Community Convening

See Chicago Dance (SCD) hosts quarterly convenings to foster dialogue among artistic directors, independent artists, administrators, and funders. As many companies lack funds to seek outside assistance, SCD provides invaluable peer networking opportunities. All SCD convenings are free and open to all members and non-members.

A light in the darkness: Winifred Haun and Dancers open "Moonstone Season" with new work: "When Day Comes"

 

There is no doubt that life was hard during the COVID pandemic, however, dancers found a way to create work and keep moving. Notable and emerging artists continued to produce work during the lockdown phase, often dealing with the topics of isolation and loneliness, but also optimism and hope. But how might the creative process be affected if the same work were created during and after the height of the COVID pandemic?

Community Needs Assessment

Our mission at See Chicago Dance is to advocate for the dance field and strengthen a diverse range of dance organizations and artists through services and programs that build and engage audiences.

For the Year of Chicago Dance, we are conducting a study to better understand the current experiences and needs of both dancers and audiences.

GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO: 60 YEARS PIONEERING JAZZ DANCE INNOVATIONS

 

“Fill me in on your new dancers,” I asked executive director of Giordano Dance Chicago Michael McStraw in a recent phone interview. Little did I know my innocent query would be met by a heartwarming story of peril, determination, survival, and, ultimately transformation during the COVID Pandemic.

“GDC almost didn’t make it through the Pandemic. The loss of revenue was catastrophic,” McStraw said. Thanks to a federal emergency grant they were able to re-hire and bring back all the dancers.

Preview: Mandala South Asian Performing Arts presents "Diwali: Story of Ram", one of the traditional Hindu epics told with a modern twist.

 

For hundreds of years the story of Ram, the seventh avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, has remained a family favorite. Ram’s journey as told in the text of the Ramayana is the embodiment of chivalry and virtue. For centuries, entire communities would gather to witness the story of Ram told through the expressive art form of Bharatanatyam dance.

In the past, this performance could last 14 days, with a different story being told each day. However, if you don’t have 2 weeks of free time at your disposal, then you’re in luck.

Out of this world; Witness macabre horror in “as though your body were right” presented by Khecari.

 

The sun was setting as I squinted at an address on the side of a residential stone house. My only other direction was “in the garage”; So, I crept around the side of the building and encountered a sign on a closed chain link gate, which spelled out in big, bold letters:

“MAKE DO”

Past the gate wound a path that led to a small garage. Dim lights shown in the windows. Before I could touch the handle, the door swung open. They had been expecting me.