assistant Artistic Director/ Choreographer
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
Allison Durham
Company Member
Allison Durham is a dancer, choreographer, and director from the border of Illinois and Wisconsin. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with Honors from Millikin University (Fall ‘22) where she studied theatre and dance. Since moving to the Twin Cities in May of 2023, she has danced with The Fox and Beggar Theater (VANAHEIMR) and Collide Theatrical Dance Company (Broadway Dancin’). Allison couldn’t be more thrilled to make her 8:20 debut at the Minnesota Fringe Festival and greatly looks forward to their 2024-2025 season where she will dance and choreograph in “Shadows.”
Nate Gehrenbeck-Miller
Company Member
Nate Gehrenbeck-Miller was born and raised in South Minneapolis. In 2022, he studied abroad in Costa Rica, where Salsa, Bachata, and perreo helped to inspire his passion for movement. His stylistic influences now include Hip Hop, Modern, Dance Improvisation, Latin, and Ballet. Nate graduated from Macalester College in 2023, where he studied Spanish, Psychology, and Dance. Since then, he has performed on small stages around the Twin Cities, and teaches a dance class through Minneapolis Community Ed. Nate is so excited to perform with 8:20 this season! In rare moments of non-dance, you may find him in a tree or savoring each bite of a birria taco.
PC: Crown of Life
Carrigan Dock
Company Member
Carrigan grew up in Waconia, Minnesota. From the age of 8, until she was 18, she studied ballet, jazz, and modern at what was originally known as WCDA. Now living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Carrigan attends the University of Minnesota. She is in her third year studying Industrial and Systems Engineering. While at college, Carrigan has participated in 8:20’s “Dance for the Camera” and is now excited to officially join the 8:20 Dance Company.
PC: Crown of Life
Jack Fischer
Company Member
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
Layna Darling
Company Member
Bio coming soon!
PC: Crown of Life
Camilla David
Company Member
Camilla grew up in Waconia, MN. She danced from ages 6 to 18. During this time, she studied ballet, jazz, tap, and modern at WPAC. She goes to school at the University of St. Thomas. After watching other 8:20 performances, she looks forward getting back into dancing with these dances.
PC: Crown of Life
Alena Corneia
Company Member
Alena grew up in St. Bonifacius, MN where she began dancing at 8 years old. She has trained in jazz, modern/contemporary, ballet, tap, African diaspora, and Hip-hop. She currently teaches dance and is heading into her third year at the University of Minnesota where she is getting her BFA in dance. Alena danced with 8:20 Dance Company back in 2021 and is excited to be back!
Anna Satre
Company Member
Anna grew up in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota and started dancing at age three. She danced competitively with Ms. Melinda’s Dance Studio and taught recreational and competitive dancers throughout high school. She graduated from the University of Minnesota in May of 2023 with a BA in psychology. Anna danced with 820 in the 2023/2024 season as well as Fringe Fest in last summer and she’s excited to be back!
Kiah Switch
Marketing Manager/Photographer/Videographer
Kiah Switch is from Mayer, Minnesota. She graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with a double major in Early Childhood and Special Education.
Early in life, Kiah always had a talent for art and creativity. While she is not pursuing her talent in art in a specific way, she is always looking for opportunities to share it with others. 8:20 Dance Company has allowed her to use her creativity through the logo, merchandise, and other marketing opportunities. She has also found an outlet in her own business, Crown of Life, where she is the co-owner. Kiah is excited to continue to use her talents and work alongside her sister to help fulfill her dreams and the dreams of other dancers!
PC: Crown of Life
James Switch
Photographer/Videographer
James Switch is from Mayer, Minnesota. He graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with a major in Elementary Education.
James has always had a great eye for capturing moments from behind the lens. He enjoys co-owning his business, Crown of Life, with Kiah. He loves seeing 8:20 Dance Company grow and discover themselves in different ways. He feels honored to capture each dancer as they express themselves through this Company.
PC: Crown of Life