SYNAPSE ARTS
Programs
Professional Presentations
DANCE BASED WORKS
To kick off our 20th-anniversary celebration, we are inviting past collaborators of Synapse to our studios, hosting different artists every month throughout 2024.
Each artist spends their time in the studio as they wish—researching, remaking, creating,
and engaging in conversations with peer artists. A stipend is provided to support their process.
Audience members are invited to informal showings featuring participants.
Join us for the final Studio Series Showings of the year!
FREE
Showing #3
Monday, December 9
12:30 - 2pm
at Lincoln Park Cultural Center in the dance studio
featuring Lucas Greeff/Such Creatures and Laura Tennal
Showing #4
Saturday, December 14
2 - 4pm
at Loyola Park in the Sky Room
featuring Maggie Bridger, Surinder Martignetti, and Elisa Foshay
Photo by Michele Reid
Photo by William Frederking
Photo by William Frederking
Photo by Matt Griffo
Photo by Hanako Maki
Photo by William Frederking
Photo by William Frederking
Photo by William Frederking
Photo by Allison Armfield
Photo by William Frederking
Photo by Gabriela Chavez
Photo by Jean-Paul Masuda
Photo by William Frederking
Maggie Bridger
Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis
Laura Tennal
Photo by Frank Konrath
Surinder Martignetti
Photo by Ashley Deran
EMERGING CREATIVES
New Works
New Works has developed extensively since it's first version in 2010. Now the program is a biennial, 6-month long incubator for emerging and underrepresented artists. Up to three artists (or artist groups) are selected through a public request-for-proposals and panel review to receive commissions supported by rehearsal space, a dedicated mentor, professional development, fully-produced performances, and documentation. 23 works by women, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC makers have premiered to date, culminating in consistently sold-out performances of the new pieces developed by the supported artists.
This Chicago-based program reflects the founding principles of Synapse Arts, connecting artists with one another to share resources and develop their voices through the creation of unique artworks.
The minimal and flexible structure is intended to organize a process that provides balance and direction without restricting creativity. New Works can be a step in your artistic evolution; we are interested in helping move focused artistry forward.
WHAT THE ARTISTS RECEIVE
This minimal and flexible structure is intended to organize a process that provides balance and direction without restricting creativity. New Works can be a step in your artistic evolution; we are interested in helping move focused artistry forward.
We are attempting to be as transparent as possible in explaining this program and what we are asking for in your proposal. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out via email. Since our staff does not work full time (we are all part time workers) we do not have an office number and prioritize written communication that can be answered during our work hours. Transparency is a way of de-bundling the power we acknowledge exists within the relationship between an organization and an applicant, please know that we are artists ourselves and have experienced all the parts of application processes. All respectful questions are welcome!
INFO SESSION
A free application workshop will take place in person at Loyola Park on Saturday, October 26th, 2pm-3:30pm CDT, as part of Synapse Arts' annual Free Dance Day event. Former New Works artist and review panelist Chris Knowlton will lead the workshop, along with former New Works artist and panelist Jamila Kekulah. Bring your questions!
A recorded information session from a panel of former New Works artists, including Maria Blanco (of LOUD BODIES), Chris Knowlton, Amanda Ramirez, Megan Rhyme, and Nora Sharp.
Please email info@synapsearts.com to request a transcript of the closed captioning.
A LOOK BACK
FULL INFO about New Works 2025 HERE: NEW WORKS
Dance With Synapse
weekly classes and short term residencies
Dance With Synapse is a local outreach and education program which serves families and professional dancers year-round and periodically provides intensive study at other locations through workshops and residencies.
Current classes are taught at three locations: Loyola Park, Berger Park Cultural Center and Lincoln Park Cultural Center, where Synapse works as an Arts Partner in Residence with the Chicago Park District.
Photos by: Megan Rhyme, Laura Tennal, Mathew Gregory Hollis.
Monday, January 6 to
Sunday, March 16
click here to check in
Beginning Ballet for 3 to 5 year olds
Saturdays 9:30-10:15am.
