Clinard Dance

For residents across Illinois seeking to immerse themselves in the fiery passion and intricate rhythms of flamenco, or to experience innovative contemporary dance that pushes artistic boundaries, Clinard Dance in Chicago stands as a premier destination. Founded in 1999 by the acclaimed Artistic Director Wendy Clinard, this studio and performing company is dedicated to exploring and expanding the vocabulary of flamenco. It’s more than just a place to learn traditional steps; Clinard Dance pioneers a unique style of contemporary American flamenco, relying heavily on the flamenco body's rhythms and sense of improvisation, while honoring the deep roots of this powerful art form. They believe in the transformative power of art and culture to create authentic and meaningful change, making their studio a significant cultural hub in Chicago.

Clinard Dance is renowned for its commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, frequently bringing together artists from diverse cultural backgrounds and disciplines—including jazz, blues, hip-hop, classical Arabic, and even visual artists and writers—to create compelling and unique productions. This open-minded approach results in vibrant performances that are not only deeply rooted in flamenco tradition but also engage with contemporary culture in innovative ways. Wendy Clinard herself, with over 30 years of performing and teaching experience, spent years rigorously training in flamenco and researching its roots, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive foundation with a contemporary sensibility. For anyone in Illinois, whether a complete beginner curious about flamenco or a seasoned pro looking for unique artistic exploration, Clinard Dance offers a caring teaching style, an intimate studio environment, and a learning experience truly unique to Chicago. Their work has even garnered international recognition, with performances in India, Syria, and China, bringing a global perspective to our local Illinois community.

Clinard Dance is strategically located at 1729 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA. This address places the studio in the vibrant Pilsen neighborhood, a culturally rich area known for its strong Mexican-American heritage and thriving arts scene. For residents across Illinois, particularly those in the greater Chicago metropolitan area, this location offers excellent accessibility. Halsted Street is a major north-south artery, providing direct routes and easy navigation.

Pilsen's connectivity is a significant advantage for Clinard Dance. For those traveling by car from various parts of Illinois, the neighborhood is well-served by nearby expressways, including I-90/94 (Dan Ryan Expressway) and I-55 (Stevenson Expressway), making the drive relatively straightforward. Street parking is generally available in the area, though like any bustling Chicago neighborhood, it may require some patience at peak times. For public transportation users, the Halsted Orange Line CTA station is within a reasonable walking distance, and several CTA bus routes run directly along Halsted Street and nearby thoroughfares. This robust public transport access ensures that students and audience members from diverse communities across Chicago and beyond in Illinois can conveniently reach the studio. The deep roots Clinard Dance has in the Pilsen community, where Wendy Clinard has lived, raised her family, and taught flamenco since the early 1990s, further emphasizes its local suitability and community integration.

Services Offered by Clinard Dance:

• Flamenco dance instruction at every level, from complete beginners to seasoned professionals.
• Small class sizes to ensure a caring teaching style and intimate studio environment.
• Private instruction available by appointment for personalized training.
• Workshops focusing on specific flamenco techniques or styles, such as Bulerias workshops.
• The Flamenco Quartet Project, a collaborative performance initiative blending flamenco with jazz, blues, hip-hop, and other forms.
• Subsidized Rehearsal Space Program, offering rental and wrap-around services to emerging artists on the South and Southwest sides of Chicago.
• Community Classes, including regular "Intro Community Classes" and programs in the Pilsen neighborhood like those at El Paseo.
• Performance opportunities for students in showcases and events, such as the upcoming Navy Pier's Wall Wave Moves.
• Professional productions and performances by the Clinard Dance company, often collaborating with diverse artists and touring internationally.
• Community outreach programs aimed at engaging and enriching local neighborhoods through dance.
• Educational initiatives focused on the history and cultural roots of flamenco.

Features and Highlights of Clinard Dance:

• Founded in 1999 by Artistic Director Wendy Clinard, a highly experienced and respected flamenco dancer and educator with over 30 years of practice.
• Pioneering a unique style of "contemporary American flamenco dance" by integrating diverse artistic disciplines and cultural backgrounds.
• Strong emphasis on improvisation, rhythmic complexity, and exploring the "vocabulary of flamenco."
• The Flamenco Quartet Project is a key initiative, bringing together diverse talents like jazz vocalists, rappers, blues legends, and tap artists with flamenco musicians and dancers.
• Deep roots and long-standing presence in Chicago's Pilsen community, including a dedicated flamenco school for over 20 years.
• Commitment to community engagement, offering free monthly performance series and community classes.
• International recognition and touring history, with performances and collaborations in India, Syria, China, Madrid, and Valencia.
• Recipient of prestigious grants and awards from foundations like the MacArthur Foundation (International Connections Fund), supporting their innovative projects and international exchanges.
• Focus on interdisciplinary productions, combining dance with music, visual art, and text to create unique theatrical experiences (e.g., "Chicago's Watershed: A 156-Mile Choreography").
• Dedicated to honoring the Gitano culture of struggle against discrimination, displacement, and persecution, acknowledging flamenco's roots.
• Partnerships with cultural institutions like Instituto Cervantes and the Old Town School of Folk Music for performances and events.

Contact Information for Clinard Dance:

Address: 1729 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA

Phone: (312) 399-1984

For residents of Illinois interested in enrolling in classes, attending a performance, or learning more about Clinard Dance's unique programs and community initiatives, the most direct way to get information is by contacting them via their phone number. This ensures you receive the most accurate and current details about their offerings.

In conclusion, for Illinois residents, Clinard Dance in Chicago is an extraordinary cultural asset, offering a profound and innovative approach to flamenco. Its commitment to preserving the authenticity of flamenco while simultaneously pushing its contemporary boundaries makes it a truly unique artistic institution right here in our state. For local users, the convenience of its Pilsen location, easily accessible via both public and private transport, means that world-class flamenco instruction and breathtaking performances are readily available close to home.

What makes Clinard Dance particularly suitable for locals is its deep integration into the community, especially in Pilsen. Through its school, free classes, and collaborative projects, it provides genuine opportunities for cultural enrichment and artistic engagement that extend beyond just a typical dance studio. The leadership of Wendy Clinard, combined with the ensemble's dedication to interdisciplinary artistry and community outreach, ensures a vibrant and inclusive environment where the power of flamenco can be experienced by all. For anyone in Illinois looking to learn flamenco, support groundbreaking dance, or simply witness the beauty of a truly unique cultural fusion, Clinard Dance is an unmissable local gem that enriches our collective artistic landscape.

Clinard Dance

1729 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA