See Chicago Dance connects audiences to dance and artists to resources.
Mission: See Chicago Dance is a nonprofit service organization with the mission 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. Our two-pronged approach focuses on building audiences while developing a more cohesive dance community.
Vision: To fearlessly inspire an ever-growing inclusive community to share in and spread the power of dance in Chicago.
See Chicago Dance Core Values
- Equity: See Chicago Dance recognizes that we operate and exist within structures that are systemically discriminatory. We are committed to doing our part to change this power dynamic to be more equitable and just.
- Diversity: We value diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, ability, sexual orientation, dance genre, history, neighborhood, geography, budget, scale, and experience.
- Inclusion: We are a community-focused organization that offers a wide variety of programming and support to dance artists and companies of all sizes, dance styles, and points of view. In addition, See Chicago Dance strives to provide equitable access to dance experiences for Chicago audiences that is inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
See Chicago Dance Builds Community
- SCD Membership is free for individual artists, companies, and organizations and offers exclusive opportunities that help dancers thrive.
- Community Convenings are hosted quarterly gatherings for the entire Chicago dance community. Attendees come for professional development opportunities, as well as to network, stay informed and make deeper connections.
See Chicago Dance Grows Audiences
- SeeChicagoDance.com, our flagship program originally launched in 2005, was completely overhauled in early 2025. This community-sourced website serves over 400 dance artists and organizations and thousands of ticket buyers as the most comprehensive source for information on Chicago dance and one of the largest websites in the United States dedicated to the art form.
- Chicago Dance Month celebrates dance in Chicago each year in June with a citywide campaign including performances, classes, marketing initiatives, ticket deals, and professional development for Chicago dancers. SCD serves as producer, working with a community curatorial committee, to spotlight the diverse and dynamic dancing communities in Chicago.
- Distribution Program is a marketing initiative which delivers promotional materials for Chicago dance performances to more than 70 arts-friendly locations all over the city.
See Chicago Dance Advocates for the Field
- SCD staff actively participate in numerous committees and align with partner agencies such as the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Chicago Park District, Dance/USA, Enrich Chicago, MacArthur Foundation, Navy Pier, and Arts Alliance Illinois.
