Deeply Rooted Dance Theater Beyond Dance Launches

DEEPLY ROOTED DANCE THEATER
BEYOND DANCE
LAUNCHES APRIL 14
New Initiative Includes Classes, Continuum, Performances

https://vimeo.com/404452894

Deeply Rooted Dance Theater (DRDT), responding to the COVID-19 crisis while staying true to its mission and philosophy, launches a new umbrella initiative for its activities: Deeply Rooted Dance Theater Beyond Dance. As announced today by Artistic Director Nicole Clarke-Springer (see complete message above), DRDT “reaffirms its commitment to providing programming that is not only nurturing but also develops and supports community and human relationships. in a time when we find ourselves needing it the most.” In that spirit, DRDT is launching Deeply Rooted Dance Theater Beyond Dance, encompassing education, conversation, and performance, beginning with three components: • Virtual classes—adapting content from its Dance Education programs to a virtual environment, including the Youth Ensemble (April 19 and 26, May 3), Mature H.O.T. (Health-conscious, Optimistic, Triumphant) Women (April 14, 21, 28, and May 5), and DRDT Company Class (April 16, 23, and 30); FREE, donations accepted • The Continuum Process—a series of virtual guided discussions on self-awareness and personal growth informed by each participant’s creativity and artistic process, on April 30, May 21, and June 18; FREE, donations accepted • Summer Dance Intensive (SDI)*—technical training and artistic development in a rigorous curriculum fostering learning and personal growth, along with opportunities to experience the company’s repertoire through workshops and performances; includes the Emerging Choreographers Showcase (ECS), led by ECS Director Joshua Ishmon, an advanced division of SDI that provides an environment for emerging choreographers and dancers to cultivate creativity, deepen technical skill, and gain performance readiness; SDI takes place June 22–July 18, providing six to eight hours of training per day, six days a week, culminating in performances on Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18 at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th Street, Chicago; SDI and ECS fees are available at deeplyrooteddancetheater.org/summer-dance-intensive/; performance tickets will be $25 * Current plans are for the Summer Dance Intensive to take place in person; DRDT will adapt if necessary as the program time period approaches.   Registration for classes and The Continuum Process are available on EventBrite: Youth Ensemble here; Mature H.O.T. Women here; DRDT Company Class here; The Continuum Process here. Audition videos for the Summer Dance Intensive may be submitted at deeplyrooteddancetheater.org/summer-dance-intensive.

Premiering in 1996, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater is rooted in traditions of modern, contemporary, and African dance, as well as storytelling, in universal themes that spark a visceral experience and ignite an emotional response in diverse audiences worldwide. Collaborating with nationally renowned choreographers across the spectrum of modern, ballet, and African dance, DRDT presents work that reflects eclectic voices in contemporary life. Deeply Rooted’s programs are partially supported by the Alphawood Foundation Chicago, Arts Work Fund and Smart Growth program of the Chicago Community Trust, Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks Program, Ginger Farley Charitable Fund at the Chicago Community Foundation, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Illinois Arts Council Agency, International Association of Blacks in Dance, Martha Struthers Farley and Donald C. Farley Jr. Family Foundation, Reva and David Logan Foundation, the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and the Deeply Rooted Family of Friends. Special thanks to Ballet Chicago, Chicago Dancemakers Forum, Chicago Community Trust, Chicago Park District, Reva and David Logan Center, and St. Benedict the African Church for their partnership and support.