DanceWorks Chicago is excited to partner with the Lou Conte Dance Studio on DanceChance, a one-hour event designed to offer opportunities for choreographers to show their work informally, create a forum for dialogue among artists, and build audience for dance. Inspired by the concept of open-mic night, DanceChance is held once a month and features 3 choreographers chosen by chance, each of whom has a 15-minute time slot to share their work. To round out the hour, the final 15-minute segment is a moderated meet-the-artist session providing an opportunity for choreographers to discuss their work and process as well as time for the audience to ask questions. At the end of each DanceChance, the next trio of participants is chosen from names submitted by choreographers in attendance.

DanceWorks Chicago is inspired to continue to experiment with this program to encourage creativity and a sense of adventure on the part of artists and audience and to bring communities together to learn more about each other.

From a DanceChance choreographer: “It feels more human to me when the line between those on the outside and those on the inside is blurred, as opposed to a harsh divide between the spectators and the participants. In this case, the audience is as much of a participant as the performers, and that creates an engaging environment where both parties can take something away from the experience.”

Please join us in our efforts to support local artists and audiences!

Choreographers: Victoria Coleman, Anne Laue-Mindon, Delia Constantino

Guest moderator: Jane Acker, dance lover

SPECIAL POST-CHANCE EVENT: Immediately after DanceChance, stay for a 30-minute grant info session about Chicago Dancemakers Forum  programs and application process.  In 2020, up to six Chicago-based dancemakers will be selected to receive $15,000 grants combined with mentorship as they research and develop new work. In addition, eight dancemakers will be selected to receive $2,500 travel grants.

This info session is being offered to introduce, inform, and assist potential applicants. These sessions are FREE and open to all active dancemakers in the greater Chicagoland area. Please join us!

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.