SHARE:  
TDC NEWSLETTER: Performance. Creation. Education

From Melissa | New Dances 2025 Call for Choreographers |

New Dances 2025 Mentorship Panel | New Dances 2025 Matching Campaign

From the Founder & Artistic Director, Melissa Thodos

As we embrace the New Year and all of the possibilities that it holds, we call upon the talented and inspiring dance creators that comprise such a vital part of our rich Chicago dance landscape. Community dance makers this is a special invitation for YOU to apply for the opportunity to share your creative voice with thoughtful valued resources in place for  you to realize your vision from thought to stage. We value your creativity and growth, take the plunge and apply! 

 

In the spirit of taking the plunge… this is also an invitation to all of our readers to take a deeper dive into New Dances and scroll to the bottom of this newsletter where you will find a special visual experience: a short video “Supporting the Early Career Artist” chock full of gleaming gems of revelations, current inspirations, past reflections, future visions, and much more! 

 

Enjoy the viewing!


New Dances 2025 Call for Choreographers

Thodos Dance Chicago and DanceWorks Chicago are excited to collaborate on New Dances 2025 and continue a shared tradition of serving Chicago’s dance community. Originating with the 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.


ATTENTION DANCEMAKERS: Chicago and Chicagoland-based emerging and mid-career choreographers working in any dance genre(s) are invited to apply to create new work to be produced in New Dances 2025. 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 opportunities for local artists to enjoy national exposure!


The application portal will open at noon (Central time) on Friday, February 14.


Application DO DATE: noon (Central time) on Friday, February 28. No exceptions.


  • As New Dances is focused on supporting artists who have made a commitment to the Chicago community, please respect the residency requirement: Choreographer must reside in Chicago or a suburb of Chicago as of February 28, 2025.
  • There is no fee to apply.
  • Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.


QUESTIONS? Check out the Call for Choreographers FAQ Guide!


Melissa Thodos, Artistic Director Thodos Dance Chicago, and Julie Nakagawa, Artistic Director DanceWorks Chicago, will assess applications, and invitations will be extended to a select group of choreographers. Each applicant will hear back regarding the status of their application by Monday, March 17.


We look forward to getting to know you and your work!



New Dances 2024 Choreographer: Alix Schillaci

New Dances 2024 Dancers: Samantha Leigh Anderson, Mary Kovalcheck, Hannah Mu, Anouk Otsea

Photo by Vin Reed

New Dances 2025 Mentorship Panel

The New Dances team is thrilled to announce that Imani English, Jeff Hancock, and Melissa Thodos will serve on the 2025 Mentorship Panel. Reflection and feedback are integral parts of the New Dances experience, and the expertise from the Mentorship Panel will help guide this year’s choreographer cohort along their journey. 


Looking to receive guidance from these esteemed Chicago artists? Be sure to apply to the choreographer application opening on Friday, February 14! Details above.


Embrace the New Year by

Supporting New Dances 2025 Today!

As we embrace the new year, we are grateful for your thoughtful consideration to support our Match Campaign for New Dances 2025.

 

Each donated dollar up to $3,500 will be matched thanks to generous contributions from three anonymous donors. Double your impact today and consider investing in our shared creative future. It takes a village to bring this very special project in Chicago to life. 

 

Checks may be made out to Thodos Dance Chicago and mailed to 1016 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610. Electronic payment may be made via our website through the "Donate Now" button below.

 

Donations received by Wednesday, June 11 will be acknowledged in the New Dances 2025 program. Thank you so very much!

Thodos Dance Chicago was founded in 1992, by Melissa Thodos, a choreographer, educator and performer for over 30 years. Our mission is to engage and enrich the community through dance creation, advocacy, education, and mentorship.



Thodos Dance Chicago has been proudly supported by
Follow Thodos Dance Chicago on Social Media
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram