SYNAPSE ARTS
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Programs
Professional Presentations
DANCE BASED WORKS
Professional Presentations is the company's founding program, flexibly supporting the creation and performance of original works by the company's artists. Many of these works have been directed by Rachel Damon with input from the ensemble and collaborators, though in recent years the company has expanded to support works by many choreographers. Synapse's site-specific pieces bring dance to unique spaces and make the artform accessible to all.
- Crosswalk Dances, a series of traveling performances with choreography customized to pedestrian pathways. Join in a yoga warmup then watch professional dancers enliven the city landscape, and maybe add your own moves!
These free dance pop-ups exemplify Synapse Arts’ belief that art can happen anywhere, at any time. Look for dancers wearing bright colors and body speakers that carry the music with them! (more info on Crosswalk Dances)
- Mural Dances
- Dance Films
- Performance pieces ranging from 15 to 75 minutes long
Click here to know what's up next ON THE CALENDAR.
Synapse Arts events actively welcome individuals with diverse identities, including all genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, income levels, ages, parent/caregiver statuses, backgrounds, and household structures. All Synapse Arts events are relaxed and sensory-friendly.
For accessibility service requests, please contact info@synapsearts.com.
New Works
EMERGING CREATIVES
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
INFO SESSION
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 2023 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.
starting September 5
TUESDAYS
Beginning Hip Hop (4-7 years) 4:15 - 5PM
Location: Loyola Park.
Classes take place in the Sky Room on the 2nd floor.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Vanessa Maxwell.
$20 for a 14 week session.
Performance Troupe 5 - 6PM
(7 week session Sept 5-Oct 24)
Location: Loyola Park.
Classes take place in the Sky Room on the 2nd floor. Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Vanessa Maxwell.
FREE for an 8 week session, registration requires instructor approval. Please contact megan@synapsearts.com for more information about how to register.
WEDNESDAYS
Adult Adv/Pro Modern
with Kristina Fluty 6:30 - 7:30PM
Location: Berger Park.Classes take place in the Berger Ball Room on the 3rd floor of the main mansion. The studio has a Marley dance floor over wood planks, natural and artificial lighting, and window air conditioning. Non-binary bathrooms are available on the 2nd floor.
We regret that the studio is not fully accessible - participants must move up two sets of stairs to access the space.
$75 for a 10 week session or $10 per class drop in.
Due to the size of the space, only 10 spots available via pre-registration, and we will be offering very limited drop in spots.
THURSDAYS
Beginning Ballet (3-5 years) 2 - 2:45PM
Location: Berger Park. Classes take place in the Berger Ball Room on the 3rd floor.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Lucas Greeff.
$42 for an 11 week session.
Beginning Ballet (4-7 years) 4:15 - 5PM
Location: Loyola Park.
Classes take place in the Sky Room on the 2nd floor.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Lucas Greeff.
$20 for a 13 week session.
SATURDAYS
Adult Beginning/all levels Yoga 11AM - 12PM
Location: Berger Park.
Classes take place in the Berger Sun Room on the 1st floor.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Laura Tennal.
$40 for a 14 week session.
Beginning Ballet (3-6 years) 9:30 - 10:15AM
Location: Berger Park.
Classes take place in the Berger Ball Room on the 3rd floor.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Laura Tennal.
Beginning Ballet (3-5 years) 9:30 - 10:15AM
Location: Lincoln Park.
Classes take place in the Lincoln Dance Room on the 1st floor.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Chartamia Turner.
$50 for a 14 week session.
Beginning Ballet (6-8 years) 10:30 - 11:15AM
Location: Lincoln Park.
Classes take place in the Lincoln Dance Room on the 1st floor.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Chartamia Turner.
$50 for a 14 week session.
Beginning Ballet (3-5 years) 11:30AM - 12:15PM
Location: Lincoln Park.Classes take place in the Lincoln Dance Room on the 1st floor.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Chartamia Turner.
$50 for a 14 week session.
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MORE INFO HERE
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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 Performance Workshop (6 to 12 year olds): Participants in this 6 week 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 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.
Adult Adv/Pro Modern with Kristina Fluty: Kristina Fluty leads this modern dance class for advanced and professional dancers. Her dance class prioritizes pleasure and honoring/embracing how you move right now. It is also anchored by Fluty's certification in Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysis and her many years of Feldenkrais personal study. Class will likely begin on the floor with gentle developmental movement phrases, then evolve out into dancing with delicious complexity, spatial clarity, and ease.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols: Please see the Park District’s updates here: COVID PROTOCOLS
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