Philosopher Ayn Rand wrote briefly about dance, music, and cognition in “The Romantic Manifesto” (1971): “Music is an independent, primary art; the dance is not. In view of their division of labor, the dance is entirely dependent on music. With the emotional assistance of music, it expresses an abstract meaning; without music, it becomes meaningless gymnastics. It is music, the voice of man’s consciousness, that integrates the dance to man and to art.” One can argue, as with many of Rand’s views, that dance and music are not objectively linked—a cappella is not unknown to dancers—but when it comes to dance and mental health, Rand has a point.
The 21st-century has uncovered a wealth of data on the effects of dance on mental health—and the news is good! A review of a decade of studies by Harvard University shows evidence that the rewarding stimulation of hearing music while activating one’s sensory and motor circuits leads to memory improvement and strengthened neuronal connections. A UCLA Health study found that participants with a history of depression, anxiety, or trauma who engaged in “conscious dance,” i.e., unchoreographed movement with music ranging from instrumental to electronic, received mental health benefits. The more that the mental health benefits of dance are studied the better they look.
For Mental Health Awareness Month, See Chicago Dance urges every Chicagoan to not only see dance but practice and perform dance. Below this month’s “Shows You Gotta See” are “Classes You Gotta Take,” a sample of dance classes from the comprehensive Calendar found on the See Chicago Dance homepage. Whether one’s goal is physical exercise, hanging out with friends, or to shake off a hard day (month, year, etc.), there is certainly a class that conforms with one’s tastes and aspirations.
See Chicago Dance wishes to remind all of the city’s dancers that they are loved and cherished and that what matters is not HOW one dances but THAT one dances. –Tristan Bruns, Managing Editor
Trivia: Ayn Rand’s favorite form of dance was tap dance, because “all it can express is gaiety and every shade of emotion pertaining to the joy of living” (Romantic Manifesto 69). What can be more “objective” than that?
From the organization:
For twenty years, Matter Dance Company has invited audiences into worlds where movement meets storytelling and where the unexpected is always just around the corner. Now, for our 20th anniversary, we return once more to the Wonderground […] where glamour and imagination collide to reveal an underground speakeasy—A place where dancers slip through shadowy corridors, swirl through smoky cabaret scenes, and ignite the stage with electrifying choreography.”
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
From the organization:
“…an evening-length performance that explores improvisation across classical Indian dance traditions by male dancers. Dancers trained in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi interpret shared musical compositions through their distinct movement vocabularies and rhythmic sensibilities. As each artist responds spontaneously to the music, the performance reveals how different classical forms approach improvisation—through unique body language, rhythmic dialogue, and expressive interpretation—creating a dynamic conversation between tradition, individuality, and creativity.”
Performers include: Colin Mascarenhas, an Odissi artist and founding member of the Aikyam Odissi Dance Collective; Kiran James, Chicago-based dancer, choreographer, educator, and nonprofit leader; and Kathak artist, Sachin Lal.
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
3. Ballet 5:8 presents “The House on Mango Street,” May 8-9, Logan Center for the Arts
From the organization:
“Ballet 5:8’s Second Company brings Sandra Cisneros’ classic novel ‘The House on Mango Street’ to life in a poignant new ballet by Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager. Told through the eyes of Esperanza, a young Latina girl coming of age in a Chicago neighborhood, the ballet explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of storytelling.
Presented in partnership with public libraries and community organizations, this tour includes performances, bilingual storytime events, and movement-based workshops that connect students and families to the themes of the book.
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
4. Ayodele Drum & Dance presents “Beauty and the Beat: A Warrior Reborn,” May 9, Benito Juarez Community Academy
From the organization:
“Immerse yourself in the wonders of African drum and dance as Bayo Beauty continues her journey of connection, empowerment, and self-discovery. Guided by the Zaouli Princess, Papa Legba, the Water Goddesses, Our Ancestors, The Beat, and YOU, she ascends…A Warrior Reborn.”
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
5. Visceral Dance Chicago presents “Solus,” May 15-17, Visceral Dance Center
From the organization:
“‘SOLUS’ is an annual Visceral Dance Chicago program celebrating the power of one dancer and one choreographer coming together to create something entirely original. Each solo is a unique collaboration, pairing a company member with a Chicago-based choreographer to showcase both individual artistry and the depth of creative talent within our city. Rooted in community, ‘SOLUS’ shines a light on the voices shaping Chicago’s dance landscape while offering an intimate look at the dancers you see on stage.”
For more information, visit Visceral Dance Chicago’s website by clicking HERE.
6. Chicago Human Rhythm Project presents “Stomping Grounds 2026,” May 31, DuSable Museum of African American History
From the organization:
Continuing the decades-long commitment to platforming American tap dance, CHRP will present a spectacular showcase displaying the huge range of expressive potential rooted in African and Irish traditions. This event features a dazzling lineup of Chicago tap masters, emerging voices and a special guest artist including Jeremy Arnold, Anthony Morigerato, Jessica Chapuis Bronson, Jumaane Taylor, Keyana Latimer and Lane Alexander paying homage to tradition while stepping firmly into the future. Taylor and Latimer will be joined by Andrew Carr and Hannah Geiser to premiere a work in progress, ‘Don’t Shoot the Messengers.'”
