Photo by Kristen Cox.
Community Outreach and Education
The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago’s Community Outreach and Education (COE) department is dedicated to broadening audiences and engaging the public through dynamic programs that deepen the experience of contemporary dance. COE partners with diverse cultural and community- based organizations to develop programs that explore national and international dancemakers’ work, process, and technique. COE programs range from community master classes and family dance matinees, to interactive workshops, discussions, and public fora.
If you would like more information about how to become involved in COE programs, please contact Alycia Scott at ascott@colum.edu.
DanceMasters
Expand your artistic and technical palette while meeting other artists from the Chicago community. DanceMasters classes offer a unique opportunity to learn first-hand from the internationally renowned choreographers and dancers featured during The Dance Center’s season. The classes are for intermediate or higher level dancers and are open to the public. more info...
FamilyDance
The Dance Center believes in opening up the world of contemporary dance to the whole family. During our FamilyDance matinee series, families can spend a Saturday afternoon at The Dance Center enjoying an hour-long family-oriented program by top contemporary dance companies. A free hands-on movement workshop followed by a matinee performance, gives families a chance to experience the art of dance on the main stage with world class artistic directors and dancers, before sitting down to watch an excerpt from the presenting companies’ performance. more info...
Community Outreach Events : Public Programs
The Dance Center’s Community Outreach and Education department develops programs to provide the public with opportunities for deeper engagement with dance and contextualization of dance artists’ works. Community Outreach Events range from panel discussions to interactive workshops with Artistic Directors and dancers of our presenting companies. Events take place throughout the city in community centers, city parks, schools, alternative spaces, and other places throughout Chicago’s neighborhoods.
The Community Outreach and Education department also partners with schools and universities to bring experiences with world-class contemporary dance artists to students in classrooms throughout Chicago.