Columbia College-Dance Center

For anyone in Illinois with a passion for dance, whether as an aspiring performer, a dedicated student, or an appreciative audience member, the Columbia College Chicago Dance Center stands as a pivotal and exciting destination. Located in the vibrant South Loop, this center is much more than just an academic department; it's a dynamic nexus for the dance community, fostering artistic expression, rigorous training, and groundbreaking performances. As the home to Columbia College Chicago's academic Dance Department and its esteemed Dance Presenting Series, the Dance Center values the embodied human experience and nurtures an expansive understanding of dance, ranging from established classical forms to experimental contemporary works.

The feedback from visitors and students alike paints a clear picture of the Dance Center's excellence and welcoming atmosphere. One audience member enthused, "Security was great, very friendly and helpful while still doing her job. The show itself was wonderful, if you ever want to see free, or a minimal expense dance performance by the students and choreographed by the students this is the place to go!!! Great job to everyone there tonight!" This highlights not only the quality of the student performances but also the overall positive experience, from the friendly staff to the accessible pricing. Another parent expressed their delight, saying, "I Love teacher Keelys class for childrens tumble and twirl now ballet. My daughter loves her class. Wish it was held doing the week." This shows the positive impact of the instructors and the desire for more opportunities to engage with the center's offerings. Such reviews underscore the Dance Center's commitment to providing engaging experiences for diverse audiences and fostering a love for dance from a young age.

The Columbia College Chicago Dance Center is strategically located at 1306 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA. This prime address places it squarely in the South Loop neighborhood, a culturally rich and easily accessible part of downtown Chicago. For residents throughout Illinois, particularly those in the Chicago metropolitan area, reaching the Dance Center is exceptionally convenient. The location is well-served by Chicago's comprehensive public transportation system, including multiple CTA bus routes that run along Michigan Avenue and nearby 'L' train stations (such as Roosevelt, serving the Red, Green, and Orange lines). This connectivity makes it simple for students and audience members to arrive from various parts of the city and surrounding suburbs without needing a car. For those who drive, parking options are typically available in nearby garages or metered street parking. The Dance Center's integration into this bustling urban environment further enhances its role as a key cultural institution, attracting both local and visiting dance enthusiasts.

As a leading academic institution and a significant presenter of dance, the Columbia College Chicago Dance Center offers a multifaceted array of services, catering to both degree-seeking students and the wider public. Here's a breakdown of their offerings:

• Academic Dance Programs: The core of the Dance Center is its academic Dance Department, offering Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in Dance Studies and Dance Education, as well as a Dance Minor. These programs provide comprehensive and rigorous training in contemporary dance, somatic techniques, and a variety of other forms.
• Diverse Dance Techniques: Students in the academic programs engage in a wide range of dance techniques, including Modern/Contemporary Dance, West African Dance, Ballet, Hip Hop, and various street dance styles, ensuring a broad and culturally diverse practical experience.
• Choreography and Performance: The curriculum emphasizes creative practice and provides numerous opportunities for students to develop their choreographic skills and perform in various productions, including student performance nights, faculty concerts, and BFA Capstone Concerts.
• Dance Studies and Theory: Beyond physical training, programs delve into dance history, analysis, and its socio-political contexts, offering a holistic understanding of the art form.
• Dance Presenting Series: The Dance Center hosts a renowned Dance Presenting Series, featuring local, national, and international dance artists and companies. This series offers the public a chance to witness cutting-edge performances and provides invaluable learning opportunities for students through workshops and masterclasses with visiting artists.
• Public Performances: The center is known for offering "free, or a minimal expense dance performance by the students and choreographed by the students," making high-quality dance accessible to the wider Chicago community.
• Youth Programs: While specific details are often managed through broader college programs, the mention of "childrens tumble and twirl now ballet" indicates that introductory classes for younger dancers may be offered, fostering a love for dance from an early age.
• Professional Development: Degree programs prepare students for diverse careers in performance, education, choreography, arts advocacy, and administration, emphasizing real-world experience and networking.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The Dance Center boasts professional studios with sprung wood flooring and marley, a dedicated sound lab, and a 268-seat professional theater equipped with advanced lighting and sound systems.

The Columbia College Chicago Dance Center distinguishes itself through several unique features and highlights, making it a pivotal institution for dance in Illinois:

• Premier Venue for Dance in Chicago: The Dance Center is often lauded as "arguably the best venue to see dance in Chicago," reflecting its top-tier facilities and its commitment to presenting high-quality, diverse performances.
• Rich Performance Schedule: The Dance Presenting Series consistently offers a robust lineup of performances by acclaimed touring companies and groundbreaking Chicago artists, providing unparalleled cultural experiences for the public. Students also benefit from ample opportunities to perform in professionally produced concerts.
• Holistic Dance Education: The academic programs offer a balanced approach to dance, combining rigorous technical training in diverse styles with comprehensive dance studies, choreography, and career preparation. This prepares students not just as dancers but as thought leaders in the field.
• Commitment to Inclusivity and Experimentation: The Dance Center "values embodied human expression and nurtures an expansive understanding of dance from the established to the experimental," creating a welcoming space for all forms of artistic exploration.
• Community Engagement: By offering student performance nights at minimal or no cost, the Dance Center actively engages the local community, making professional-level dance accessible to a broader audience.
• Opportunities for Collaboration: Students and faculty frequently collaborate with local, national, and international dance artists, fostering a dynamic and innovative learning environment.
• Focus on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Justice: The mission explicitly states a commitment to cultivating an environment and culture that prioritizes respect for self and others, advancing an anti-racist, equitable, and just society through dance.
• Experienced Faculty: Students learn from faculty with extensive professional experience, who bring real-world insights and guidance to the classroom and studio.

For those in Illinois interested in connecting with the Columbia College Chicago Dance Center, whether for academic pursuits, attending performances, or other inquiries, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 1306 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

Phone: (312) 369-8300

Mobile Phone: +1 312-369-8300

For detailed information on academic programs, admissions, performance schedules, or general inquiries, we recommend visiting the official Columbia College Chicago website or contacting the Dance Department directly. Their staff will be able to provide the most current and comprehensive information on their offerings.

For locals across Illinois, particularly those in the Chicago metropolitan area, the Columbia College Chicago Dance Center is an unparalleled resource for engaging with the art of dance. As a leading institution, it offers not only rigorous academic programs for aspiring dance professionals but also accessible and inspiring performance opportunities for the wider community. Its commitment to presenting diverse works, from established companies to innovative student choreographers, makes it a cultural cornerstone in Chicago's vibrant arts scene. The welcoming environment, praised by visitors for its friendly staff and the quality of student performances, ensures that everyone feels connected to the world of dance. Whether you're considering a career in dance, seeking high-quality performances at an accessible price, or looking for introductory classes for younger family members, the Dance Center provides a unique blend of education, entertainment, and community engagement. Its central location and dedication to an expansive understanding of dance solidify its position as a vital and suitable destination for all dance enthusiasts in Illinois.

Columbia College-Dance Center

1306 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA