South Chicago Dance Theatre

The South Chicago Dance Theatre is a multicultural organization aiming to preserve the art of dance through quality performances and educational opportunities. The diverse repertoire of the company seamlessly fuses classical and contemporary dance styles and also preserves historic dance works. SCDT is committed to creating, teaching, and performing dance on a regional, national and international platform. At the heart of the organization is the Youth Training Company where students develop problem-solving skills, the integrity of work ethic, resilience, and cross-cultural understanding.

SCDT is firmly rooted on Chicago’s south side. Several of the company’s collaborators have been a part of the fabric of the south side’s vibrant arts community since the early 1960’s. Thus, the SCDT is committed to maintaining its rich heritage through the embodiment of south Chicago-influenced movement, music, and history.

Since the 2017 launch, the Main Company has toured regionally, nationally, and internationally and commissioned the choreographic work of renowned artists. Its collaborative initiatives have included music ensembles, television, opera, art museums and public schools through a range of self-produced and institutionally presented performances. Prioritizing intergenerational learning and exchange, SCDT’s seven core programs utilize the art of dance to reframe trauma narratives through creative storytelling and replace dominant cultural narratives with community narratives. These creative initiatives include the Main Company and Emerging Artist Program, the Choreographic Fellowship, the School, the Education and Community Programs, the South Chicago Arts Administration Fellowship, the annual South Chicago Dance Festival, and the Choreographic Diplomacy ™ Program. The art of dance empowers our community to resist oppression and foster collective healing.

In its 5th anniversary season, SCDT made its Harris Theater For Music and Dance debut to a sold-out audience, performed internationally in Arnhem, Netherlands, and was presented virtually at Edinburgh Fringe Festival amongst other local and national performances. Between 2020 and 2022, SCDT also increased its Education and Community programs partners from three to sixteen.