Performing Arts Committee
Big Muddy Dance Company
Description
The Big Muddy Dance Company is a St. Louis-based repertory dance company which seeks to build a love of dance by providing fun,
experiential, and highly entertaining performances. By engaging both emerging and established choreographers, collaborating across the
community through senior outreach, and training future performers through our school and trainee program, we constantly strive to
invigorate life through dance.
experiential, and highly entertaining performances. By engaging both emerging and established choreographers, collaborating across the
community through senior outreach, and training future performers through our school and trainee program, we constantly strive to
invigorate life through dance.
Quick Pitch
The Big Muddy Dance Company's eclectic mix of repertoire and educational offerings allow flexibility to accommodate any age and
experience level through meaningful outreach engagement. The inter-generational performance option educates the younger audiences
about the journey of the older generation, and connects the audiences to one another's experiences through dance and music.
experience level through meaningful outreach engagement. The inter-generational performance option educates the younger audiences
about the journey of the older generation, and connects the audiences to one another's experiences through dance and music.
Description of engagements / Outreach materials / examples
Interactive outreach engagement options include a Hands-on movement workshop for seniors, inter-generational movement workshop,
or master classes for all levels. Any of these options would include a warm-up in the first 15 minutes with demonstrations. Outreach
performances would include a 35-45 minute performance with a Q&A or meet-and-greet afterward.
Studio classes: (Promo codes are intadvballet20, intballet20, begballet20, begjazz20, intjazz20)
http://www.thebigmuddydanceco.org/ondemand/
Senior Embrace or inter-generational programs: http://www.thebigmuddydanceco.org/outreach/
or master classes for all levels. Any of these options would include a warm-up in the first 15 minutes with demonstrations. Outreach
performances would include a 35-45 minute performance with a Q&A or meet-and-greet afterward.
Studio classes: (Promo codes are intadvballet20, intballet20, begballet20, begjazz20, intjazz20)
http://www.thebigmuddydanceco.org/ondemand/
Senior Embrace or inter-generational programs: http://www.thebigmuddydanceco.org/outreach/
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Estimated fee for five-day residency: $9,000 |
Dancers Unlimited
DESCRIPTION
A bicoastal dance company with bases in both Hawaii and New York City, the essence of Dancers Unlimited is creating powerful movement narratives for the advancement of the community. Established in 2009 by Artistic Director Linda Kuo, the company was formed to offer free youth dance classes on Furlough Fridays in Hawaii, when Hawaii’s Department of Education canceled school on Fridays due to funding cuts - since then, the company has presented work in Hawaii, NYC, and China garnering accolades for Kuo’s entertaining genre-blending movement and its strong educational outreach mission.
QUICK PITCH
Dancers Unlimited (DU) started in 2009 to offer free youth dance classes on Furlough Fridays, when Hawai’i’s public schools closed due to budget cuts. Since then, we have worked with schools, museums, festivals and US Embassy for outreach engagements for families, students and the general public. We also spearheaded National Dance Week Hawaii from 2010-2015 and organized Bboy In Shanghai USA and Hawai’i qualifiers. The focus of all of our outreach programs is to provide individuals a platform to grow and excel.
In 2014, we started our NYC company. In New York, we have had the opportunity to perform on various stages, including Booking Dance Festival at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Our focus in recent years has been integrating our performance, education, and community programs so every repertoire can be taught and shared interactively to audiences of various age and skill levels. We believe by lifting the barrier between performers and audiences, we are giving dance back to the people and enabling them to experience the healing power of dance.
