Happy Valentine’s Day, SCDT fans! Whether you celebrate it or consider it a Hallmark holiday, we never mind spreading more love around and contributing to a positive and nurturing environment! This Valentine’s Day I want to highlight 14 people (or groups of people) that we are sending big love to this February and always!!

1. Our Board AND Administrative Staff…you have no idea how much they do for us! From serving as promotion throughout our community to assisting with grant writing, budget, payroll…the list is never-ending. Without them, there would be no South Chicago Dance Theatre. We appreciate you all!
2. Hyde Park School of Dance staff. Without the fabulous staff and directors of HPSD, we would not have a space to rehearse each day. If dancers don’t have a studio, there is no show. We love your generosity and willingness to have us around each week!
3. Ethan Kirschbaum. The most feel good of all feel good contemporary classes we’ve ever taken. We look forward to having you and continuing our training with you each and every week!
4. Sarah Schaefer. We’ve had Sarah as our ballet mistress for two years running and can we talk about our technical improvement in ballet? She’s a magician and we love her dearly.
5. Jessica Miller Tomlinson. Talk about the most impressive Rehearsal Director you’ve ever met. Jessica has been so busy prepping us for our Harris Theater debut and we could not be more thankful.
6. My fellow dancers! Kim, Hayley, Heather, Taylor, Sydney, JD, Tori, Amaya, Louis, Lourdes, Elijah, Mauricio, Ricky…I wouldn’t be the dancer I am without growing and learning from you all. Much love!
7. Joseph Kim & Choomna Art Center. We had the most wonderful time with you in Chicago in the fall and simply cannot wait to see you in the Netherlands in a short month!
8. Our Black History Month School coordinators! The Chicago Public Schools’ principals, coordinators, and staff have been wonderful to us this month. We love your support of the arts & SCDT!
9. Wade Schaaf. Our first resident choreographer for our 5th anniversary season – we love your piece and the energy you brought to our rehearsal!
10. Ron De Jesus. Our powerhouse final piece that you choreographed for our entire company is unmatched. We love it!
11. Stephanie Martinez. We are ecstatic to work with you and are excited to see what you have in store.
12. Crystal Michelle Perkins. Our second season with your fabulous and dynamic choreography. We’re lucky to have you!
13. Our guest teachers! Throughout the season we’ve experienced plenty of outside help. Our master classes with Samantha Dauer, Patti Eylar, ReginaArtD, and many more keep us exploring new styles and ways of approaching movement!
14. Kia S. Smith – our lovely artistic and executive director! We never know how you do what you do, but we are forever grateful that you do it and keep us dancing! YOU are the epitome of energy, grace, and power!

Tell someone you love them today. Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day and the best remainder of the month!