Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble
Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble is a Chicago-based, multidisciplinary, arts organization that engages and inspires audiences through socially conscious performances. Founded in 2001, its culture is to collaboratively, through a meld of a variety of arts, to create multi-dimensional dance/theatre performances that appeal to dance, theater, visual art and other audiences. The company combines the talents of dancers, actors, and visual artists whose interests extend beyond their primary artistic discipline. Performances fuse elements of world literature and traditional western theatre with social issues through physical theatre, contemporary dance, multimedia and visual art. Inspired by the German Expressionist movement “tanztheater,” the company uses written word and movement to create original and compelling narratives intended to provide new perspectives and awareness to diverse audiences. Artistic works are designed to create “performances with a purpose” meaning socially current contemporary works that illuminate important socio-political issues to entertain and raise awareness for its audiences. The intent is that performances manifest change on many levels, be it by cognitive impact through a performance work or by provision of programming with partners in the community. The ensemble also works as educators and artists who fill artistic gaps in the Chicago education system and community centers. Programs foster an appreciation for the arts, and work with schoolteachers to reinforce the subjects students are learning through various art projects and performances. Education programs provide students with skills to express thoughts, opinions and emotions while encouraging them to live an active and healthy lifestyle through the physical aspects of theatre and dance. Each year, CDE works with 5,000 kids in Chicago.
