DanceWorks Chicago

Description

Vibrant and innovative, DanceWorks Chicago is proud to share a diverse repertory featuring who is new and what is next in contemporary dance as well as showcase exciting work from established choreographers. Under the inspired leadership of Co-founder and Artistic Director Julie Nakagawa, an exceptional family of six hand-picked dancers brings integrity, passion, and excellence to the studio and the stage. DanceWorks Chicago is dedicated to creating an environment conducive to nurturing meaningful experiences for everyone from artist to audience. Team DWC believes that the inclusion of different perspectives and ideas will unearth a standard of creativity and innovation that cannot be achieved by one. #commUNITY

Offerings are crafted with the venue and audience in mind and include a vibrant selection of unique artistic voices.

“DanceWorks Chicago brought up the tempo and enlivened the spirit of the show … filled 'Mutter Matters' with as much comedic mischief as it did technical skill.” Mitchell Oldham, review of Dance for Life 2021

www.danceworkschicago.org FB/IG @danceworkschicago

Work Sample

https://vimeo.com/623641970/eb11beca41

"Mutter Matters" by Charissa-Lee Barton

Created for DanceWorks Chicago in February 2020, "Mutter Matters" by Charissa-Lee Barton received its Chicago premiere as part of Dance for Life in August 2021.

Humans rely on words to communicate with each other (and ourselves) on a daily basis. Yet we experience life through nuanced and complex feelings which, unlike spoken language, change and morph and MOVE. "Mutter Matters" explores how physical expression can be a more direct, playful, and meaningful form of communication, whether or not we are 6 feet apart. – Charissa-Lee Barton

https://vimeo.com/554419586

"PACK: And for all the Lost Ones" by Greg Blackmon

Created for DanceChance, a program of DanceWorks Chicago and premiered by DanceWorks Chicago at the Gerald Arpino Black Box Theatre of The Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, IL, as part of DWC’s DanceMoves Showcase on November 16, 2014.

In addition to being an ode to a very beloved DWC family member, the piece is really a sort of howl in itself…a cry to the sky of love and cherished memories for all who have left, from all who are still here. – Greg Blackmon

https://vimeo.com/8230656

"Etude" by Robert Battle

Created for and premiered by DanceWorks Chicago at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts in Chicago, IL, on September 30, 2008, as part of DWC’s inaugural season.

The collection of work samples offers a look at the diversity of choreographic voices, the skill of the dancers, the entry point for audiences, and the ability for the work to translate to a variety of performance venues.

History

Founded in May 2007, DanceWorks Chicago (DWC) is committed to building a foundation for early career artists by providing a laboratory from which dancers and choreographers propel themselves and the art form to a new level of artistry through training, collaboration, mentorship, and performance. DanceWorks Chicago illuminates the work of art, inviting, welcoming, and shining a light on early career movers and makers. DWC fosters an inclusive culture relating to artists, works of art, and audience served. A cultural ambassador locally, nationally, and internationally, DWC brings inspiration and excellence to the studio, stage, and behind-the-scenes. #AlwaysMoving

Artistic Vision

Celebrating unique individual voices and finding harmony in collaboration, DanceWorks Chicago Artistic Director Julie Nakagawa leads opportunities to engage with dance and dancers. Team DanceWorks Chicago interprets a diverse repertoire with its highly personal approach to sharing dance whether in a studio or on stage. The breadth of the works presented will showcase multiple movement vocabularies, styles, and approaches through which artists express themselves. DanceWorks Chicago aspires to engage, energize, and inspire everyBODY and looks forward to working with each presenter to customize an offering that suits their community.

Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise

In addition to providing the highest quality of professional concert dance, DanceWorks Chicago (DWC) offers a wide array of activities to enhance a visit to your community and develop audiences for dance. Team DWC welcomes the opportunity to work with people of different ages and stages in their dance development.

Community activities take place prior to the performance(s) and are designed to complement presenter programs. Presenters who book a company concert may engage the company for residency activities, ideally scheduled on non-performance and non-travel days.

IN THE STUDIO/COMMUNITY
• DanceBytes - blends a dynamic dance performance with behind-the-scenes insights
• Master Classes - ballet, contemporary, jazz
• Repertory Workshops - DWC repertory and improvisation, dance training required
• Movement Workshops - no dance training needed
• DWC Open Classes & Studio Rehearsals - an insider’s look at the artist’s day
• DWC Meet the Artist conversations - with Artistic Director and Dancers

ON STAGE
• DanceBytes - blends a dynamic dance performance with behind-the-scenes insights
• DWC Open Classes & Tech Rehearsals - an insider’s look at the artist’s day
• Pre and/or Post Performance Talks - with Artistic director and Dancers