$75 for a 10 week session.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Kait Dessoffy.
Class is full
Beginning Ballet for 3 to 5 year olds
Saturdays 10:30-11:15am.
$75 for a 10 week session.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Kait Dessoffy.
Class is full
Beginning Ballet for 6 to 8 year olds
Saturdays 11:30am-12:15pm.
$75 for a 10 week session.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Kait Dessoffy.
Class is full
Beginning Ballet for 3 to 5 years
Thursdays 2:00-2:45pm.
$42 for an 10 week session.
Classes take place in the Berger Ball Room on the 3rd floor.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Lucas Greeff.
Class is full
Beginning Ballet for 3 to 5 years
Saturdays 9:30am-10:15am.
$42 for an 10 week session.
Classes take place in the Berger Ball Room on the 3rd floor.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Laura Tennal.
Adult All Levels Yoga
Saturdays 10:30 - 11:30am.
$40 for a 10 week session.
Classes take place in the Berger Sun Room on the 1st floor.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Laura Tennal.
Class is full
2045 N. Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614.
Classes take place in the Lincoln Dance Room on the 1st floor.
Classes take place in the Lincoln Dance Room on the 3rd and 1st floor -
see details below.
6205 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660, USA.
1230 W Greenleaf Ave, Chicago, IL 60626.
Classes take place in the Sky Room on the 2nd floor.
click here for full access info
click here for full access info
click here for full access info
Beginning Ballet for 4 to 7 years
Mondays 4:15pm-5:00pm.
$20 for an 10 week session.
Classes take place in the Sky Room on the 2nd floor.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Lucas Greeff.
Class is full
Beginning Hip Hop for 4 to 7 years
Tuesdays 4:15pm-5:00pm.
$20 for an 10 week session.
Classes take place in the Sky Room on the 2nd floor.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Vanessa Maxwell.
Class is full
Dance Level II and Performance Workshop
for 6 to 12 years
Tuesdays 5:00pm-6:00pm.
FREE for an 10 week session, instructor approval required to register.
Classes take place in the Sky Room on the 2nd floor.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Vanessa Maxwell.
Register in person at Loyola Park
Trans Dance Connect
Adult Modern: Trans Dance Connect (Allies welcome)
with Reign Drop
SCHEDULE TBD
Berger Park, 6205 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660
Designed to create space for transgender dancers and their allies, Trans Dance Connect is a modern dance class designed for beginners and those returning to dance after some time off. Our main objective is to come together, everything else is low stakes, high reward. Join us for some spirals, floorwork, movement combinations, and improvisation!
REGISTER
Beginning Ballet (all classes): this beginner level activity is an introduction to ballet. Instruction includes the five positions, floor and barre work as well as basic dance combinations. This class introduces students to music and movement with a structured progression.
Dress code: We ask that students have their hair off their face and wear clothing they can move safely in. Leotard/tights or athletic shorts/shirt and ballet shoes are preferred; leggings and socks are also acceptable.
Beginning Hip Hop Dance (4 - 7 years): learn current Hip Hop dances and develop techniques to choreograph one's own freestyle. This energetic class incorporates music, dance and more.
Dress code: Students are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing that allows movement; Soft-soled shoes are recommended.
Dance Level II and Performance Workshop: Participants in this program will learn dance technique in addition to preparing dance pieces for public performance. Hip Hop, contemporary, and modern dance styles will be utilized in creating performance pieces. The class is intended for students with prior dance experience and consists of 45 minutes of Level II hip hop technique and 15 minutes of preparing a dance for performance.
The program is free but requires instructor approval to join. Please contact megan@synapsearts.com for more information about how to register.
Dress code: Students are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing that allows movement; Soft-soled shoes are recommended.
Adult All Levels Yoga: this class works to lengthen, strengthen and stretch the body while clearing the mind. Reduce stress while improving strength and flexibility through visualization, focused breathing, and yoga postures with modifications for all levels.
Notes: Please bring a mat and wear comfortable, loose-fitting attire.
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