SYNAPSE ARTS
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Photos by: Megan Rhyme, Laura Tennal, Mathew Gregory Hollis.
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.
Photos by: Megan Rhyme, Laura Tennal, Mathew Gregory Hollis.
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Monday, January 08 to Sunday, March 24
Beginning Ballet for 3 to 5 year olds
Saturdays 9:30-10:15am.
Except the following date: Feb 17.
$50 for a 10 week session.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Chartamia Turner.
Beginning Ballet for 6 to 8 year olds
Saturdays 10:30-11:15am.
Except the following date: Feb 17.
$50 for a 10 week session.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Chartamia Turner.
Beginning Ballet for 3 to 5 year olds
Saturdays 11:30am-12:15pm.
Except the following date: Feb 17.
$50 for a 10 week session.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Chartamia Turner.
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.
Beginning Ballet for 3 to 5 years
Saturdays 9:30am-10:15am.
$42 for an 9 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.
Beginning Ballet for 4 to 7 year olds
Thursdays 4:15-5:00pm.
$20 for a 11 week session.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Lucas Greeff.
Beginning Hip Hop Dance for 4 to 7 year olds
Tuesdays 4:15-5:00pm.
$20 for a 11 week session.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Vanessa Maxwell.
Dance Performance Workshop for 6 to 12 year olds
Tuesdays 5:00-6:00pm.
FREE for an 11 week session, registration requires instructor approval. Once approved, register in person at Loyola Park.
Taught by Synapse Teaching Artist Vanessa Maxwell.
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.
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.
We dance on wood floor and marley, but you might want to bring knee pads and have long sleeves or layers available.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols: Please see the Park District’s updates here: COVID PROTOCOLS
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