South Chicago Dance Theatre

- 5728 S Blackstone Ave Suite 310, Chicago, IL 60637

In the vibrant and culturally rich landscape of Chicago, a truly unique and impactful organization stands out: the South Chicago Dance Theatre (SCDT). This is not just a dance company; it is a multicultural institution dedicated to the preservation of historic dance work while fearlessly embracing innovation. Founded in 2017 by the visionary Kia S. Smith, SCDT has swiftly become an international force, recognized for its seamless fusion of classical and contemporary styles. The company's work is deeply rooted in the fabric of Chicago's South Side, drawing on the city's rich heritage and using dance as a powerful tool to reframe trauma narratives and replace dominant cultural stories with community-driven ones. For residents of Illinois, SCDT offers an opportunity to engage with world-class artistry and compelling storytelling right in their own backyard.

SCDT's mission is centered on a concept they call "Choreographic Diplomacy™," which is the heart of their work. This involves creating, performing, and teaching dance on local, national, and international platforms to build connections and share diverse narratives. The company has toured across the globe, from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland to collaborations with dance companies in Seoul, South Korea. Despite its global presence, SCDT remains committed to its South Side community, maintaining its rich heritage through movement, music, and history. The organization prioritizes intergenerational learning and exchange, ensuring that dance serves not only as an artistic outlet but as a vehicle for empowerment and collective healing. The artistry of SCDT is not just "pretty good," as one review notes; it is rigorous, emotional, and thought-provoking, designed to challenge audiences and inspire dancers to new heights.

South Chicago Dance Theatre is located at 5728 S Blackstone Ave Suite 310, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. Situated in the Hyde Park area, the studio's location is accessible for individuals throughout the South Side of Chicago. For those with mobility needs, the studio provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that the space is welcoming to all members of the community. This commitment to accessibility reflects the company's broader mission of making dance a universal and inclusive art form. Its location in a dynamic, culturally significant neighborhood further connects the company to the very communities that inspire its work, making it a true pillar of the local arts scene.

South Chicago Dance Theatre's offerings are extensive and extend far beyond typical dance classes. As a professional company with a school, they provide a full spectrum of programs designed to develop both artists and community leaders. The services offered include:

• The Main Company and Emerging Artist Program: A professional company that tours and performs innovative repertory, providing a career path for professional dancers.
• The School: Offering quality dance education for all ages. Noted as being "good for kids," the school provides opportunities for young dancers to learn from professionals.
• Education and Community Programs: SCDT serves public school students, providing instruction and engaging lecture-demonstrations that connect dance to history and cultural narratives.
• Choreographic Fellowship: An initiative that commissions original choreographic work from renowned artists, often with a focus on artists of color.
• South Chicago Arts Administration Fellowship: A workforce development program designed to train future arts administrators from the South Side community.
• Annual South Chicago Dance Festival: A significant community event that brings together diverse dance artists and audiences.
• Therapeutic Dance Initiative: SCDT offers specialized programming for a diversity of populations, including a dance workshop for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Community Dance Masterclasses: Opportunities for community members to learn directly from SCDT's founder and artistic director, Kia S. Smith.

South Chicago Dance Theatre is distinguished by a number of key features and highlights that set it apart from other dance organizations. These attributes are what make it a critically acclaimed institution and a vital part of the Chicago arts community.

• Choreographic Excellence: The company is praised for its "note-by-note precision" and its ability to communicate profound emotional truths through dance. They collaborate with and commission works from renowned choreographers, ensuring a diverse and high-quality repertoire.
• Interdisciplinary and Thematic Work: SCDT’s productions often fuse dance with other art forms, including music, television, and opera. Their work is known for tackling important themes, such as the African American experience and trauma narratives, through creative storytelling.
• International and National Recognition: The company has a global presence, performing at prestigious venues like the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago and touring internationally, which speaks to the high level of its artistry.
• Community-Rooted Mission: While achieving international acclaim, SCDT remains deeply committed to its local community. Their educational and community programs are designed to empower local voices and narratives.
• Diverse Repertoire: The company's repertoire seamlessly fuses classical and contemporary dance styles, including ballet, jazz, and modern, and is committed to a diverse body of work that reflects a wide range of influences and histories.
• Inclusive and Accessible: The organization's focus on inclusivity is a key highlight, with specific programs for populations with diverse needs and a physically accessible studio space.
• Critical Acclaim: The company has received numerous awards and positive press from publications like Dance Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, and Chicago Magazine, solidifying its reputation as a "company to watch."

For more information on performances, classes, or to support this incredible organization, here is the contact information for South Chicago Dance Theatre.

Address: 5728 S Blackstone Ave Suite 310, Chicago, IL 60637, USA

Phone: (708) 906-7237

Mobile Phone: +1 708-906-7237

Choosing a dance company to engage with, whether as a student or an audience member, is a decision that reflects your values and interests. South Chicago Dance Theatre is worth choosing for many compelling reasons. The company’s unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, cultural preservation, and community engagement makes it a truly unique institution. Unlike companies that may focus solely on performance, SCDT is deeply invested in education and social impact, using the power of dance to tell stories that resonate with and empower communities. The fusion of diverse choreographic voices—from classical ballet to contemporary jazz and everything in between—ensures that every show is a new and exciting experience. For students, the opportunity to learn from and perform with a professional company is an invaluable experience that goes far beyond technique. They are exposed to a world-class level of artistry and a deep sense of purpose.

Furthermore, SCDT's dedication to accessibility and inclusivity is a powerful statement. They not only provide physically accessible spaces but also create programs that serve a variety of populations, ensuring that everyone has the chance to experience the transformative power of dance. The company's commitment to creating and preserving dance that speaks to the Black experience and other underrepresented narratives is a critical contribution to the American dance landscape. By supporting and engaging with South Chicago Dance Theatre, you are not only experiencing "pretty good" dancing; you are becoming part of a movement that is using art to create positive change and to build a more connected, understanding, and beautiful world. It is a choice that enriches both the individual and the community, making SCDT a true treasure of Chicago's arts scene.

South Chicago Dance Theatre

5728 S Blackstone Ave Suite 310, Chicago, IL 60637, USA