Back at It!
We’re back!! South Chicago Dance Theatre has been in rehearsal training and learning repertory for the past two weeks and what a pleasure it has been.
2020 has been a wild ride for everyone – with quarantine, health issues, and new guidelines and procedures to abide by, we are all adjusting to this new normal. As a dance artist, I have missed the stage and performing. More than that, though, I have missed the indescribable feeling of being in a room with other dancers sharing time, space, and energy. This collective joy not only sparks inspiration and happiness, but gives me a sense of belonging. Plain and simple – it’s why I do what I do.
Although the majority of us company members and emerging artists are brand new to SCDT, rehearsal immediately felt like Home for all of us. Dance has a special way of breaking barriers and introducing us to one another through the language of movement. I already feel inspired and challenged by my fellow dancers while also learning their personalities through their individual movement quality. Shannon is ambitious, Kyle is patient, Imani is so willing, Heather is poised, and Kim is dynamic. We all bring such different traits to the table – what is one person’s strength is what the rest of us can look to for motivation. We have diverse training backgrounds, but we also have various backgrounds as people. That is what makes our company so beautiful and what makes me so excited to continue this season. I see so much opportunity for growth and as an artist that thrills me. Stay tuned everyone! I have a good feeling about the rest of this year!!
-Kelly Anderson
Welcome
Dear Reader,
Thank you for taking a moment to visit the South Chicago Dance Theatre's blog. This season, Main Company artist Kelly Anderson will give offer a behind the scenes look at the company's in person and virtual performances, South Chicago Dance Festival, our Education and Community Programs, First Saturdays with the South Chicago Dance Theatre +Touch Gift Foundation and much more! SCDT Dramaturg Tanniqua-Kay Buchanan will also contribute to our blog throughout the season as she supports the company in research for the premiere of my work "Anthology of the Heart". Our theme for this year is "Honoring Tradition, Elevating the Voices of Our Time". Throughout the year's programs, we aim to uplift and engage current artists of both our hyperlocal and global community whilst continually paying homage to those who have come before us.
We hope that you will join our journey throughout season four in both the live and virtual setting!
Signing Off,
Kia S. Smith
Executive Artistic Director/Resident Choreographer
Kelly Anderson, Blog Manager