Some examples of our integrated lecture performances include our events at Honolulu Biennial 2019, where a panel discussion led to a creative exploration on cultural resilience and identity. The participants (mostly non-dancers) had the option to join the company in an impromptu performance where they got to perform what they created. At Booking Dance Festival in January 2020, we had the opportunity to include audience participation as a part of our performance, and we got some audience members on stage experiencing first hand the joy of dancing together. A review of our performance at Booking Dance Festival can be found on Brooklyn’s Lifestyle blog: https://www.brooklynslifestyle.com/her-love-for-dance-dancers-unlimited/
DU consists of a diverse and energetic group of professional dancers and educators who have interacted and engaged with audiences from Hawaii, NYC and abroad. Every city / town we have visited, DU has had the ability to bring the Hawai’i touch of warmth, inclusivity and aloha. We bring communities together by blending different dance styles and facilitating interactive dance performances or freestyle cyphers. We are excited for the opportunity to connect with the Quad City community and explore how we can create authentic moveMEANT moments that celebrate Quad City’s unique qualities and address its community needs.
In 2014, we started our NYC company. In New York, we have had the opportunity to perform on various stages, including Booking Dance Festival at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Our focus in recent years has been integrating our performance, education, and community programs so every repertoire can be taught and shared interactively to audiences of various age and skill levels. We believe by lifting the barrier between performers and audiences, we are giving dance back to the people and enabling them to experience the healing power of dance.
Some examples of our integrated lecture performances include our events at Honolulu Biennial 2019, where a panel discussion led to a creative exploration on cultural resilience and identity. The participants (mostly non-dancers) had the option to join the company in an impromptu performance where they got to perform what they created. At Booking Dance Festival in January 2020, we had the opportunity to include audience participation as a part of our performance, and we got some audience members on stage experiencing first hand the joy of dancing together. A review of our performance at Booking Dance Festival can be found on Brooklyn’s Lifestyle blog: https://www.brooklynslifestyle.com/her-love-for-dance-dancers-unlimited/
DU consists of a diverse and energetic group of professional dancers and educators who have interacted and engaged with audiences from Hawaii, NYC and abroad. Every city / town we have visited, DU has had the ability to bring the Hawai’i touch of warmth, inclusivity and aloha. We bring communities together by blending different dance styles and facilitating interactive dance performances or freestyle cyphers. We are excited for the opportunity to connect with the Quad City community and explore how we can create authentic moveMEANT moments that celebrate Quad City’s unique qualities and address its community needs.
DESCRIPTION OF ENGAGEMENTS / OUTREACH MATERIALS / EXAMPLES
The outreach engagement focuses on lifting the barrier between performers and audiences, and creating a safe space for expression and movement exploration. The engagement can take place at a school assembly with interactive lecture performances throughout, as well as specialized classes / meetings that explore specific topics. Each lecture starts with a name dance circle, or several dance circles depending on the size of the audience. Each circle is facilitated by a Dancers Unlimited company dancer, and we will go around the circle where each participant will introduce his /her name and one move that describes his/her answer to a prompt question. The prompt question usually is related to the theme of the lesson. For example, in Club Heads, the theme is individual identity and expression using street dance styles as a foundation. The prompt question can be “How do you feel today?” Or “Fill in the blank: I am _.”
The name dance is a great way to break the ice, help everyone remember each other’s names (later we will connect each person’s name dance to their identity), and warm our bodies up.
After the name dance, we usually continue our introduction activities in the dance circles, or cyphers. For our Club Heads repertoire class, we’d introduce different street dance styles in the cypher. As we dance the steps, we will also share with students the social significance and history of the different dance styles. If there are more than one circle, each circle will be dedicated toward one dance style. For example, cypher one is for Breaking, cypher two is for Flexin’, and cypher three is for Krumping. The company dancers will rotate to a different circle every 10 minutes to introduce their particular dance style, so the students will learn at least 3 different dance styles from our dancers.
The introduction is followed by explorations where students / attendants will either learn a short choreography or explore movement on their own in their dance circles, based on the introduction dances and name dance.
The culminating activities will be an opportunity for selected or volunteer participants to perform with the company. An example would be what we did at Booking Dance Festival, where the company performs our repertoire Club Heads, followed by the audience members (lecture participants) joining in for the freestyle cypher ending.
For more advanced students, we can also teach them a bit of our repertoire choreography for them to perform in addition to freestyling.
