Soham Dance Space

For residents across Illinois, particularly those in the dynamic city of Chicago, seeking a versatile and welcoming venue for creative practices, live performances, critical dialogues, or community gatherings, Soham Dance Space offers an exceptional solution. Founded in 2007 by accomplished dance artist Anjal Chande, Soham Dance Space is more than just an event venue; it's a home for artistic exploration and community building, deeply embedded in Chicago's vibrant cultural landscape. Its commitment to fostering an inclusive and positive atmosphere has made it a beloved spot for both established artists and those just beginning their creative journeys.

Soham Dance Space was established with a clear vision: to create a dedicated environment where programs and pedagogies could thrive, moving beyond the uncertainties of short-term leases to provide affordable, long-term space for the wider artist ecosystem. This dedication to supporting artists and the community is evident in every aspect of the venue. Reviewers consistently highlight the "incredible atmosphere" and "exceptionally kind and welcoming hosts," noting a "very friendly and welcoming place for family and friends to enjoy." Anjal Chande, the Founder and Artistic Director, is a celebrated choreographer, composer, writer, teacher, and performer, praised by The New York Times as a “gifted stylist” and by Time Out Chicago as “arrestingly poetic.” Her multidisciplinary approach and foundational training in Bharatanatyam infuse Soham Dance Space with a unique spirit of innovation and introspection. This combination of a professional yet nurturing environment makes Soham Dance Space a premier choice for a wide array of events and creative endeavors right here in Illinois.

Soham Dance Space is conveniently located at 1932 S Halsted St Unit #206, Chicago, IL 60608, USA, nestled in the vibrant Pilsen neighborhood. This strategic location on Halsted Street provides excellent accessibility for individuals and groups throughout Chicago and the surrounding Illinois communities. Pilsen is known for its rich cultural heritage and artistic energy, making it an inspiring backdrop for creative events and gatherings.

The studio's address on a well-known street simplifies navigation, whether guests are arriving by car or public transportation. While specific public transit details for this exact address may vary, the Pilsen neighborhood is generally well-served by CTA bus routes along Halsted Street and some proximity to Pink Line 'L' stations, enhancing its reach for those without private vehicles. It is important to note that the studio is on the 2nd floor, requiring a walk up a flight of stairs. However, elevator use is possible with advance request, by emailing info@sohamdancespace.org 24 hours before an event. This thoughtful accommodation ensures that the space can be accessed by individuals with mobility considerations, further enhancing its suitability as a community venue. The presence of the space within a unit suggests a dedicated, private area designed for focused creative work and events.

• Venue rental for creative practices, including dance rehearsals and workshops.
• Space for live performances, from intimate showcases to larger productions.
• Setting for critical dialogues, discussions, and artistic symposia.
• Host for community gatherings, private parties, and various social events.
• A total of approximately 10,000 sq ft of space, consisting of 6 rooms: 4 rooms of about 800 sq ft each (suitable for smaller groups, breakout rooms, or changing rooms), a loft-style room of 1500 sq ft with an exposed brick wall (ideal for ceremonies or presentations), and a main ballroom of 3000 sq ft.
• Provision of essential event infrastructure: tables, chairs, and event lighting.
• Built-in audio equipment, allowing DJs or presenters to easily plug in.
• Flexible catering policy: guests are allowed to bring their own food and beverages, with no restrictions on catering services.
• Assistance with connecting clients to third-party companies for additional services like decorations, setup crew, and event staffing.
• Support for various artistic disciplines beyond dance, accommodating artists of all forms.
• Access to Wi-Fi.
• Free on-street parking and paid parking facilities available nearby.
• Projector and Flatscreen TV available.
• Long-term curriculum and inviting forum for adults for Bharatanatyam (Indian classical dance) education.

• Welcoming and Positive Atmosphere: Consistently praised by visitors for its "great positive energy," "friendly and welcoming" environment, and "exceptionally kind and welcoming hosts," making it an inviting space for all.
• Versatile Space Configuration: With 6 rooms totaling 10,000 sq ft, including a large main ballroom and a loft-style room with exposed brick, the venue can accommodate events ranging from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, with capacities up to 100-300 guests (specific room capacities vary).
• Flexible Catering Policy: The ability for clients to bring their own food and beverages, without restrictions on external caterers, offers significant flexibility and potential cost savings for event planning.
• Essential Event Amenities Included: Tables, chairs, event lighting, and built-in audio equipment are provided, simplifying the basic setup for various events.
• Artistic and Community Focus: Founded as a home for creative practice and community gatherings, Soham Dance Space actively fosters critical dialogue, cultural appreciation, and support for the wider artist ecosystem.
• Leadership by Renowned Artist Anjal Chande: The space benefits from the artistic vision and dedication of its founder, an internationally recognized choreographer, composer, and teacher, ensuring a high standard of artistic integrity.
• Commitment to Accessibility: While on the second floor, the option for elevator use with advance notice demonstrates a commitment to making the space accessible to more individuals.
• Affordable Long-Term Space: Driven by a mission to provide stable and affordable space, particularly for artists, which is a significant highlight in a major city like Chicago.

For residents of Chicago and throughout Illinois interested in booking Soham Dance Space for an event, dance practice, or any creative endeavor, or to inquire about their dance programs, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1932 S Halsted St Unit #206, Chicago, IL 60608, USA

While a phone number for direct event inquiries isn't publicly available in the provided information, general contact for elevator requests or information about dance programs can often be found through their official website or by emailing info@sohamdancespace.org for specific accessibility needs or other inquiries, as indicated by their accessibility information. It is always recommended to visit their official website for the most up-to-date contact methods for event bookings and detailed inquiries.

For individuals, artists, and community groups across Illinois, especially those in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, Soham Dance Space offers an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended venue for a diverse range of events and creative endeavors. Its "incredible atmosphere" and the "exceptionally kind and welcoming hosts" create a truly positive and inviting environment that is perfect for everything from dance classes and performances to family gatherings. This welcoming spirit is consistently highlighted by local patrons, assuring new visitors that they will feel right at home.

The versatility of the space, with its multiple rooms and generous square footage, coupled with essential amenities like tables, chairs, lighting, and audio equipment, provides a flexible canvas for any event. The accommodating policy of allowing external catering adds significant convenience and cost-effectiveness for local planners. Furthermore, Soham Dance Space's mission to provide affordable, long-term space for artists and its commitment to fostering cultural dialogue resonate deeply within the artistic community of Illinois. For anyone in our local community seeking a supportive, well-equipped, and creatively inspiring venue that truly prioritizes a positive experience for all, Soham Dance Space is an outstanding choice.

Soham Dance Space

1932 S Halsted St Unit #206, Chicago, IL 60608, USA