At Thodos Dance Chicago, it continues to be our honor to shine a light on talented early-career artists, with New Dances reimagined through the inaugural New Dances / New Horizons Microgrant . This fluid shift of the historic project will support 10 selected Chicago dance makers to create new work presented throughout the Chicagoland area and beyond, as New Dances / New Horizons expands its spatial geographic reach, elevating new dance voices along the way!  

Sharing an attitude of deep gratitude to you, our valued community, for helping to spread the word for the maiden voyage of the ND / NH Microgrant opportunity. 

Read on as we unveil the 10 talented, Chicago-based ND / NH Microgrant recipients and more!

Thodos Dance Chicago is thrilled to announce the New Dances / New Horizons 2026 Grantees: Alix Schillaci, Angeline Bourgeault, Camila Rivero Pooley, Dawn Heilung, Isabella Wolf, Madeline Douglas, Mark Gonzalez, Matt Haskett, Reign Drop Winker, and Sara Wagenmaker.

Stay tuned on Instagram and Facebook to hear and learn more about each of the inspiring artists in the inaugural ND / NH cohort!

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, ND came under the umbrella of TDC in 2000 and was in partnership with DanceWorks Chicago from 2018-2025.

In 2025, TDC announced 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!

Imani English, Jeff Hancock, and Melissa Thodos served on the inaugural New Dances / New Horizons Selection Committee. All three Selection Committee Panelists have served on the New Dances Mentorship Panel in past years, and they again shone in their thoughtfulness, expertise, and commitment to Chicago artists while selecting the grantees for the pilot season of ND / NH.

Thank you to the commUNITY of applicants and ambassadors who gave their energy to the New Dances / New Horizons Microgrant Application. We’re immensely grateful for your support and enthusiasm in our pilot year!

SAVE the DATE to join Thodos Dance Chicago and DanceWorks Chicago for a joint costume sale at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts on May 15 and 17!

All proceeds go toward New Dances / New Horizons, a microgrant designed to support Chicago-based, early-career choreographers.

More details to come soon!

As we continue in 2026, we are grateful for your thoughtful consideration to support New Dances / New Horizons.

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