The name dance is a great way to break the ice, help everyone remember each other’s names (later we will connect each person’s name dance to their identity), and warm our bodies up.
After the name dance, we usually continue our introduction activities in the dance circles, or cyphers. For our Club Heads repertoire class, we’d introduce different street dance styles in the cypher. As we dance the steps, we will also share with students the social significance and history of the different dance styles. If there are more than one circle, each circle will be dedicated toward one dance style. For example, cypher one is for Breaking, cypher two is for Flexin’, and cypher three is for Krumping. The company dancers will rotate to a different circle every 10 minutes to introduce their particular dance style, so the students will learn at least 3 different dance styles from our dancers.
The introduction is followed by explorations where students / attendants will either learn a short choreography or explore movement on their own in their dance circles, based on the introduction dances and name dance.
The culminating activities will be an opportunity for selected or volunteer participants to perform with the company. An example would be what we did at Booking Dance Festival, where the company performs our repertoire Club Heads, followed by the audience members (lecture participants) joining in for the freestyle cypher ending.
For more advanced students, we can also teach them a bit of our repertoire choreography for them to perform in addition to freestyling.
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Estimated fee for five-day residency: $9,000-$10,000Budget can include an alternative performance
Interactive Lecture: 3 dancers $9,000 - including one manager Interactive Lectures + 1 45-minute public performance with cypher: 4 dancers $10,000 (including one manager) |
Dancing Wheels
Description
Under the direction of Founding Artistic Director Mary Verdi-Fletcher, The Dancing Wheels Company is recognized as the first and foremost professional physically integrated dance company in America uniting the talents of dancers both with and without disabilities. Since its inception in 1980, the highly skilled ensemble of stand-up and sit-down (wheelchair) dancers has reached over five million people worldwide with innovative mainstage performances, school assembly programs, guest appearances, masterclasses and numerous outreach activities. Seeing a need for accessibility to the arts and dance, The School of Dancing Wheels opened in 1990 and became a world-class training center for dancers, choreographers, and educators. The Dancing Wheels Company & School is proudly hailed as the World Center for Integrated Dance & Arts Access.
Quick Pitch
If dance is an expression of the human spirit, then it is best expressed by people of all abilities. Featuring dancers representing a spectrum of age, ethnicity, gender, and physical abilities, the Dancing Wheels Company has the unique ability to connect on a personal level with children and adults of all abilities.
Description of engagements / Outreach materials / examples
With speaking about arts, accessibility, and history of physically integrated dance. The audience learns from a dancer with a physical disability first-hand what it is like to live and be a performing artist with a disability. They are shown examples of translation which is Dancing Wheels’ method for making dance available to dancers with and without physical disabilities. The dancers also inform their audience on the methods that Dancing Wheels uses to teach dance to students who are hard-of-hearing/deaf or visually impaired/blind.
Regardless of the prevalence of disability in members of our audience, or whether they identify as being a dancer or not, each person is given this example of courage in the face of adversity (dancing with a disability) and takes away a sense of “anything is possible.”
A workshop, taught by multiple instructors to assist study in small groups, allows students the opportunity to take a dance class utilizing the Dancing Wheels methodology of physically integrated dance and may be tailored to the specific needs of the class or group/organization to which it is being offered. Beyond adaptive translation, the session may include integrated partnering techniques, learning Dancing Wheels
Company repertoire, and the opportunity to try dancing in a wheelchair.
Regardless of the prevalence of disability in members of our audience, or whether they identify as being a dancer or not, each person is given this example of courage in the face of adversity (dancing with a disability) and takes away a sense of “anything is possible.”
A workshop, taught by multiple instructors to assist study in small groups, allows students the opportunity to take a dance class utilizing the Dancing Wheels methodology of physically integrated dance and may be tailored to the specific needs of the class or group/organization to which it is being offered. Beyond adaptive translation, the session may include integrated partnering techniques, learning Dancing Wheels
Company repertoire, and the opportunity to try dancing in a wheelchair.
