The Unofficial Story

I promised you the unofficial version that isn't so boring. Here it goes.

This dream began when, for a lack of a better term, the stars aligned. Jenn and I were both in somewhat transitional spots in our dance careers and started discussing all the ills of running a dance company in Chicago. If only we could get space to rehearse in that was clean, well run and had modern amenities such as air conditioning. If only we could have a performance space for 100-150 people that, once again, was clean well run and had air conditioning that we didn't have to pawn off our first born to afford. (Don't think I haven't considered this at times.) This is not even putting in the pie in the sky type "needs" like mirrors and floors that don't leave you with shin splints for life. (Yeah, I got em.) You'd think this was not too much to ask in a city the size of Chicago. (To all non-dancer readers, this is a HUGE request.)

About the same time, the final star dropped in and the seed funds needed to start this venture arrived.

Our plan was simple: open a dance center that was one stop shopping for dancers and small companies. You could take class, rehearse and put up a nice sized show all in one place. This place would have marley floors, mirrors, a nice sound system (we'd like to say "state of the art" but that would be going a little overboard), a decent flexible light system and....(((GASP))) AIR CONDITIONING so that the dancers and the audience didn't die of heat exhaustion during performances. We've seen and experienced all the badly managed spaces, so we already know the things that are being done wrong.  We're not foolish enough to repeat other people's mistakes. And the final thing that is really important to us. Accessibility to public transportation (i.e. train.) It really sucks to have to walk to a bus, to take a train, to get 3 miles after a long rehearsal.

So where are we now? With the space that we're opening in the Glenwood Arts District, we've accomplished 2 out of our 3 missions. Here, we'll be able to have classes for all ages and rehearsal space. Our goal is to be here for a year(ish.) During our current residency, we'll still be looking for and building out our dream studio. It can be done.

We now need your support (and let's face it, money) to make this happen. We ARE NOT asking for a hand out. We're a for profit corporation. Here's the deal: You give us said money, and we'll give you great training and a really nice place to rehearse.

I told you that it wasn't too much to ask.....

Amy