2022 has been an extraordinary year as we emerged from hibernation, stretching, yawning, and hungry… ready for a return to the live stage after 3 years of virtual and quiet. Vibrant, inspiring, connected, contemplative, caring, creative, are a few words that come to mind in my reflection of New Dances 2022, and the 21 Chicago-strong artists that comprised this wonderful dance resurgence in our community. It truly takes a village, sending heartfelt thanks out to our New Dances partner DanceWorks Chicago, community colleagues, audience, artists, donors, volunteers, venues, and TDC alumni. 

Grateful and excited for what lies ahead,

ND’22 celebrated choreographers: Trey Johnson, Taylor Yocum, Marco Pizano, Kaleigh Dent, Brandon DiCriscio, and MurdaMommy

Top Left: Thodos Dance Chicago Alumni Kristen Vasilakos, Brennen Rentaria, and Luis Vasquez with Melissa Thodos

Top Right: ND’22 Mentors Jeff Hancock and Melissa Thodos

Bottom Left: TDC board members Lesli Babbs and Kim Vatis with Melissa Thodos

Bottom Right: ND'22 Staff Julie Nakagawa, Zach Dreelin, Emma Lambert, Ginger Jensen, Melissa Thodos, and Robyn Wilson

New Dances 2022 may be over, but we're still celebrating the 21 wonderful artists who joined us this year for the 21st anniversary of New Dances under the TDC umbrella where we were thrilled to finally perform for a live Chicago audience again after 3 years!

Thodos Dance Chicago and DanceWorks Chicago enjoy a partnership centered around a shared tradition of developing choreographic talent and serving Chicago’s dance community. We're so grateful for the community's support throughout this process, from company auditions and rehearsals at Dovetail Studios and The Ruth Page Center, to performance week at The Athenaeum Center! 

View the video below and experience inspired reactions given by the 21 New Dances ’22 Chicago-strong artists.

New Dances has been part of Chicago’s dance history for 39 years, originating with The Chicago Repertory Dance Ensemble. Next year we are thrilled to be celebrating the landmark 40th anniversary of this project in our Chicago community. Stay tuned for more details.

New Dances 2023, here we come!