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Estimated fee for five-day residency: $10,000
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Dirt Road Dancing
DESCRIPTION
Dirt Road Dancing specializes in converting classic country dance styles into a faster modern edge swing and line dance variation. DRD provides individual instruction and illustration for basic partner-dance technique and step. DRD provides their dancers with immediate feedback and guidance to ensure creativity and confidence on the dance floor.
DRD personalizes each dance session in order to fit the individuals needs and requests for a unique experience. DRD facilitates a fun and engaging dance environment, especially for those who love to make new memories.
DRD personalizes each dance session in order to fit the individuals needs and requests for a unique experience. DRD facilitates a fun and engaging dance environment, especially for those who love to make new memories.
QUICK PITCH
One of our missions is to spread the love of dance through community involvement. We value the importance of strengthening community interaction through the fun of dance. We enjoy hosting and participating in events for people and students to come together and feel a sense of belonging. The best part of country swing and line is that you can do it to many genres including rock, jazz, and modern Top 40!
DESCRIPTION OF ENGAGEMENTS / OUTREACH MATERIALS / EXAMPLES
Small 2-3 minute intro performance, introduction to who we are and what we do. Explanations of rules, fundamentals, and dance dynamics. Get down to basic instruction and demonstration.
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Estimated fee for five-day residency: $12,000
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Eisenhower Dance Detroit
Description
Eisenhower Dance Detroit, Michigan’s premier contemporary dance company, ranks among the finest dance companies in the nation and hails as one of the most outstanding arts organizations in the Midwest. EDD’s artistry, inventiveness, and collaborative spirit have propelled the company to 28 years of national and international acclaim. The company performs work by internationally-known choreographers, it's founder, Laurie Eisenhower, and artistic director, Stephanie Pizzo.
The Company’s mission of community engagement and collaboration has resulted in performances with the Michigan Opera Theatre, the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, the Warren Symphony, the Immigrant Suns, Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings, the Rackham Symphony Choir, the Motor City Lyric Opera and the Toledo Opera, among others.
Eisenhower Dance Detroit has produced several full-evening length touring productions. These include Motown in Motion, a visual salute to the tunes that made Motown Records famous; The Rite of Spring set to Igor Stravinsky’s iconic score; and the Company’s newest production, ARC delves into the repressive nature of labels within our society, how they affect our sense of identity and what it means to overcome the the judgments that challenge us from revealing who we really are.
The Company’s mission of community engagement and collaboration has resulted in performances with the Michigan Opera Theatre, the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, the Warren Symphony, the Immigrant Suns, Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings, the Rackham Symphony Choir, the Motor City Lyric Opera and the Toledo Opera, among others.
Eisenhower Dance Detroit has produced several full-evening length touring productions. These include Motown in Motion, a visual salute to the tunes that made Motown Records famous; The Rite of Spring set to Igor Stravinsky’s iconic score; and the Company’s newest production, ARC delves into the repressive nature of labels within our society, how they affect our sense of identity and what it means to overcome the the judgments that challenge us from revealing who we really are.
Quick Pitch
Kid's Motion Program Video Referenced
Description of engagements / Outreach materials / examples
Eisenhower Dance presents an exciting, athletic and educational dance presentation. Students learn about the dance profession and choreography, including the different styles of dance, why people dance, the elements of choreography and the lifestyle of a dancer. Through fun and interactive audience participation, entertaining repertory excerpts and informative narration, company members inspire students to learn, create and enjoy dance.
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EDD Lec dem from Eisenhower Dance Detroit on Vimeo.
Estimated fee for five-day residency:
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FLY Dance Company
DESCRIPTION
Best known for combining street dance with classical music, FLY’s performance style is called “theatrical hip hop” — “theatrical” because acting is an essential element of the style. FLY has been spreading their infectious “theatrical hip hop” around the world since 1992.
QUICK PITCH
FLY brings diversity while bridging the gap from the young to wise! FLY introduces different genres of music including classical music to a younger audience & introduces street dance to a more sophisticated audience. FLY continues its work overseas as well with the US Arts Envoy programs as educational ambassadors through its outreach and continues to wow audiences around the world! "Wholesome
entertainment, universal appeal" - The New York Times Magazine. "Riveting!" - Dance Magazine.
entertainment, universal appeal" - The New York Times Magazine. "Riveting!" - Dance Magazine.
DESCRIPTION OF ENGAGEMENTS / OUTREACH MATERIALS / EXAMPLES
FLY offers fun, fast-action, educational shows scripted and designed to deliver entertainment, knowledge, and important social messages to school-aged audiences. FLY kicks off each show with an exciting array of moves, which catch the attention of all eyes in the room, allowing us to integrate our messages of positivity and social awareness while also educating the audience on the history of the "Hip-Hop" culture.
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Estimated fee for five-day residency: $20,000We are open to working with all budgets but an estimated guess would be $20,000 with a breakdown: 5 days of outreach: $10,000. Public Performance: $7,000. Expenses(travel, hotel, food): $3,000.
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Jodie Randolph Dance
Description
Jodie Randolph Dance (founded in 2012) is a professional contemporary dance company based in southeast, MI under the direction of choreographer Jodie Randolph. Jodie's creative work navigates the complexities of the human experience and dares to contend with the unknown. Her organic approach to movement is rooted in vigor, receptivity, and instinct.
Comprised of highly-trained professional dancers, the company presents full length productions both locally, nationally, and internationally. JRD offers seminars, workshops, master classes, intensives, residencies, open rehearsals, pre/post performance discussions and a growing list of community outreach programs.
Comprised of highly-trained professional dancers, the company presents full length productions both locally, nationally, and internationally. JRD offers seminars, workshops, master classes, intensives, residencies, open rehearsals, pre/post performance discussions and a growing list of community outreach programs.
Quick Pitch
JRD brings a sense of courage, connection, and curiosity to the communities that we serve. part of our mission is to use dance a vehicle for personal growth and transformation, which lends itself to all aspects of life and growth.
Description of engagements / Outreach materials / examples
We usually start with a brief introduction of the company, followed by an ice breaker activity that incorporates movement and interaction (usually nonverbal, but no touching). We ask participants to gain awareness of their environment in and fun and creative ways.
Estimated fee for five-day residency: $11,000 |
Kim Robards Dance
DESCRIPTION
Kim Robards Dance is a professional modern dance touring company featuring the original choreography of Artistic Director Kim Robards. KRD is in our 32nd Season. Ms. Robards’ work is noted for its visceral power, dynamic use of space, and crafted athleticism. As a multi-generational company our dancers’ ages span five decades. Since our inception in 1987, KRD has inextricably fused artistic and educational programming. The New York Times wrote, “…a strong sense of craft…. Ms. Robards seems to take pleasure in dance without clumsily concocted themes and other gimmicks.” KRD is on the Boutique Roster of Jodi Kaplan and Associates in New York.
QUICK PITCH
Kim Robards Dance is a vibrant, accessible, professional modern dance company with a 32 year successful history of presenting engaging mainstage performances, peerless collaborations, and impactful educational programming. KRD’s company members are not only a unique blend of fresh dancers and seasoned artists whose ages span five decades, they are approachable people and inspired artists. KRD’s dancers are equally comfortable performing Ms. Robards’ masterwork “Unstruck Sound” created to the full 68 minute Beethoven Symphony No. 9 with live orchestra and chorus, as they are skipping, prancing and creating a “focus piece” in a classroom turned dance studio with 30 second graders or the city’s 25 top executives. KRD has high artistic standards wrapped around an inimitable sensitivity to the distinctive needs of a community. As a former school teacher, Ms. Robards has a rare understanding of the school environment
which affords her company a special ability to seamlessly and effectively bring dance into the educational milieu. As a critically acclaimed choreographer Ms. Robards creates works which are relevant yet timeless that transform audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Since our inception, Kim Robards Dance has inextricably fused the artistic and the educational elements of the Company’s Mission and Vision.
