Free Dance Day
Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Loyola Park, 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave. Chicago, IL 60626
Free, all ages
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/free-dance-day-loyola
Join Synapse Arts for a full day of FREE dance classes, performances, and activities at Loyola Park! Visit Synapse's home studio as an Arts Partner in Residence with the Chicago Park District to take an adult modern dance class, bring kids to try a ballet class, and watch informal performances by professional and student dancers. Schedule and registration details available below and at www.synapsearts.com.
"Free Dance Day" is a part of Chicago Dance Month and is partially supported by the Illinois Arts Council (a State Agency), The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and the Chicago Community Trust Young Leaders Fund.
Schedule of Events:
10:30am to 12pm
Modern Dance for adults
This weekly class welcomes adult (age 18+) students of all levels - community members and professional dancers alike! Kristina Fluty leads this gentle dance class that improves dynamic alignment, increases spatial awareness, and patterns more efficient everyday movement through fun dance phrases. Class will generally begin with developmental movement on the floor and end with traveling through space. On Thursday, April 12 this class is FREE for new students.
Register to reserve your spot here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-modern-dance-class-for-adults-tickets-44071537154
12:00pm to 12:30pm
Complimentary refreshments served, Meet and Greet with Synapse artists
12:30pm to 2pm
Open rehearsal of Synapse Arts’ newest work Light Hand
Watch the artwork being made! Sit in the studio as the professional dancers of the Synapse Arts ensemble rehearse. Get a sneak peek into their process and see selections from the upcoming "Light Hand" before it premieres May 17-26, 2018.
2:00pm to 3:30 pm
Arm Knitting Workshop
This workshop is free and open to the public - Registation is required so we can bring enough yarn! Space is limited; this workshop will be capped at 10 participants to ensure time for one-on-one instruction.
Register via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arm-knitting-workshop-tickets-23723882772
What is arm knitting?
Arm knitting is a way to create large textiles quickly, using your arms instead of knitting needles. Hands are more dexterous than any craft needle - you’ll be surprised to find how easily you can make a scarf, or even a blanket, in a short amount of time! This workshop will take you through casting on, knitting, and casting off, all with your arms. For experienced crafters, we will also talk about shaping and scale.
Materials will be provided, but you are also welcome to bring “bulky” or “super bulky” yarn.
About the teacher:
An avid needlecrafter since 1999, Synapse Arts Director and choreographer Rachel Damon began experimenting with arm knitting as a way to truly blend dancing and needlecraft. Damon leads this workshop along with Synapse dancers who are also arm knitters.
3:45pm to 4:30pm
Ballet for ages 4 to 7
This class introduces young students to music and movement with a structured ballet progression. On Thursday, April 12 new students can try out this class for FREE as part of our Free Dance Day and even get a chance to dance with the professional dancers of Synapse Arts!
4:30pm to 5:30pm
Intermediate ballet for ages 7 to 10
Intermediate ballet continues a structured ballet progression for students; previous ballet experience is suggested but not required. On Thursday, April 12 new students can try out this class for FREE as part of our Free Dance Day and even get a chance to dance with the professional dancers of Synapse Arts!
