Synapse Arts

Synapse Arts is a performing arts organization based in Chicago, IL

campsite.bio/synapsearts All of our work supports women and LGBTQIA+ artists.

Synapse Arts is a dance-theater company based in Chicago, Illinois. We present professional performances, teach classes to children and adults, and mentor emerging artists. MISSION - Synapse Arts creates, performs, and educates to nurture individual identities and challenge social norms by engaging artists and audiences in the making of dance-theater. SYNAPSE ARTS VALUES

Dance is for everyone, ev

erywhere
We serve all ages, identities, and income levels
We counteract the social justice and cultural challenges of people who identify as women/womxn and LGBTQIA+
We perform in all types of locations - parks, theaters, rooftops, crosswalks, lobbies, and living rooms

FREEDOM TO CREATE
We support the development of new work and the artists themselves, emphasizing under-represented voices
We employ a multidisciplinary approach in all programs
We focus on process over product, because dance becomes truly accessible when we nurture individual identities and challenge social norms at every stage

CULTURE OF RESPECT
We strive to create spaces that are humane and collaborative with clear expectations for everyone
We work with empathy and are driven by artists and stakeholders who represent intersectional identities
We welcome all types of participation and build community through our artwork

05/04/2026

We’re Hiring! 💻 ✨ Calling all visual poets! 📣

We are looking for a Media & Communication Designer to join our team and help us tell our story through intentional, creative design. If you thrive on experimentation and have a heart for storytelling, we want to meet you!

Role: Light part-time (approx. 5 hours/week).
Vibe: Perfect for a reliable, creative person looking for a flexible side project.
Timeline: Target hire date is Mid-June—just in time for our late June event!

Deadlines & Links:
⏳ Applications Close: May 18th, 2026 @ 5:00 PM CST.
📝 Review Process: We’re reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so don't wait!
🔗 https://forms.gle/azNMcnHyEgH8XZDm8

Thinking of someone who might be a great fit? Tag them below or share this post with your favorite designer.

Photo by Camila Rivero Pooley.
[Image Description: Text reads, “Media & Communication Coordinator We’re Hiring.” Synapse Arts Watercolor Dancer Logo. A black and white photo of the back of a videographer holding a camera, capturing a dancer on their knees.]

04/13/2026

Set your alarm! Summer session registration for our kids' dance classes at the Chicago Park District opens on April 21st at 9:00 am. Our teaching artists emphasize dance education grounded in a culture of respect, individual expression, and meeting each student’s needs.

Join us at Lincoln Park. Don’t wait, spots fill fast! Register at https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/lincoln-park-cultural-center-0
Classes begin June 15th.

Learn more about our kids' class programming at https://synapsearts.com/for-kids

Photo by Christina Joi Photography

03/24/2026

Another chance to dance! Introducing Cardio Line Dance with Synapse Arts Teaching Artist Ash Williams.

This activity takes line dancing to a whole new level. Get a cardiovascular workout, learn a variety of moves, and experience many genres of music!

$77 for 10-week session, April 2 - June 4.

Thursdays, 11:30 am-12:15 pm
Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614

Spots are filling fast! Save your space: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/chicagoparkdistrict/activity/search/detail/579078?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

Photo by William Frederking.

03/20/2026

This tote is made for dancer life.

Big enough for your water bottle, shoes, knee pads, bandanas—and the small survival items that get you through rehearsal and recovery.

It’s practical, durable, and built to move with you. A daily container for the work, not just a symbol of it.

All proceeds support Synapse Arts programming.
Available now at https://synapsearts.threadless.com/

Design by Ali Lorenz.

03/18/2026

Looking for dance + movement classes for ages 3 to 8?

Space still available! Experience high-quality dance teaching in a low-pressure environment in Synapse Arts’ kids classes at the Chicago Park District!

We have a few spots open for our Monday 2:00pm Ballet at Berger, Tuesday 5:00pm Hip Hop at Loyola, and Saturday 11:30am Ballet at Lincoln classes for the Spring session. Classes begin on March 30th.