“Whether she is working with a group of teachers, young children or teenagers, Kim’s communication style is clear, concise and to the point which allows the group to feel safe and secure, enabling them to express themselves.” - Joan Meister, Former Director, Aesthetic Education Institute of Colorado
“Ms. Robards seems to take pleasure in dance without clumsily concocted themes and other gimmicks. True, the choreography does demand unremitting energy and athleticism from the performers, a staple in dance today. But Ms. Robards thinks in grander terms.” Jennifer Dunning, The New York Times
which affords her company a special ability to seamlessly and effectively bring dance into the educational milieu. As a critically acclaimed choreographer Ms. Robards creates works which are relevant yet timeless that transform audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Since our inception, Kim Robards Dance has inextricably fused the artistic and the educational elements of the Company’s Mission and Vision.
“Whether she is working with a group of teachers, young children or teenagers, Kim’s communication style is clear, concise and to the point which allows the group to feel safe and secure, enabling them to express themselves.” - Joan Meister, Former Director, Aesthetic Education Institute of Colorado
“Ms. Robards seems to take pleasure in dance without clumsily concocted themes and other gimmicks. True, the choreography does demand unremitting energy and athleticism from the performers, a staple in dance today. But Ms. Robards thinks in grander terms.” Jennifer Dunning, The New York Times
DESCRIPTION OF ENGAGEMENTS / OUTREACH MATERIALS / EXAMPLES
Lec/Dem for students: KRD’s Lec/Dem Performances are generally 45 minutes to 1 hour in length depending on the ages of the audience (i.e., K-2 would be 45 minutes whereas Grades 9-10 might be 1 hour in length). KRD presents costumed excerpts from our touring/mainstage repertoire. A Lec/Dem begins with a brief welcome and a short dancer warmup demonstrated by the dancers and narrated simultaneously by Artistic Director Kim Robards wherein she gives an overview of the dance vocabulary being demonstrated
(i.e., plies, swings, passe, etc.). Ms. Robards then interacts with the audience by asking “What is the person who creates dances called”; “Choreographer”; she asks the audience how many syllables the word choreographer has and claps out the syllables; then explains she is the choreographer of the dances or pieces they will see during the performance. Brief explanation or ideas about the excerpts through asking questions and giving the audience images are shared intermittently between each of the 3-4 varied excerpts KRD presents. Ms. Robards engages students with questions such as what did the piece make you think about, or what would you title that piece, or what does the costume make you think about, etc. Students and sometimes teachers are then selected by the dancers to create small groups. Kim instructs the students in the groups working with dancers to select a movement they remember from each piece or create their own
movement. In about 5 minutes the dancers and students create “mini focus pieces” or “dance sentences” as Kim explains dances are like sentences with a beginning, middle, end. While dancers are working in small groups Kim interacts with the students in the audience doing stretches in place, etc. Then Kim brings everyone back to focus through a rhythmic clapping series – call and answer. Each group shows their “focus piece” to music. The Lec/Dem Performance culminates in a Question and Answer session where dancers go into the audience to get a student’s question, bring it up front to ask and answer it. Dancers interact with students as they exit the space. In addition to Lec/Dem performances for students, KRD can provide experiential dance workshops. And, KRD can provide Lec/Dem performances and workshops for special populations, as well as corporate executives, arts teachers, etc.; and master classes for area dancers.