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Ethan Kirschbaum
“Originally from San Francisco, CA, Brian Enos has a choreographic career spanning 22 years. At age 18 Enos was invited by Ben Stevenson, O.B.E., to create his first work for The Houston Ballet. He has since made over 40 works for companies such as Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Ballet Met, Oklahoma City Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Saint Louis Ballet, and DanceWorks Chicago, among others. As a dancer, he performed with The Houston Ballet for several years before embarking on an eight-year career as a dancer and choreographer with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Through his choreography, coaching, and teaching, Enos engages and inspires audiences and the incredible dancers he is so fortunate to work with every day in the studio.”
For more information, check out the class page by clicking HERE.
2. Afro-Cuban Class with Olivia Gonzalez, Ruth Page Center for the Arts, May 1 & May 8, 9:30AM-11AM
“The class begins with a traditional warm-up that emphasizes large movements in the shoulder and torso, leading up to the basic Orisha step, which involves dancing and progressively moving across the floor with repetitions of steps and ending with a circle where the dancers can improvise. Yorùbá deities called Orisha are invited to mount the bodies of their initiates. The human personality disappears and gives way to the divine. Gods and goddesses join human beings, borrow the device of a body, and bring blessings from another dimension.
Olivia González graduated from Escuela Nacional de Arte in Cuba. Following graduation, she danced for four years with Retazos Dance Theater, with whom she participated in many international festivals in Canada, Uruguay, and the United States, and performed in ‘Transits – Havana’, an international dance collaboration between Sweden and Cuba. Since moving to Chicago, Olivia has danced with Concert Dance, Inc. and Hedwig Dances and is a regular guest artist for the Ruth Page School of Dance and the Ruth Page Professional Dance Training Program, teaching modern/contemporary classes and workshops.”
For more information, check out the class page by clicking HERE.
3. Adult Open Jazz with Ethan Kirschbaum, The Chicago Academy for the Arts, Saturdays, 1PM-2:30PM
“This class is for the young at heart! Dancers will follow a standard jazz warm up with center technical exercises. Up next, across the floor exercises and a center combination to reinforce jazz technique, amplify personality, and increase self confidence.”
“Ethan Kirschbaum, originally from Oakland, CA, began his dance career as an apprentice with the Savage Jazz Dance Company while still in high school. Travelling to New York City to attend the Ailey School/Fordham University B.F.A. program, Ethan graduated summa cum laude with departmental honors in dance performance […] After completing five seasons with River North Dance Chicago, Ethan is certified by the Ailey School to teach all levels of the Horton Technique and is a freelance artist performing at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, choreographing locally, and teaching nationally as a guest to dance studios and university programs alike. Ethan is proud to be the founder and director of the Claire Bataille Legacy Program, continuing to provide a home for talented and passionate pre-professional dancers.”
For more information, check out the class page by clicking HERE.
4. Trans Dance Connect w/ Reign Drop, Berger Park Cultural Center, Mondays, 6:30PM-8PM
“Designed to create space for transgender dancers and their allies, Trans Dance Connect is a modern dance class designed for beginners and those returning to dance after some time off. Our main objective is to come together; everything else is low stakes, high reward. Join us for some spirals, floorwork, movement combinations, and improvisation!”
“Reign Drop is a Chicago-based dancer, director, and choreographer whose work explores themes of autonomy, liberation, and community connection within contemporary movement practices. They hold a degree in Dance from Columbia College Chicago, where they studied choreography and improvisation under the mentorship of Darrell Jones and Lisa Gonzales. He has played a significant role in the Chicago dance community, having led the Improvisers’ Dance Jam for the Chicago Dancemakers Forum, taught at the American Dancing Bodies Symposium at Columbia College Chicago, performed with choreographers Erin Killmurray and Alix Shillaci, created original works for Synapse Arts and Danceworks Chicago, and choreographed for Shea Coulee’s “Rewind” music video. They are also co-founder of We Are Collective, an initiative dedicated to collaborative, community-focused dance-making.”
For more information, check out the class page by clicking HERE.
5. Cardio Line Dance w/ Ash Williams, Lincoln Park Cultural Center, Thursdays, 11:30 am – 12:15pm
“This activity takes line dancing to a whole new level. Get a cardiovascular workout, learn a variety of moves, and experience many genres of music.”
“Ash Williams is a dancer and performer from Oregon. They have studied with various organizations such as Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, DanceWorks Chicago, Common Conservatory/Commemoration, The Umfundalai Community, and Open Space.” They are currently working towards achieving their BA in Dance at Columbia College Chicago and on track to graduate in December 2025. After graduating, Ash plans to pursue a career with a touring dance company continuing to study various genres.”
For more information, check out the class page by clicking HERE.
1. Ayodele African Dance Conference, Sherman Park, May 7 – 10
“An exhilarating weekend of dance featuring teachers from Guinea, Senegal, Brazil, Ivory Coast and more. See you on the floor!”
“Ayodele, a Yoruba word meaning joy in the home, is a sisterhood of women who recognize the guidance of the Creator in our mission to study, heal and express ourselves through African Drum and Dance from a woman’s perspective. Although from different backgrounds; we’re passionate in our common efforts to empower and strengthen the women in our community through knowledge and education of the her/story, rituals, music and dances of African culture.”
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
2. Chicago Tap Authority National Tap Dance Day Weekend Workshop, Harold Washington Cultural Center, May 23-24
“This three-day workshop is dedicated to Tap Dance education in many forms, including classes, teacher training, history lectures, footage screenings, and jams.”
“Chicago Tap Allstars is a communal collective that bridges the gap between artistry and activism by audaciously advocating for the entire Tap community while creating experiences centered on education and self-expression of the art form.”
For more information, check out the Chicago Tap Allstars website by clicking HERE.
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