As an infant, Jinza Thayer lived in Japan and Southeast Asia.[1][2] Her family moved to the United States,[3] and she was raised in Brooklyn, New York.[1][4]
Jinza Thayer presents her work as Movement Architecture,[8] and serves as the company’s artistic director and primary choreographer.[1][2][9]
Jinza Thayer is a registerd Somatic Movement Therapist and Movement Educator (ISMETA)[10][11] and maintains an individualized training practice in St. Paul.[1]
She also conducts group movement therapy workshops at Tofte Lake Center in Ely, Minnesota.[12]
For more than two decades, Jinza Thayer has been on the faculty of Zenon Dance Company and School (Minneapolis), where she teaches dance and movement.[1][2][10]
In 2013, Jinza Thayer was featured in “Minnesota Original,” an award-winning public television show that celebrates the artists of Minnesota.
[13]
In 2023, Jinza Thayer was a Visiting Artist at MANCC, Florida State University School of Dance. As part of her residency, she worked with creative collaborators and students on her new work, "From Tokyo to Brooklyn: A Jagged Journey."[15]
In 2024, Jinza Thayer was an artist-in-residence at Rosy Simas Danse. As part of her residency, she previewed “From Tokyo to Brooklyn.”[16]
She also appeared in the "52nd Choreographers' Evening" at the Walker Art Center.[8]
Productions
Jinza Thayer has created more than 60 original works,[2][10] including eight full-length evening works.[8] The following is a partial list of her notable productions.
From Tokyo to Brooklyn (2024). Choreographer: Deborah Jinza Thayer. Rehearsal Direction: Laurie Van Wieren. Additional Rehearsal Direction: Erin Thompson.[8][16][3][17]
All Hail the Queen (2018). Choreographer: Deborah Jinza Thayer. Text: Melissa Birch. Composer: Janika Vandervelde. Installation: Amelia Biewald. Dancers: Julia Davidson, Non Edwards, Erika Hansen, Christine Maginnis, Sharon Picasso, Eve Schulte, Erin Thompson, and Roxane Wallace.[11]
Diana Takes A Swim (2012). Choreographer: Deborah Jinza Thayer. Composer: Janika Vandervelde. Red Eye Theatre, Minneapolis, MN.[18]
Ode to Dolly (2009). Choreographer: Deborah Jinza Thayer. Music: Matthew Smith. Costumes: Lisa Axell and Laura Adams. Set design: Bryan Axell/3 Ring Scenic. Dancers: Rachel Barnes, Penelope Freeh, Sarah Jacobs, Christine Maginnis, Deidre Murnane, Sharon Picasso, Kimberly Richardson. New California Gallery, Minneapolis, MN.[19]
All That Glitters (2007). Choreographer: Deborah Jinza Thayer. Music: Tom Scott. Costumes: Lisa Axell. Set design: Bryan Axell. Cello: Michelle Kinney. Dancers: Penny Freeh, Joanna Furnans, Sarah Jacobs, Ariel Linnerson, Christine Maginnis, Debra McGee, Kimberly Richardson, Rosy Simas. The Southern Theater, Minneapolis, MN.[20]
My Little Cyborg (2002). Choreographer: Deborah Jinza Thayer. Set design: Ron Albert.[21][22]
Personal life
In 2012, Jinza Thayer and Rebecca Surmont were eating together at an outdoor restaurant in St. Paul, Minnesota, when a car crashed into the bistro. Jinza Thayer suffered several injuries, including a partially collapsed lung, cracked vertebrae, and fractured ribs.[23]
Awards and Honors
Minnesota State Arts Board, Creative Support for Individuals grant recipient, 2022[3]
^From Tokyo to Brooklyn: A Jagged Journey. Visiting Artist. MANCC, Florida State University School of Dance. March 21 - April 3, 2023. https://mancc.org/artists/jinza-thayer/
