Thank you for your interest in New Dances 2025!
Thodos Dance Chicago and DanceWorks Chicago are excited to collaborate on New Dances 2025 and continue a shared tradition of serving Chicago’s dance community. New Dances has been part of Chicago’s dance history for over four decades, originating with the Chicago Repertory Dance Ensemble in 1983. New Dances continues to offer a platform for early career choreographers to create new work with artistic, logistic, and financial support.
CALLING ALL DANCERS: Chicago and Chicagoland-based dancers skilled in a variety of dance genres are invited to apply to join the New Dances Company. Please complete the Dancer Registration Form by NOON (Central time) on Friday, April 4, in order to attend the audition on Sunday, April 13 at 11:00am at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts. New Dances Choreographers; Melissa Thodos Artistic Director Thodos Dance Chicago; and Julie Nakagawa Artistic Director DanceWorks Chicago, will conduct the audition. New Dances choreographers will assess applicants and invitations will be extended to a select group of dancers. Each applicant will hear back regarding their application by Monday, April 28. Classes, rehearsals, and performances will take place from June 2-21, during Chicago Dance Month.
BONUS: New Dances 2025 performances will be offered while Dance / USA is hosting its National Conference in Chicago, creating opportunities for local artists to enjoy national exposure!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Pre-Registration is required and will close at NOON (Central Time) on Friday, April 4.
- Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
- As New Dances is focused on supporting artists who have made a commitment to the Chicago community, please respect the residency requirement: Dancers must reside in Chicago or a suburb of Chicago as of April 4, 2025.
- There is no audition fee for these paid positions.
- Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
-New Dances 2025 choreographers will be announced on Monday, March 17.
Selected Chicago-based dancers will receive:
- An invitation to be part of the New Dances 2025 Company, joining with DanceWorks Chicago dancers, training, rehearsing, performing, building community.
- An honorarium of $595 to cover the three-week creative and performance period.
- Access to PT sessions provided by Athletico Physical Therapy.
- 2 complimentary tickets to a New Dances 2025 performance.
New Dances 2025 venue partners are The Dance Center of Columbia College and The Ruth Page Center for The Arts.
Commitments Include:
- Sunday, April 13: 11:00am-2:00pm: Dancer Audition at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts
- Monday - Thursday, June 2 - 5: 9:30am-4:00pm, Classes and rehearsals at The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago (*Please note that rehearsals will end at 3:30 pm on M/T/Th/F. Only Wednesday’s rehearsal will go until 4:00 pm.)
- Friday, June 6: 9:30am-3:30pm, Classes, rehearsals, and Mentorship Panel Showing at The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago.
- Monday - Friday, June 9 - 13: 9:30am-4:00pm, Classes and rehearsals at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts (*Please note that rehearsals will end at 3:30 pm on M/T/Th/F. Only Wednesday’s rehearsal will go until 4:00 pm.)
- Tuesday – Saturday, June 17 – 21: (times TBA, Days and Evenings) Tech Week and Performances at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts. Please note that choreographers and dancers will be off on Thursday, June 19th in honor of Juneteenth. Performances, including post-performance Meet the Artist talks, will be held Wednesday, June 18; Friday, June 20; and Saturday, June 21 at 7:00 pm. The final performance on Saturday, June 21 will include a post-performance celebration near the theater.
QUESTIONS? Check out the Dancer Audition FAQ Guide! !
We look forward to getting to know you and your work!
Please contact emma.lambert@thodosdancechicago.org with any additional questions.