Business Details
8 Years
experience
Dance for All: Accessible Performances in Chicago Communities
We are a Chicago-based nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to concert dance for underserved communities through free performances, arts education, and community engagement initiatives. Founded in 2018 by Executive Artistic Director Tyler Thompson, our organization addresses barriers to arts access by presenting professional dance programming in neighborhoods historically excluded from cultural resources. Our team combines formal dance training from esteemed institutions like Mason Gross School of the Arts and Dominican University with deep local roots to create inclusive programming. We focus on delivering high-quality dance education through adult classes and community workshops while paying professional artists fairly. Our approach emphasizes equity in arts programming by centering marginalized communities as primary audiences rather than outreach targets.With leadership from experienced artistic directors and a diverse board of directors, we aim to inspire systemic change within the dance industry through accessible programming. Through strategic partnerships with local venues and cultural organizations, we ensure our performances and classes remain donation-based while maintaining artistic excellence. Our work directly addresses emotional and psychological benefits of dance by making these experiences available to all socioeconomic groups. By combining professional artistry with community-centered programming, we demonstrate dance's transformative power as both art form and social practice. Our long-term vision includes replicating this model in other cities to create nationwide impact in arts accessibility.
Services
Dance Performances
Adult Dance Classes
Community Engagement
Arts Education
Studio Rentals
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- We offer free concert dance programming in underserved Chicago neighborhoods
- Our team includes artistic directors trained at Mason Gross and Dominican University
- We pay professional artists fairly while maintaining free audience access
- Our community-first approach centers marginalized communities as primary audiences
- We combine dance education with performance programming for holistic engagement
Services
Dance Performances
Our professional dance performances bring contemporary choreography to underserved Chicago neighborhoods through donation-based concerts. The performances feature trained artists presenting original works that reflect community narratives and cultural diversity. By removing financial barriers, we ensure these artistic experiences are accessible to residents who might otherwise lack access to professional dance.
Adult Dance Classes
We offer structured dance classes for adults in contemporary ballet, modern, and other styles at accessible price points. These classes provide technical training while fostering community through shared artistic practice. Instruction comes from experienced directors including Pauline Mosley and Tyler Thompson, with both educators holding formal dance training credentials from accredited institutions.
Community Engagement
Our community engagement initiatives create participatory dance experiences through workshops, collaborative projects, and local partnerships. These programs focus on building relationships within Chicago's South and West Side neighborhoods to ensure programming meets actual community needs rather than external assumptions about arts access requirements.
Studio Rentals
We provide access to our professionally equipped dance studio space for rental at reasonable rates. The facility features sprung flooring and 1,036 square feet of dedicated dance space suitable for rehearsals, classes, or special events. This service supports our mission by generating operational funds while serving local artists and educators.
Arts Education
Our arts education programs extend beyond adult classes to include community workshops and youth engagement initiatives. These offerings focus on developing dance literacy while emphasizing cultural relevance and accessibility. The curriculum incorporates various dance styles reflecting Chicago's diverse communities and the artistic directors' formal training backgrounds.
People
Tyler Thompson
Executive Artistic Director
Founder of 773 Dance Project with formal training from Mason Gross School of the Arts and Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center. Choreographer and performer who seeks to make dance accessible to all Chicago communities.
Pauline Mosley
Executive Artistic Director
Co-Executive Artistic Director trained at Dominican University and Chicago Multicultural Dance Center. Holds MBA from National University. Prior performer with Alonzo King LINES Ballet, committed to expanding dance access in Chicago.
Veronica Thompson
Board Treasurer
Chicago native with 25+ years in education, including CPS principal experience. Holds graduate degrees in education from National Louis University. Advocates for equity in educational opportunities for children of color through arts engagement.
Kaysi Gray
Board Secretary
Chicago community health advocate and co-founder of Seed Wellness. Promotes wellness integration into Black communities while supporting arts access as essential for personal growth and creativity through board service.
Cynthia Wagner
Board Member
St. Louis native with dance training from Pelagie G. Wren Dance Academy and Creighton University. Founder of Powerhouse Productions and Creative Marketing Methods with extensive experience in dance education and business management.
Questions
How does 773 Dance Project maintain free programming?
We rely on donations, sponsorships, and grants to sustain our free programming while paying artists fairly for their work.
What areas do you serve in Chicago?
We primarily serve South and West Side communities with performances, classes, and events in accessible local venues.
What dance styles are offered?
Our programming includes contemporary ballet, modern, African, Latin, and other styles reflecting Chicago's diversity.
How can I participate in classes?
Adult classes are offered seasonally with registration details posted online for each session's specific offerings.
How does 773 expand dance access?
We remove financial barriers through free programming while maintaining artistic excellence through professional dancer compensation.
