DanceWorks Chicago Announces DANCE360, Summer 2017

Continuing its commitment to the development of young artists, DanceWorks Chicago (DWC) will launch a new initiative, Dance360, a holistic approach to dance training and artistic development. "Through fiscal discipline, DanceWorks Chicago has positioned itself to continue to exercise creativity to keep young artists at our core and demonstrate our dance citizenship by moving the art form forward," says CEO Andreas Böttcher.

Dance360 Summer 2017 programming will be held at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, where DWC has been in-residence since its inception. DanceWorks Chicago's leadership team of Andreas Böttcher, CEO, and Julie Nakagawa, Artistic Director, welcomes Dance360 Program Director Sara Bibik. Ms. Bibik, a Founding Dancer with River North Dance Chicago who has been recognized with a Ruth Page Award for a "Season of Outstanding Dancing", has also served as RNDC's Workshop Director and Artistic Administrator. "I am thrilled to join the DanceWorks Chicago family during this exciting 10th Anniversary Season. My passion to help young dancers is inspired by their determination and dedication. Team DWC recognizes that dancers are hungry for technical rigor, genuine relationships, and inspirational mentorship. Dance360 is dedicated bringing together dancers, their families, and the dance community."

Dance360 Summer 2017 will consist of three components:

• DanceForce: a rigorous, comprehensive training program for dance students, professional aspirants, and early career dancers, July 23-August 13, 2017
• ChoreoLab: a one-week creative residency for local/regional/national choreographers creating new work, August 14-19, 2017
• DanceHub: a convening of local/regional/national decision-makers (artistic directors, heads of college/university dance departments) around classes, joint auditions, networking, professional development, and performances, August 19-20, 2017

"We know that dancers need a diverse set of tools to be successful in the studio, on stage, and in life. Dance360 will help young artists identify, develop, and utilize these tools as they navigate their unique pathways through life," says DWC Artistic Director Julie Nakagawa.

From a recent One-Day Workshop participant: "You and your dancers are a reminder of the importance of community, throughout our journey as artists, and in our lives overall. Thank you for shining a bright light on the importance of perspective, both in our everyday commitments and our long term outlooks."

Founded in May 2007, DanceWorks Chicago is committed to building a foundation for early career artists by providing a laboratory from which dancers and choreographers propel themselves and the art form to a new level of artistry through training, collaboration, mentorship, and performance. DWC's efforts to nurture and convene the next generation of artists, audience, and dance citizens, inspires, empowers, and contributes to a sustainable future for dance.

For information on Dance360 including auditions, programming, and housing, please contact Program Director Sara Bibik atsbibik@danceworkschicago.org.

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