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.

CALLING ALL DANCERS: Chicago and Chicagoland-based dancers skilled in a variety of dance genres are invited to apply to join the New Dances Company. Please complete the Dancer Registration Form in order to attend the audition on Sunday, April 13 at 11am at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts.

New Dances Choreographers; Melissa Thodos, Artistic Director Thodos Dance Chicago; and Julie Nakagawa, Artistic Director DanceWorks Chicago, will conduct the audition.  New Dances choreographers will assess applicants and invitations will be extended to a select group of dancers. Each applicant will hear back regarding their application by Monday, April 28. Classes, rehearsals, and performances will take place from June 2-21, during Chicago Dance Month.

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!  REPRESENT!

New Dances 2025 choreographers are Hanna DiLorenzo, Janiya Pearson, Kelsi Fears, Maddy McCarthy, Shota Miyoshi, Xenia Mansour

The application portal opened at noon (Central time) on Monday, March 17. The Dancer Registration Form is available via this link. 

Application DO DATE:  noon (Central time) on Friday, April 4.  No exceptions.

• As New Dances is focused on supporting artists who have made a commitment to the Chicago community, please respect the residency requirement: Dancer must reside in Chicago or a suburb of Chicago as of April 5, 2024.
• There is no audition fee for these paid positions.
• Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
• New Dances 2025 choreographers will be announced on Monday, March 17.

QUESTIONS? Check out the Dancer Audition FAQ Guide!

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.