YDTGC

YDTGC The Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago is the resident dance company at Baila Conmigo Dance With Me studio in Berwyn, IL.

Its mission is to allow youth an opportunity to perform in original productions.

Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago Awarded $12,000 Illinois Arts Council GrantBERWYN, IL — September 1, 2026 — Youth...
09/01/2026

Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago Awarded $12,000 Illinois Arts Council Grant

BERWYN, IL — September 1, 2026 — Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago (YDTGC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $12,000 grant from the Illinois Arts Council through its Creative Projects 2027 program — the maximum award available.

The grant will support the creation and production of What the River Remembers, YDTGC’s original dance-theater work inspired by Scritch Scratch, the acclaimed middle-grade novel by Illinois author Lindsay Currie.

Planned for spring 2027, What the River Remembers will bring together dance, theater, literature, and Chicago history to explore the story of the SS Eastland disaster of 1915. Young dancers will have the opportunity not only to perform an original theatrical work, but also to connect with the history and literature behind it.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this support from the Illinois Arts Council,” said Margo Ruark, Artistic Director of YDTGC. “Receiving the maximum award is an extraordinary vote of confidence in this project and in our young artists. We can’t wait to bring What the River Remembers to the stage.”

The $12,000 award will help fund choreography, rehearsals, production, and the public presentation of the work. Performance details will be announced soon.

Image: Concept image for Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago’s upcoming production, What the River Remembers, an original dance-theater work inspired by Lindsay Currie’s Scritch Scratch and the story of Chicago’s 1915 SS Eastland disaster.

FAQ: When is the performance of An [Urban] Christmas Carol? 🎯 One show only: Saturday, December 5, 2026 @ 6 p.m.🎯 Locati...
08/28/2026

FAQ: When is the performance of An [Urban] Christmas Carol?
🎯 One show only: Saturday, December 5, 2026 @ 6 p.m.
🎯 Location: Madison Street Theater 1010 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL
🎯 Save the date!

The audience sees 80 minutes of magic.Our dancers experience 80+ hours of growth.Behind every standing ovation are hours...
07/26/2026

The audience sees 80 minutes of magic.

Our dancers experience 80+ hours of growth.

Behind every standing ovation are hours of rehearsals, teamwork, creative problem-solving, and perseverance.

By opening night, our dancers aren't just better performers—they're more confident, more resourceful, and more resilient young people.

That's the real standing ovation.

If you're looking for more than dance classes, discover what happens before the curtain rises with the Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago.

07/20/2026

🎄 Cast Announcement: An [Urban] Christmas Carol 🎭

The Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago is thrilled to announce the cast of our Fourth Annual An [Urban] Christmas Carol!

This year's production is being re-imagined with new scenes, new choreography, new music, and fresh surprises while remaining true to the timeless spirit of Charles Dickens' beloved classic.

Principal Cast:
Scrooge — Aaliyah Lopez
Bob Cratchit — Ava Norris
Tiny Tia — Janalee Rodriguez
Frederika, Scrooge's Happy Niece — Karla Guzman
Jacob Marley — Emerson Myczek
Fezziwig — Penelope Brook
Ghost of Christmas Past — Jade Soto
Ghost of Christmas Present — Penelope Brook
Ghost of Christmas Future — Lisa Longo
Gain — Alexis Holmes
Charity Collectors — Sophia Gutierrez & Mary Jane Nicasio
Orphans — Jade Soto & Sophia Gutierrez
Mrs. Cratchit — Trinity Rojas

Ensemble:
Julia Patston
Chloe Hernandez
Alexis Holmes
Sophia Gutierrez
Mary Jane Nicasio
Trinity Rojas
Karla Guzman
Emerson Myczek
Penelope Brook
Jade Soto

We still have a few spots open for additional ensemble members. If you've been thinking about auditioning, there's still time to become part of this special holiday tradition.

🎄 Leave a comment below to congratulate our cast and wish them the best as rehearsals begin next month! We know they'll appreciate your encouragement.

Video clip from dress rehearsal last year!

07/13/2026

We had a great turnout at yesterday's in-person auditions. We are watching the video auditions and will announce the cast shortly. Stay tuned!!!

What parents are saying about The Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago: "This company is truly amazing and it's beauti...
07/07/2026

What parents are saying about The Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago: "This company is truly amazing and it's beautiful that children get to experience something authentic and so mature as performing at an actual theater! Thank you for all the amazing work!!"

Audition to be part of the magic! Auditions are Sunday, July 12, 11:15 a.m. See link in bio to sign up.

✨ What to Expect at YDTGC Auditions ✨📅 Sunday, July 12 • 11:15 a.m.Feeling nervous? Don't be! Our auditions are designed...
07/03/2026

✨ What to Expect at YDTGC Auditions ✨

📅 Sunday, July 12 • 11:15 a.m.

Feeling nervous? Don't be! Our auditions are designed to help dancers shine.

Here's what you can expect:
🩰 A fun and supportive atmosphere
🎵 A group warm-up and movement combinations
💫 Opportunities to show your personality and artistry
🤝 Encouragement from faculty and fellow dancers
🌟 A chance to be considered for exciting performance opportunities and original productions

We're not looking for perfection—we're looking for dancers who are eager to learn, collaborate, and bring their passion to the stage.

Come as you are. Do your best. You just might find your artistic home.

Ready to take the next step? Sign up to audition at https://ydtg-chicago.org/ We can't wait to meet you!

Hey, dancers! 💜So... you think you've got the moves?Then don't just watch from the audience—be part of the show.I'm call...
06/29/2026

Hey, dancers! 💜

So... you think you've got the moves?

Then don't just watch from the audience—be part of the show.

I'm calling all dancers ages 8–18 to audition for the Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago!

This season we're bringing An [Urban] Christmas Carol to life with unforgettable characters, exciting choreography, incredible music, and a cast that feels like family.

Whether you've danced with us before or you're ready for your very first big production, this is your chance to step into the spotlight.

✨ Audition: Saturday, July 12 at 11:15 a.m.
🎥 Can't make it? A video audition option is available.

The only thing standing between you and the stage... is showing up.

So what are you waiting for? Details at ydtg-chicago.org!

I want YOU to audition for the YDTGC! 💜

✨ Why Join the Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago? ✨You love to dance. Why not be part of something extraordinary? Y...
06/29/2026

✨ Why Join the Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago? ✨

You love to dance. Why not be part of something extraordinary?

YDTGC offers young artists the opportunity to work with talented choreographers, experience customized rehearsals, and perform in professionally produced productions alongside other passionate dancers. It's a place to challenge yourself, grow as an artist, build lasting friendships, and create work that is both meaningful and exciting.

From original productions to unique performance experiences you won't find anywhere else in Chicagoland, YDTGC is where dedication meets creativity—and where serious dancers have serious fun.

💃 Train with purpose. Create with friends. Perform with pride.

Audition. Belong. Shine. Auditions are July 12, 2026. See link in bio!

July 1st - Parent Informational Meeting - Youth Dance Theater of Greater ChicagoCurious about your child joining the You...
06/24/2026

July 1st - Parent Informational Meeting - Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago

Curious about your child joining the Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago cast? We will host a parent informational meeting Wednesday, July 1, 2026 @ 6 pm on zoom. Learn all about the studio's resident company, our exciting 2026-27 season and get all your questions answered!

Join meeting here: https://zoom.us/j/97466280900?pwd=r5R2M7Q8LQc6eF0NMvMZSJPt6q8fEM.1

Address

6829-31 Stanley Avenue
Berwyn, IL
60402

Telephone

+17088881863

Website

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