Register today + share with a friend!

https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/chicagoparkdistrict/activity/search?activity_select_param=2&viewMode=list

Photo by Matt Griffo.

03/17/2026

Thursday at 6:00 pm, the room slowly warms at Berger Park.

This open-level Latin social dance class moves through merengue, salsa, cumbia, bachata, and beyond — no partner, no experience, just shared rhythm, collective sweat, and space to be new.

📅 Thursdays April 2 - June 4
⏰ 6:00-7:00 pm
📍Berger Park, 6205 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660

Register: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/chicagoparkdistrict/activity/search/detail/558397?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

Photo by Chloe Hamilton

03/14/2026

This is your invitation to join us on Monday 03/30/2026 as we sip a smoothie to raise funds for Trans Dance Connect!

In this casual gathering, you’ll be able to:

🥤Meet some of our TGNC staffers, teachers, and artists.
🥤Ask us about our programs or chat with us about how to build your own work up!
🥤Join our community for a special Trans Dance Connect class celebrating trans joy on the eve of Trans Day of Visibility!

Come with yourself or bring a friend 🫂

Know Before You Come:

Synapse Arts will receive 20% of all in-person and online sales at the Edgewater location from 5-8pm.

Trans Dance Connect class takes place 6:30-8pm at Berger Park Cultural Center. If walking is available to you, TDC class is a 10 minute walk from the smoothie shop.

Please note that TDC class requires participants to move up stairs to reach the studio.

Join Us: https://tropicalsmoothiecafe.force4good.com/event/f3d9f20d-e4fd-4ac6-86c2-2119f4e8236e

03/13/2026

Some things need to be worn to be understood.

The ERAS collection now includes hoodies, shirts, and softer long sleeves—pieces designed for everyday movement and a more fluid, contemporary dance sensibility.

These garments are made to be lived in. To move through long days, shared spaces, and sustained practice.

To wear Synapse is not branding—it’s alignment.
All proceeds support Synapse Arts programming.

Available now at https://synapsearts.threadless.com/
Design by Ali Lorenz.

03/10/2026

Do you know what really brightens a day in our office?

When a PayPal Giving Fund email comes in, with new people selecting us as their charity!

Each person who adds a dollar to their PayPal transactions sends us the resilience we need.

So, if you're looking for a simple way to help us keep dancing, consider giving through the PayPal Giving Fund.

It’s a fee-free way to ensure your entire donation goes directly to Synapse Arts. No hidden costs, just more art in our neighborhood!

Give via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2401725

Photo by Matt Griffo

03/06/2026

We’re entering a new era.

Introducing Synapse Arts: ERAS — a merch line honoring 22 years of artistic labor, care, and commitment to Chicago’s dance ecosystem.

Rather than centering a logo, we invited past and present Synapse collaborators to contribute original artwork. Each piece carries an artist’s memory and imprint—evidence that Synapse lives on through the people who have shaped it.

Our first release features artwork by Synapse Arts collaborator Ali Lorenz: a sticker and magnet that function as small, portable archives—meant to live on your fridge, laptop, or wherever your daily rituals happen.

All profits go directly back into Synapse Arts programming. 🎨

Carry the work forward.
Available now at https://synapsearts.threadless.com/

03/02/2026

Save the date! Registration for the spring session of our kids' dance classes at the Chicago Park District opens on March 10th at 9:00 am. Our teaching artists emphasize dance education in connection with a culture of respect, individual expression, and meeting each student’s needs.

Join us at Berger, Clarendon, Lincoln, and Loyola Park. Our students leave our classes happy and engaged- spots fill fast.

Learn more about our kids' class programming at https://synapsearts.com/for-parents

Photo by Matt Griffo.

Address

1230 West Greenleaf
Chicago, IL
60626

Website

http://www.synapsearts.com/, https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2401725

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