Synapse Arts Open House at Loyola Park

Event Type
Class
Event Description

Synapse Arts Open House at Loyola Park
Thursday, April 21 from 10:30a-6:00p ​as a part of Chicago Dance Month

A full day of free events including classes, open rehearsal, and an arm knitting workshop at our home studio as Arts Partners in Residence at Loyola Park. Take dance class, ask questions, and see the artwork being made. Come and go throughout the day and enjoy a deeper look into the creation of “Openwork”, Synapse Arts’ newest evening length performance that combines original fiber art, music, and dance.

Schedule of Events:

10:30a-12:00p  Modern Class with Kristina Fluty (adults only, all skill levels):

This gentle dance class improves dynamic alignment, increases spatial awareness, and patterns more efficient everyday movement through fun dance phrases. On Thursday, April 21 this class is free for new students as a part of Chicago Dance Month.

12:15p-2:00p Open Rehearsal and Showing of “Openwork”

Watch the performers at work, as they create choreography and textiles in tandem. Then see a 20-minute performance from the evening length piece “Openwork”, followed by a question and answer session with the artists.

Openwork is a performance that blends large-scale body knitting and contemporary dance.

Currently being collaboratively devised, this project experiments with arm knitting as a way to truly blend dancing and needlecraft. In the arm-knitting process, arms take the place of needles, and the movements of the hands and fingers usually required to knit are magnified. Openwork explores a resonance between the handmade (knitting, crochet, embroidery) and the embodied (dancing), by way of the sensual, tactile pleasures inherent in both arts.

2:00-2:30p Complimentary refreshments will be served

2:30-3:45p Body-knitting demonstration and workshop

An avid needlecrafter, Synapse Artistic Director Rachel Damon began experimenting with arm knitting as a way to truly blend dancing and needlecraft. Large pieces can be formed quickly, and no prior knitting experience is necessary. During this free workshop learn how to arm knit then take your creation home or donate your piece to be included in the Openwork premiere!

No materials needed. Bring your own arms.

4:00-4:45 Observe Beginning Ballet Class (5-7yrs)

5:00-6:00 Observe Beginning Ballet Class (8-11yrs)

Dance Styles
Multi-disciplinary

Location

Loyola Park

1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.
Chicago, IL 606026
(773) 262-8605