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

Work Sample

https://vimeo.com/485810199

Thank you for the opportunity to submit the South Chicago Dance Theatre's work for consideration. This sample reel includes excerpts from "Danza De La Cervatas", a historic Ballet reconstruction created in 1989 and reconstructed in 2020. This eight minute piece was choreographed by Chicago choreographer August Tye. The second piece is excerpts from "Jazz in the Alley", with a run time of 15 minutes and choreographed by Kia S. Smith, "Jazz in the Alley" profiles the historic movement of Jazz on Chicago's south side and its world wide impact. "Lit-anies", a nine minute long 2020 commission by guest choreographer Crystal Michelle Perkins pays homage to the Black Lives Matter Movement. Also a 2020 commission, "Soul Power" is a nine minute long Afro Jazz piece choreographed by lauded Chicago choreographer Monique Haley, celebrating the importance of community through the lens of African ethos. Closing the reel are outreach experiences at an elementary school and at Farehaven Senior Services which were a part of a 2019 tour to the historic Young Auditorium in Whitewater, Wisconsin. "Danza De La Cervatas", "Lit-Anies" and "Soul Power" premiered virtually in the Fall of 2020 from Studio 5 Theatre in Evanston, Illinois. All other works were taken from the main stage concert accompanying the 2019 tour to Whitewater, Wisconsin.

As a traditional repertory company in its fourth season, the South Chicago Dance Theatre is committed to producing a diverse body of work. This reel is a sample of works to date which span Ballet, Jazz and Modern dance. It also serves as a prelude to commissions by world renowned choreographers Ron De Jesus and Stephanie Martinez in the year 2021 for the company's 5th anniversary season.

History

The South Chicago Dance Theatre is firmly rooted on the city's south side. Several of the company's collaborators have been a part of the fabric of the south side's vibrant arts community since the early 1960's. Thus, the SCDT is committed to maintaining its rich heritage through the embodiment of south Chicago influenced movement, music and history.

The company has performed at Sons D'hiver Jazz Festival in Paris, France, served as a cultural ambassador for the City of Chicago to Vienna, Austria at Impulstanz Dance Festival, performed at Choomna Art Center in Seoul, South Korea, throughout the United States and also produces an annual season at home in the City of Chicago.

Each year, the company commissions the original choreographic work of artists of color for a range of audiences. This season's choreographers include the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company's Crystal Perkins, lauded Chicago artists Monique Haley and August Tye as well as SCDT Artistic Director Kia Smith. Other collaborators to date include the South Shore Opera Company of Chicago and Chicago Opera Theatre.

Artistic Vision

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

Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise

SCDT offers specialized programming for a diversity of populations. Current offerings include "Movement Matters"; a dance workshop for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, "Dancing Through the Great Migration"; an interactive lecture demonstration for K-12 students profiling the African American experience and a seated movement workshop for dancers of all abilities.