Join a Chicago Dance Group!

Are you a passionate and talented dancer? Have you always wished you could show off your talents on stage? Are you at least 16 years old? If so, Creative Soul Dance Group might be the place for you! As a current member of the group, I must admit that joining this group was one of the best things that could have happened to me upon moving to a new city. I have always been passionate about dance and have studied various styles including jazz,ballet, modern, and hip hop since I was seven years old. Now 25, I am thrilled to be able to have a place to further my dance skills, build on my creativity, and share my talents with fun, dedicated people.

After moving to the city in 2005, I had virtually given up dance because I didn't think I would have time for it or be able to find a place that catered more towards adults. I wasn't ready to give it up completely and searched around for a class to take or a group that might fit into my schedule. I found a hip hop class at the Discovery Center in Lincoln Park taught by the wonderful and talented Creative Soul Director, Erika Jarvis. I took the class, which proved to be a lot of fun, but I wanted more. I missed that performance aspect of dance. I discussed these feelings with Erika who immediately recommended that I join her dance group, and invited me to come to a practice! I was a bit nervous, feeling somewhat out of practice, but attended practice the following Sunday and was hooked from the start. I saw a diverse group of races, genders, and ethnicities who also had varying skill levels and had studied different dance styles. Some of the members come in having practiced dance all their lives, and some have had little to no formal training but have a natural ability to perform. Some just love to dance and have the drive and dedication to better themselves! There is no pressure here. We welcome all talent levels as long as you can make some commitment to the group and are willing to give 110% of yourself.

The dance styles we focus on include hip hop, modern, salsa, capoeira (a Brazilian form of dance and martial arts), although we welcome all styles of dance. We are also completely flexible with scheduling and will work around your availability. If you are unable to make a certain show, that's okay, you choose how often you wish to perform. If you are unable to make every single practice, we forgive you. We know you have other important life commitments, as long as you make a conscious effort to be there as much as possible. Typically, rehearsals are held once weekly, usually on a Saturday or Sunday at Discovery Center in Lincoln Park. We usually begin rehearsing for shows at least a month in advance, but this can vary depending on the show confirmation date. Rehearsal schedules may increase as it gets closer to show time.

We perform at all types of events around Chicagoland. In the past we have been seen at community arts centers, basketball games, cultural events, parties and ceremonies, and Chicago dance showcases. Our upcoming event "Dance, Sistah Dance" will be held this Saturday, October 28, 2006 at the Duncan YMCA for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. I encourage anyone who enjoys dance performance, or anyone interested in becoming a member to attend the annual event! More information can be found at www.annettehawkins.org. Please feel free to contact me with any further questions. I look forward to dancing with you!