The creative voice is such a vital, valued, and integral part of our world. Support of and for that voice has and continues to be a passion at Thodos Dance Chicago. As times continue to  shift and change, our gaze and focus moves to our shared path ahead as we alongside other arts entities in our community create a needed opportunity for the dance voice, an an investment in our shared creative future. Early career artists, we are calling on you as our next generation of inspired innovators to realize your dance visions, and we’d like to help you do that through our New Dance / New Horizons opportunity. Read on and join in our shared new community horizons!

Spread the word, the New Dances / New Horizons

microgrant application is OPEN! 

CALLING ALL DANCEMAKERS: Early-career, Chicago and Chicagoland-based dancemakers working in any dance genre(s) are invited to apply for consideration to receive a microgrant of up to $500.

Thodos Dance Chicago (TDC) has been the proud home of New Dances (ND) for over 25 years. Originating with The Chicago Repertory Dance Ensemble in 1983, New Dances (ND) came under the umbrella of TDC in 2000 and was in partnership with DanceWorks Chicago from 2018-2025.

TDC is thrilled to announce New Dances / New Horizons (ND / NH), a new initiative providing support for early-career, Chicago-based choreographers through project-based microgrants. ND / NH will continue TDC’s goal to enrich and serve our vibrant commUNITY by shining a light on artists’ creativity and supporting opportunities for their continued growth, while building upon the New Dances legacy of developing choreographic talent in the Chicagoland community!

Applications are due by 10:00am (Central time) on Friday, February 27, 2026. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. 

We look forward to getting to know you and your work!

Photo credits:

New Dances 2025 Choreographer: Maddy McCarthy in collaboration with the dancers

New Dances 2025 Dancers: Claire Binguit, Mikee Ellis, Hannah Huang, Nia Montgomery

Photo by Vin Reed

Have questions about the ND / NH application after reading through it? Check out our FAQ guide here!

Please reach out to TDC General Manager, Emma Lambert, at

emma.lambert@thodosdancechicago.org with any additional questions.

Join us for the ND / NH application information session on Tuesday, February 10 from 4:00 - 5:00pm CT! You can join the Zoom room via this link.

Please come prepared by having read through the application and FAQ guide before you join so we can make the most of our time together.

Can't attend the session? Watch the recorded session, which will be available to view on our website on Wednesday, February 11 at 9:00am CT.

As we embark on 2026, we are grateful for your thoughtful consideration to support our Match Campaign for New Dances / New Horizons.

Each donated dollar up to $1,500 will be matched courtesy of a generous donation from Compliance Program Management LLC, David R. Hall and Michael C. Nugent. Double your impact today and consider investing in our shared creative future.

New Dances / New Horizons (ND / NH), is a new initiative providing support for early-career, Chicago-based choreographers through project-based microgrants. ND / NH will continue TDC’s goal to enrich and serve our vibrant commUNITY by shining a light on artists’ creativity and supporting opportunities for their continued growth. New Dances (ND) has been part of Chicago’s dance history for over 40 years, originating with The Chicago Repertory Dance Ensemble in 1983!

Checks may be made out to Thodos Dance Chicago and mailed to 1016 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610. Electronic payment may be made via our website through the "Donate Now" button below.

Thank you for being part of Thodos Dance Chicago’s family of supporters.  #SupportTheHeARTS