Programs
Through our Professional Company, Youth Company, training, and community programs, JHDC has used dance to unite and inspire for the last 50+ years. Join the movement today. There’s a space for everyone on the dancefloor.
Education Programs
JHDC offers dynamic programming for grades K-12, including in-school & virtual classes, field trip programs, assembly presentations, and extracurricular training. JHDC has been honored to work with schools across Chicago, including Children of the Peace Catholic School, LaSalle Language Academy, Saint Ignatius College Prep, and Walter Payton College Prep. JHDC has also performed throughout Chicago schools as a part of Urban Gateways.
To inquire about building a personalized program for your school, contact [email protected]
Community Programs
The Chrysalis Project
We are proud to partner with the Youth Empowerment Performance Project, or YEPP, on the Chrysalis Project. “Chrysalis” brings together young adults facing housing and food challenges and supplies them with food, transportation, and training in dance as a tool for expression and self-care. Over the course of a 16-week program, these young people will work with an emerging choreographer to develop a final project that expresses their lived experiences and demonstrates their commitment to developing their skills and caring for each other through this process.
Dance is well-known for its benefits. It builds community and social skills. It conditions the body through intense physical exercise. It strengthens the mind with coordination challenges and spatial awareness. It releases endorphins and supports better self-image and self-esteem. Increasingly, dance has been scientifically shown to aid brain development in youth, support mental acuity in seniors, and as a way to minimize the effects of Parkinsons.
Chrysalis programs launched in January 2025 and we look forward to a final performance in late Spring 2025.
Healing Modalities
JHDC believes in the healing power of movement and the importance of a strong arts community. Through the mindful curation of classes, events, seminars, and accessible opportunities, JHDC is committed to giving our community the tools to heal and grow. Together we are stronger, turning dust into glitter.