Additional Samples:
https://www.kimrobardsdance.org/outreach
Video Library:
https://www.kimrobardsdance.org/video
(i.e., plies, swings, passe, etc.). Ms. Robards then interacts with the audience by asking “What is the person who creates dances called”; “Choreographer”; she asks the audience how many syllables the word choreographer has and claps out the syllables; then explains she is the choreographer of the dances or pieces they will see during the performance. Brief explanation or ideas about the excerpts through asking questions and giving the audience images are shared intermittently between each of the 3-4 varied excerpts KRD presents. Ms. Robards engages students with questions such as what did the piece make you think about, or what would you title that piece, or what does the costume make you think about, etc. Students and sometimes teachers are then selected by the dancers to create small groups. Kim instructs the students in the groups working with dancers to select a movement they remember from each piece or create their own
movement. In about 5 minutes the dancers and students create “mini focus pieces” or “dance sentences” as Kim explains dances are like sentences with a beginning, middle, end. While dancers are working in small groups Kim interacts with the students in the audience doing stretches in place, etc. Then Kim brings everyone back to focus through a rhythmic clapping series – call and answer. Each group shows their “focus piece” to music. The Lec/Dem Performance culminates in a Question and Answer session where dancers go into the audience to get a student’s question, bring it up front to ask and answer it. Dancers interact with students as they exit the space. In addition to Lec/Dem performances for students, KRD can provide experiential dance workshops. And, KRD can provide Lec/Dem performances and workshops for special populations, as well as corporate executives, arts teachers, etc.; and master classes for area dancers.
Additional Samples:
https://www.kimrobardsdance.org/outreach
Video Library:
https://www.kimrobardsdance.org/video
Estimated fee for five-day residency: $8,000 - $11,000 |
South Chicago Dance Theatre
Description
The South Chicago Dance Theatre (SCDT) is a multicultural organization aiming to preserve the art of dance
through quality performances and educational opportunities. The diverse repertoire of the company
seamlessly fuses classical and contemporary dance styles as well as preserves historic dance work. With
cultural diplomacy at the heart of the organization, the SCDT is committed to creating, performing and
teaching dance on a regional, national and international platform.
through quality performances and educational opportunities. The diverse repertoire of the company
seamlessly fuses classical and contemporary dance styles as well as preserves historic dance work. With
cultural diplomacy at the heart of the organization, the SCDT is committed to creating, performing and
teaching dance on a regional, national and international platform.
Quick Pitch
The South Chicago Dance Theatre is a traditional repertory company and performs a range of choreographic styles for audiences of all ages. SCDT commissions nationally and internationally acclaimed choreographers annually for the company’s touring repertoire. During the 2021-2022 season, the company’s repertoire includes the following:
Program Example A
Audience BrainDance Warm Up (1 Minute)
-“Danza de la Cervatas”: A Contemporary Ballet quartet created by August Tye (8 minutes)
- “Soul Power”: An Afro Jazz work choreographed by Monique Haley for a cast of six dancers (10 minutes)
-“Lily of the Nile”: One of the SCDT’s historic dance works, originally choreographed by Loie Fuller in the
1890’s and being reconstructed for the SCDT by Megan Slayter and Jessica Lang. Lily of the Nile involves a
15x15 foot skirt and extensive lighting. However, the solo can be performed in any community space without lighting. (5 minutes)
-*A new commission by lauded Chicago based contemporary choreographer Stephanie Martinez. (10Minutes)
Choreography Workshop for young students (20 Minutes)
Program Example B
Audience BrainDance Warm Up (1 Minute)
-“Jazz In the Alley”: A series of solos and small group works paying homage to Chicago’s jazz community,
and set to the music of Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane. (12 minutes)
-“May”: A solemn duet set to the music of Samuel Barber and performed en pointe. (8 Minutes)
-*A new commission by Afro Modern choreographer Crystal Michelle Perkins. (10 Minutes)
-“Soul Power”: An Afro Jazz work choreographed by Monique Haley with a cast of six dancers (10 minutes)
Seated Movement Workshop for Seniors (20 Minutes)
Education Specific Programming
“Dancing Through the Great Migration”: A work for children about the history of the Great Migration and the
