Visceral Dance Center

For dancers and aspiring movers across Illinois, from budding enthusiasts to seasoned professionals, Visceral Dance Center in Chicago stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and unparalleled training. This isn't just a dance studio; it's a dynamic hub for the arts community, offering both a nationally recognized contemporary dance company and a world-class school. Visceral Dance Center provides a comprehensive environment designed to cultivate dance education, creation, and performance, deeply engaging artists and audiences alike in the infinite possibilities of contemporary movement.

Founded and led by Artistic Director Nick Pupillo, Visceral Dance Center has garnered widespread acclaim for its daring vision and commitment to artistic progression. The facility itself is a testament to this dedication, boasting "spacious and modern studios" that are "just gorgeous: big mirrors, appropriate floors, some with skylights." This state-of-the-art environment creates an ideal setting for learning and creation. Reviewers consistently praise the "very professional teachers and piano accompanists," highlighting the high caliber of instruction available. One adult ballet student even wished the center were in Boston, emphasizing its exceptional quality for daily practice.

Visceral Dance Center prides itself on its "positive environment, exceptional faculty," and a broad range of classes accessible to "all individuals, from the beginner to professional level dancers." Whether you're interested in the rigorous technique of ballet, the expressive freedom of contemporary, or the energetic pulse of hip hop, Visceral offers diverse programming for youth and adults seven days a week. The center's dedication to providing a challenging yet supportive learning atmosphere ensures that every student can reach their fullest potential, making it an invaluable resource for the Illinois dance community.

Visceral Dance Center is strategically located at 3121 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618, USA. This address places it within Chicago's vibrant Avondale neighborhood, making it a central and accessible destination for dancers and audiences across the city and surrounding suburbs in Illinois. Its position along the Chicago River further adds to its appeal as a modern arts hub.

The studio benefits significantly from Chicago's robust public transportation network. It is easily reachable by taking the Red or Brown 'L' train to Belmont, followed by the 77 Belmont Bus west to Belmont and Rockwell. This makes it convenient for those who rely on public transit. For individuals driving, street parking is readily available on Rockwell, Belmont, and Elston, with no permits required on these streets, which is a considerable advantage in an urban setting like Chicago. This excellent accessibility ensures that dancers from various parts of Illinois can easily commute to attend classes or performances. Furthermore, the facility's design with six large studio spaces and a convertible performance theater, all equipped with sound systems, mirrors, professional flooring, and individual temperature controls, alongside amenities like dressing rooms, lobby, kitchen, and lounge areas, contributes to a comfortable and efficient experience for all visitors.

Visceral Dance Center offers an extensive and diverse range of dance classes and programs catering to all ages and skill levels, from toddlers to professional dancers. Their curriculum emphasizes high-quality training across various styles, fostering both technical mastery and artistic expression.

Services Offered:

• Youth Programs (Ages 18 months - 17 years):
  • Creative Movement & Baby & Me: Introducing very young children to movement and rhythm.
  • Ballet: Foundational training in classical ballet technique across multiple levels.
  • Contemporary: Exploring expressive and fluid movement combining various dance forms.
  • Jazz: Dynamic classes focusing on technique, rhythm, and stage presence.
  • Hip Hop & Breaking: Energetic urban dance styles.
  • Tap: Classes emphasizing rhythmic footwork and musicality.
  • Musical Theatre: Combining dance, acting, and singing for performance.
• Adult Programs (Open Classes 7 days a week):
  • Ballet (Beginner I, II, Intermediate, Advanced): Comprehensive ballet instruction for all adult levels, including those new to dance and professional dancers.
  • BeMoved®: A unique dance experience for all movement abilities, emphasizing joy, balance, and coordination across 22 unique dance genres.
  • Contemporary Dance: Open classes exploring various contemporary techniques and improvisation.
  • Jazz: Open classes for different levels, focusing on jazz technique and stylistic elements.
  • Tap: Open classes for adults interested in rhythmic footwork.
  • Modern Dance: Exploring modern dance principles and techniques.
  • Hip Hop: Open classes for adults to learn and practice hip hop styles.
• Pre-Professional Programs:
  • Visceral Trainee Program (Ages 18-24): Designed to bridge training to professional careers, including collaboration, mentorship, and performance of new creations.
  • Visceral Studio Company (Ages 11-17): A top pre-professional program focusing on ballet and contemporary technique with an emphasis on performance.
• Performance Opportunities:
  • Visceral Dance Chicago (Professional Company): Internationally recognized contemporary dance company performing a diverse repertoire.
  • In-House Theater Space: The Ann Barzel Theater is available for performances and special events.
• Workshops and Master Classes: Offered by acclaimed guest teachers and choreographers.
• Studio Rentals: Six spacious studios and a convertible performance theater available for rehearsals, workshops, and auditions.

Visceral Dance Center boasts an array of impressive features and highlights that solidify its reputation as a premier dance institution in Chicago and beyond.

Features / Highlights:

• State-of-the-Art Facility: Recognized as a premier dance facility with "spacious and high-quality spaces," including six large studios and a convertible performance theater. Studios are equipped with professional flooring (Harlequin Sprung with Marley, and White Maple Hardwood), mirrors, sound systems, and individual temperature controls.
• Exceptional Faculty: Instructors are "industry professionals" and "highly esteemed professional dancers with extensive background in various forms of dance," ensuring top-tier training. Reviews specifically mention "very professional teachers and piano accompanists."
• Positive and Inclusive Environment: Known for its "positive environment" and commitment to "diversity, equity and inclusion," making dance accessible and welcoming for all individuals, from beginners to professionals.
• Comprehensive Program Offerings: Provides a wide range of classes for all ages (18 months - 17 years for youth; daily open classes for adults) and levels in styles such as Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, and Musical Theater.
• Nationally Recognized Professional Company: Home to Visceral Dance Chicago, an acclaimed contemporary dance company that performs diverse repertoire and challenges audience expectations with its exceptional technicality and daring athleticism.
• Dedicated to Holistic Development: Aims to cultivate dance education, creation, and performance, serving the growing needs of the entire Chicago arts community for rehearsals, workshops, and auditions.
• Accessibility to All Levels: Offers classes "from the beginning dancer to the seasoned professional," with discounted rates for college students, seniors, and dance professionals, and offers work-study and scholarships.
• In-House Performance Venue: The Ann Barzel Theater provides a dedicated space for performances and special events, enhancing the experience for both students and the wider community.
• Convenient Location & Parking: Easily accessible by public transportation and offers on-street parking with no permits required.

For all inquiries regarding class schedules, program details, registration, or rental information, Visceral Dance Center can be contacted directly using the information below.

Contact Information:

Address: 3121 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618, USA

Phone: (773) 772-1771

Mobile Phone: +1 773-772-1771

For residents across Illinois, particularly those in the dynamic city of Chicago, Visceral Dance Center is an exceptionally suitable and inspiring choice for dance education and appreciation. Its standing as a premier facility, boasting "spacious and modern studios" equipped with professional flooring, immediately sets it apart. More importantly, the center is home to an "exceptional faculty" of highly esteemed professional dancers who bring their expertise and passion to every class, ensuring top-tier instruction for all ages and skill levels.

Whether you are an adult seeking to rediscover ballet for exercise, a youth aspiring to professional dance, or a family looking for a nurturing environment for creative movement, Visceral Dance Center's diverse program offerings cater to every need. The consistently positive reviews highlight its welcoming atmosphere and the quality of its training, which goes beyond mere steps to foster confidence, artistry, and a deep appreciation for dance. As a vital hub for Chicago's arts community, offering both a renowned professional company and accessible educational programs, Visceral Dance Center is an invaluable local resource. It allows Illinois residents to not only learn from the best but also to immerse themselves in a vibrant cultural experience right in their own backyard.

Visceral Dance Center

3121 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618, USA