Thodos Dance Chicago

Thodos Dance Chicago (TDC), an award-winning, critically-acclaimed, contemporary dance company performs nationally and internationally fusing classical and modern dance to create a unique style of dance that is fast-paced, highly athletic and very entertaining. TDC's repertoire is diverse having performed works from nationally-renowned choreographers such as Tony-award winner Ann Reinking, Lar Lubovitch, Shapiro & Smith, Lucas Crandall, Jon Lehrer, Ron De Jesus, Amy Ernst and KT Nelson, as well that of Artistic Director Melissa Thodos and TDC's ensemble members. The Chicago Reader writes, "The Company's repertoire is so rich-the dancers are superb."

"Breathtakingly athletic," "powerfully beautiful," performing "vibrant choreography" are among the many critical accolades that Thodos Dance Chicago has received since its inception. Founded in 1992 by artistic director Melissa Thodos, this ensemble of well-rounded artists who teach, choreograph, and perform brings contemporary dance to a wider audience with an appealing style incorporating a variety of dance forms created and performed with an innovative flair. The Company's unique mission of inspiring expression through dance education, dance creation, and dance performance has established Thodos Dance Chicago as an innovative presence in American contemporary dance.

Highlights of the Company's annual performance season include its home concerts, many touring engagements, and the critically acclaimed New Dances choreography performance series presented annually. The Company has performed in more than 50 dance venues in 20 states, including Alaska as well as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the International Istanbul Dance Festival, the Ankara Music and Dance Festival, the Busan International Dance Festival, South Korea and at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. TDC has collaborated with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Remy Bumppo Theater, and three times with Fulcrum Point New Music Project, as well as with numerous individual studio artists and musicians.

In addition to performing choreography of its resident artistic staff, TDC performs a diverse array of works created by other well known choreographers: Tony-Award winning choreographer Ann Reinking, Lar Lubovitch, Shapiro & Smith; Lucas Crandall, Jon Lehrer, Brock Clawson, Michael Anderson, Zachary Whittenburg, Amy Ernst, Ron Jesus, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano and KT Nelson. In addition, TDC ensemble members themselves create highly-charged, illuminating world premieres every year in the Company's acclaimed New Dances choreography series that audiences have found "exquisite," "phenomenal," and "inspirational." Selected works from the series are chosen to become part of the Company's repertory each year, and the Joffrey Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago have performed two works respetively.

Reaching young minds through dance education is vital to Thodos Dance Chicago. As a teaching Company, members of this highly trained ensemble hold BAs and MFAs in dance, and teach at the elementary, high school and university levels. TDC is well suited for residency programs where performances, lecture demonstrations, workshops and master classes go hand in hand. TDC is in residence at the Drucker Center, Menomonee Club for Boys and Girls where it teaches daily classes, directs a Youth Ensemble, and hosts weekend and week-long dance intensives throughout the year.

For more information about programs and upcoming performances of Thodos Dance Chicago, please visit www.thodosdancechicago.org or like Thodos Dance Chicago on Facebook.