Dancing Across Generations
Connection Through Movement
Dancing Across Generations is a holistic collaboration between dance students and seniors from Southeast Atlas Senior Center in South Shore. SCDT uses the creative process to bridge the gap between generations, providing a platform for healing, connection, resource sharing and community collaboration.
Made possible through support from Innovation 80, this program launched in the spring of 2025 and has become an integral piece of SCDT’s vision for thriving intergenerational communities on Chicago’s South Side.
Across Generations, In Their Words
What person has been most influential in your life?
“The people that have impacted me most have been my Mom and my Dad, they met each other during World War II.”
— Elder Participant
“The person who has been most influential in my life other than my mother is Dr. Carolyn Goodman, who was the mother of a young man who was killed by the Ku Klux Klan.”
— Elder Participant
“The person who really impacted me the most is my sister.”
— Elder Participant
“This class was uplifting and sort of like spiritual.”
— Elder Participant
What Is Your Greatest Hope for the Future?
“We live in a world with more empathy.”
— Younger Participant
“To create a community surrounding me.”
— Younger Participant
“To live and to love people.”
— Elder Participant
“To inspire through my singing and dancing.”
— Elder Participant