Civil Rights Era. This piece is accompanied by a narrator, video footage, as well as built in audience participation. (45 Minutes)
The SCDT also offers age and skill level appropriate workshops following its performances. While the
company is open to working with presenters to develop community specific curricula, below are a list of
current offerings:
-“Movement Matters” for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
-Seated movement workshops for seniors
-African American social dances workshop (coinciding with the “Dancing Through the Great Migration”performance)
-Student Choreography Workshop (coinciding with the Repertory Concert Program Examples A or B)
Program Example A
Audience BrainDance Warm Up (1 Minute)
-“Danza de la Cervatas”: A Contemporary Ballet quartet created by August Tye (8 minutes)
- “Soul Power”: An Afro Jazz work choreographed by Monique Haley for a cast of six dancers (10 minutes)
-“Lily of the Nile”: One of the SCDT’s historic dance works, originally choreographed by Loie Fuller in the
1890’s and being reconstructed for the SCDT by Megan Slayter and Jessica Lang. Lily of the Nile involves a
15x15 foot skirt and extensive lighting. However, the solo can be performed in any community space without lighting. (5 minutes)
-*A new commission by lauded Chicago based contemporary choreographer Stephanie Martinez. (10Minutes)
Choreography Workshop for young students (20 Minutes)
Program Example B
Audience BrainDance Warm Up (1 Minute)
-“Jazz In the Alley”: A series of solos and small group works paying homage to Chicago’s jazz community,
and set to the music of Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane. (12 minutes)
-“May”: A solemn duet set to the music of Samuel Barber and performed en pointe. (8 Minutes)
-*A new commission by Afro Modern choreographer Crystal Michelle Perkins. (10 Minutes)
-“Soul Power”: An Afro Jazz work choreographed by Monique Haley with a cast of six dancers (10 minutes)
Seated Movement Workshop for Seniors (20 Minutes)
Education Specific Programming
“Dancing Through the Great Migration”: A work for children about the history of the Great Migration and the
Civil Rights Era. This piece is accompanied by a narrator, video footage, as well as built in audience participation. (45 Minutes)
The SCDT also offers age and skill level appropriate workshops following its performances. While the
company is open to working with presenters to develop community specific curricula, below are a list of
current offerings:
-“Movement Matters” for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
-Seated movement workshops for seniors
-African American social dances workshop (coinciding with the “Dancing Through the Great Migration”performance)
-Student Choreography Workshop (coinciding with the Repertory Concert Program Examples A or B)
Description of engagements / Outreach materials / examples
The South Chicago Dance Theatre commences each performance with the company’s Artistic Director engaging audience members in a brief “warm up”. Observers stand (if sitting) and participate in a sixty second “BrainDance”, awakening the senses for observation and engagement. Dance artists then introduce audience members to concert dance styles through a short demonstration of Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, West African and Contemporary dance. Each performance of the SCDT Repertory Concert or Dancing Through the Great Migration is altered to accommodate audience age and location (ie: gym, church, community center, high school auditorium etc.). Community performances conclude with age appropriate movement workshops and/or artist question and answer sessions.
“Our ninth and tenth grade students were captivated by your performance”-Mathew Baker, Principal (Ogden
High School, Chicago, Illinois)
“It is a really beautiful show! A kindergarten teacher was crying on her way out and talking to her students about the way art provokes emotions. That moment is a really powerful testament to the impact of your work. “ -Jeremy Schaefer (Performance Evaluator, Chicago,
Illinois)
Sample Video:
https://vimeo.com/411937188
(Password: QuadCityProposal20)
“Our ninth and tenth grade students were captivated by your performance”-Mathew Baker, Principal (Ogden
High School, Chicago, Illinois)
“It is a really beautiful show! A kindergarten teacher was crying on her way out and talking to her students about the way art provokes emotions. That moment is a really powerful testament to the impact of your work. “ -Jeremy Schaefer (Performance Evaluator, Chicago,
Illinois)
Sample Video:
https://vimeo.com/411937188
(Password: QuadCityProposal20)
Estimated fee for five-day residency: $8,6003 performances/engagements per day for 5 days $5,000.00
Five hotel rooms for 5 days $1,500.00 Per diem for 10 artists at $30 per day for 5 days $1,500.00 Transportation to/from and during Quad City Arts stay $600.00 |
