Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center

Introduction / Overview

For individuals throughout Illinois with a passion for dance, from aspiring professionals to enthusiasts seeking exceptional performance opportunities, the Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center at Northwestern University in Evanston stands as a prominent and highly respected institution. Located on the picturesque Arts Circle Drive, this center is more than just a building; it's a dynamic hub for dance education, artistic creation, and captivating performances. Named in honor of Marjorie Ward Marshall, a celebrated tap dance teacher and mother of famed director Garry Marshall, the center embodies a legacy of dedication to the art of dance. It serves as the primary home for Northwestern University's esteemed Dance Program within the School of Communication, providing state-of-the-art facilities for students pursuing dance at a collegiate level. However, its influence extends beyond the academic, regularly hosting public performances, workshops, and events that enrich the cultural landscape of Evanston and the wider Illinois community. The center's mission is to foster technical excellence, artistic expression, and critical thinking in dance, preparing students for diverse careers in the performing arts or simply enriching their lives through movement. Its presence signifies a commitment to the enduring power and beauty of dance, making it a significant point of interest for anyone in the region interested in serious dance training or enjoying high-caliber performances. The center is a vibrant testament to the art form, consistently bringing innovative and traditional dance to the forefront, solidifying Evanston's reputation as a cultural destination within Illinois.

Location and Accessibility

The Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center is strategically located at 10 Arts Cir Dr, Evanston, IL 60208, USA, on the beautiful campus of Northwestern University. This prime location within Evanston offers excellent accessibility for residents across Illinois, especially those in the Chicago metropolitan area and the North Shore suburbs. Situated on Arts Circle Drive, the center is part of a dedicated arts complex, making it a visible and easily navigable destination. For those traveling by car, the university campus is well-connected to major roadways, including Sheridan Road, which runs directly through Evanston. Ample parking is typically available in university lots, particularly after business hours on weekdays and throughout the weekends, which is convenient for evening performances and weekend workshops. Specific parking information for events is often provided by Northwestern University's Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts, which oversees many of the public events held at the Dance Center. Furthermore, Evanston is a well-served community when it comes to public transportation. The campus and the Dance Center are accessible via various CTA 'L' train stations (Purple Line) and Metra commuter rail stops, as well as several PACE bus routes. This robust network of public transit options makes it feasible for students and audience members from Chicago and other Illinois suburbs to reach the center without the need for a car. The picturesque setting on the university campus, often with views of Lake Michigan, adds to the appeal of visiting this significant dance hub in Illinois.

Services Offered

• Dance Education Programs: As part of Northwestern University's Dance Program within the School of Communication, the center offers comprehensive academic and practical training in various dance forms for enrolled university students.
• Performance Venues: Provides state-of-the-art studio and theater spaces suitable for dance rehearsals, master classes, and public performances, including student showcases and professional guest artist presentations.
• Rehearsal Facilities: Dedicated studios equipped with sprung floors, mirrors, and sound systems, providing optimal environments for dancers to practice and refine their skills.
• Workshops and Masterclasses: Periodically hosts workshops and masterclasses led by acclaimed dancers, choreographers, and scholars, open to enrolled students and sometimes to the broader community.
• Public Performances: Features a regular calendar of student dance concerts, faculty choreographic works, and performances by visiting professional dance companies, open to the public.
• Technical Support for Dance Production: Offers professional-grade lighting, sound, and stage management capabilities to support complex dance productions.
• Research and Creative Development Space: Serves as a vital resource for faculty and student choreographers to develop new works and engage in dance research.
• Community Engagement Events: Occasionally hosts events aimed at engaging the wider Evanston and Illinois communities with dance, such as open rehearsals or special demonstrations.

Features / Highlights

• Modern Facilities: A purpose-built, million-dollar facility (donated by Garry Marshall in honor of his mother) designed specifically for dance, ensuring optimal learning and performance conditions.
• Spacious Dance Studios: Equipped with professional sprung floors to reduce injury, full-length mirrors, and advanced sound systems, providing an ideal environment for training.
• Versatile Performance Space: Features a flexible theater or studio space that can be adapted for various types of dance performances, from intimate showcases to larger productions.
• Part of a Leading University: Integrates with the academic rigor and resources of Northwestern University, providing students with a holistic education that combines theory and practice.
• Dedicated Dance Program Faculty: Home to a highly accomplished and diverse faculty within the School of Communication's Dance Program, offering expertise across various dance genres.
• Diverse Dance Offerings (Academic): While specific public class offerings may vary, the academic program often includes training in modern, contemporary, ballet, jazz, and other forms, which may influence public presentations.
• Strong Alumni Network: Benefits from and contributes to Northwestern's extensive network of performing arts alumni, fostering connections within the professional dance world.
• Proximity to Arts Circle: Located within Northwestern's vibrant Arts Circle, alongside other significant cultural institutions like the Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts and the Block Museum of Art, creating a rich artistic ecosystem.
• Commitment to Artistic Excellence: Known for its dedication to producing high-quality dance performances and fostering innovative choreographic work.

Contact Information

For detailed information on programs, performances, or facilities at the Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center, you can reach them directly. The center is located at 10 Arts Cir Dr, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. You can contact their administrative office by phone at (847) 491-3147. For those who prefer mobile contact, the mobile phone number is +1 847-491-3147. As the center is part of Northwestern University, additional information regarding specific programs, performance schedules, and ticketing for public events can often be found through the university's School of Communication or the Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts websites.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For locals across the Illinois region, particularly those in Evanston and the broader Chicago metropolitan area, the Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center at Northwestern University stands out as an exceptional resource and point of interest. Its suitability for locals is multifaceted. Firstly, its prime location on the Northwestern campus in Evanston makes it incredibly accessible. Whether you're driving from neighboring North Shore communities or utilizing Evanston's robust public transportation network, reaching the center for a performance, workshop, or simply to appreciate the architecture is straightforward. Secondly, for students in Illinois aspiring to a career in dance, the center offers a world-class training ground within a prestigious university setting. Even for those not formally enrolled, the presence of such a high-caliber academic dance program elevates the overall dance scene in the region, providing a benchmark for excellence. The center frequently hosts public performances, ranging from captivating student showcases to professional guest artist appearances. This means that locals have consistent opportunities to experience innovative and traditional dance at the highest level, right in their backyard, without needing to travel into downtown Chicago for every cultural outing. These performances are not just entertainment; they are a window into diverse choreographic styles and a testament to the dedication of emerging and established artists. Furthermore, the modern, purpose-built facilities provide a superior experience for both performers and audience members. The commitment to artistic excellence, fostered by a dedicated faculty and a rich university environment, ensures that any interaction with the Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center, whether as a student or an audience member, will be enriching and inspiring. It is a vital cultural anchor, contributing significantly to the artistic vibrancy of Evanston and offering unparalleled dance experiences for all who reside in Illinois.

Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center

10 Arts Cir Dr, Evanston, IL 60208, USA