Collaboration, business innovation, artistic mecca, all contributes to Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP) artistic director Lane Alexander’s vision of the American Rhythm Center (ARC). Opening its doors on October 1st, ARC is a collaborative adventure that will provide small to mid-sized Chicago dance companies a permanent home in Chicago’s historical landmark Fine Arts Building. “ARC will serve a two-fold purpose: to offer world-class dance instruction for the public and provide a stable platform for small and medium-sized nonprofit companies in Chicago’s emerging dance corridor,” according to Lane Alexander.
What is this “Dance Corridor” everyone is talking about? It starts on 800 N. Michigan to 1300 S. Michigan, from the Joffrey Ballet all the way to the Dance Center of Columbia College. Although not on Michigan Ave, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, are also included. ARC is right smack in the middle of this corridor. “Making art has become more nourishing than watching others make art,” Lane Alexander says in a press release. According to NEA, research shows that taking classes in the arts produces art consumers.
The former space of the Boitsov Ballet, ARC is currently being renovated and will include three studios, dressing rooms, administration offices, and eventually a black box theater. CHRP and the other partnered companies will offer classes at the center, from bollywood to tap. The goal is for the companies to generate revenue from tuition-based education programs as well as be home to a collaborative environment with shared resources.
Photo by Dave Rentauskas
In addition to CHRP, eight other companies create ARC including three Chicago Dance Supply Sponsored Companies:
- –Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre (Chicago Dance Supply Sponsored Company)
- –Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute
- –Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras
- –Giordano Dance Chicago (Chicago Dance Supply Sponsored Company)
- –Kalapriya, Center for Indian Performing Arts
- –Luna Negra Dance Theater
- -Ping Pong Productions, which facilitates collaborations between Chinese and international artists
- –River North Dance Chicago (Chicago Dance Supply Sponsored Company)
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Discover more about this amazing new collaboration through these other articles:
- –Chicago Tribune
- –Chicago Sun-Times
- –Reader
- –Trailerpilot
- –Rogue Ballerina
- –BroadwayWorld.com
- –kidsmartcity.com
- –4dancers.org
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ARC will be offering FREE classes starting NOW!
