Thank you for your interest in New Dances 2025!

DanceWorks Chicago and Thodos Dance Chicago are excited to collaborate on New Dances 2025 and continue a shared tradition of serving Chicago’s dance community. Originating with Chicago Repertory Dance Ensemble, New Dances has been part of Chicago’s dance history for over 40 years, offering a platform for early career choreographers to create new work with artistic, logistic, and financial support.

ATTENTION DANCEMAKERS: Chicago and Chicagoland-based emerging and mid-career choreographers working in any dance genre(s) are invited to apply to create new work to be produced in New Dances 2025. Classes, rehearsals, and performances will take place from June 2-21, during Chicago Dance Month.

New Dances 2025 Choreographers receive:

• 20 hours of creative time and mentorship at The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago and The Ruth Page Center for the Arts in addition to tech / production time as well as lighting design at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts;
• Access to the New Dances Company artists (identified through a choreographer-led audition) for casting;
• Complimentary Open Company Classes and access to PT provided by Athletico Physical Therapy;
• Feedback and mentoring from a panel of seasoned members of Chicago’s dance community;
• The opportunity to receive guidance regarding costumes;
• An honorarium of $550 to cover the creation of the work from studio to stage and teaching of one company class during the creative period.
• Archival photos and video;
• Two complimentary performance tickets

BONUS: New Dances 2025 performances will be offered while Dance / USA is hosting its National Conference in Chicago, creating a UNIQUE opportunity for local artists to enjoy national exposure!  Let’s REPRESENT!

The application portal is open and available HERE. 

Application DO DATE:  noon (Central time) on Friday, February 28. No exceptions.

• As New Dances is focused on supporting artists who have made a commitment to the Chicago community, please respect the residency requirement: Choreographer must reside in Chicago or a suburb of Chicago as of February 28, 2025.
• There is no fee to apply.
• Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

QUESTIONS? Check out the Call for Choreographers FAQ Guide!

Melissa Thodos, Artistic Director Thodos Dance Chicago, and Julie Nakagawa, Artistic Director DanceWorks Chicago, will assess applications, and invitations will be extended to a select group of choreographers.  Each applicant will hear back regarding the status of their application by Monday, March 17.

We look forward to getting to know you and your work!

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