Darvin Dances

Darvin Dances’ purpose is, first and foremost, to break the barrier of dance culture. We create a safe space for dancers to explore, fail, and grow, and encourage non-dancers to engage with dance as an art form. We expand the dance community to reach those who haven’t historically felt welcomed or included, to create a more accessible experience.

At Darvin Dances, we aim to bridge the gap between dance lovers and the dance curious: people who have yet to see themselves in the world of dance or think that it is not for them. We believe in creating works that are diverse in subject and location, relate to both those ingrained in dance culture and on the outskirts. We create to inspire and entice our audience to act: to see more shows, take a class, or talk about dance to their community.

The ways we will achieve these goals include; having open rehearsals for the public, presenting in venues that are ADA compliant, working with local businesses (via sponsorship or promoting their products or even presenting work in collaboration with the business), and creating work that is relatable. In 2023 we are working on a production called Inclined to Decline which is about rejection letters. As part of the process, we will have an open rehearsal in April and we are creating an art contest. Artists will be asked to create a 2D work either with their rejection letters or using their rejection letters as inspiration. The top 3 will have their work hung at the performance and they will also be able to bring 2 other pieces to hang and potentially sell. This will help bring awareness to our local Chicago visual artists.

Darvin Dances will also host a free resume and biography workshop where dance artists can come and get help with their resumes and bios. As a studio manager and choreographer who holds auditions, I see a lot of resumes. I want to help my community with my knowledge about resumes and writing biographies. This is a way of giving back to the Chicago dance community.

We also have an event called the Holiday Dance Carol where we go door to door in different Chicago neighborhoods and present a free 2 minute dance to holiday music. It's a way of giving back to the community and bringing dance to those who may not have gone to a performance otherwise.