Dear Friends of CDE,

Then suddenly, Thanksgiving passed and December officially arrived. Despite what our individual faiths may be, we all find gratitude. Especially during this last month, it is a time to reflect back on another year passing. Though the years may be blending together and time never ceasing to slow down, we still find constants in our lives that ground us. Whether it a person, your job or a hobby, we are grateful for their presence.

 

For my students at The Children's School in Oak Park, we sat last week in a circle sharing our lists of gratitude.  Their answers included being grateful for their friends, family, teachers, favorite foods, TV shows, etc.There was no shortage of gratitude in that room. The kids could keep their lists going if you'd let them. What are you grateful for this season?

 

Since we're all sharing, I am grateful for my job with Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble. I began working with the company in October of 2014. I just moved back from London after completing my Masters and to be expected, I returned with so many big ideas on how to create change in Chicago. When the work didn't come easy, I started to feel discouraged. The only jobs available were substitute positions at local studios and serving positions at restaurants. Many jobs just didn't respond. How was I supposed to make my impact if I couldn't even land an interview? Then finally, I spotted a posting on Chicago Artists Resource for a Teaching Artist position with Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble.

 

Ellyzabeth and I met for the first time at Reno (a pizza café in Logan Square, which I recommend for both its coffee and pizza). This wasn't a regular interview. We sat chatting for little over an hour about teaching methodologies, the company and our own experiences. It felt as though someone waved a red flag in front of my face and said, "Hey! This could be it! You want this job!" Had someone told me then that I'd eventually be named the new Artistic Director, I wouldn't believe them because I am still wrapping my mind around it. But that's Ellyzabeth for you.

 

From the moment she meets you, she's trusting and her heart is there. You come to her with ideas or thoughts and she listens. You tell her you're passionate about something and she provides the opportunity. Working for Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble, I am grateful to have received so much trust in new opportunities to continue to create "Performance With A Purpose," in the classroom, onstage and now for the company's infrastructure. I am grateful for the people I get to work with, the constant learning and the challenges I am provided on a daily basis. Through the highs and lows, I am grateful to be able to have a job I am passionate about.

 

Lastly, I am grateful for the supporters of Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble, like yourself. Your support is what has helped us to thrive for 15 years. It is what helped lead towards my position being created. It is what will help to carry and grow us for another 15 years. We cannot thank you enough for your support. Also! Thank you for reading our newsletters!

 

Today is Giving Tuesday and the beginning of a December-only campaign across Illinois to raise $6 million dollars for non-profit social justice organizations, like ourselves, aiming to make an impact ( visit IL Give to learn more about this event). Your dollars go towards paying our artists, providing supplies for our Arts Ed programs, starting a new Arts Ed program, as well as providing the costs to produce a multiple socially-conscious shows. Every dollar counts to make "Performance With A Purpose" happen. Thank you for supporting arts onstage and in the classroom in Chicago.

 

Email us what you're grateful for this season and share any CDE stories! We want to hear from you.

 

Wishing You All The Best,

Sara Maslanka

Artistic Director