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, everywhere
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

08/26/2026

Space still available! We have a few open spots in our kids dance classes, in partnership with the Chicago Park District:

Sat 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM Berger Ballet
Tue 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Loyola Hip Hop
Tue 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM Clarendon Ballet

Classes begin September 8th for the 2026 Fall Session. Link to register available at https://synapsearts.com/for-kids

Photo by Matthew Griffo.

08/24/2026

Synapse Arts thanks local Evanston business, The Copy Room Inc for their support by offering discounted rates for our _copycats_ and Latin Social Dances flyers! Check out The Copy room on their page, The Copy Room and website, https://thecopyroom.com/

Join us Saturday, August 29th at the Evanston Fountain Square 11:00am for a free open level dance class (Latin Social Dances), and a free interactive dance performance of _copycats_ at 12:00pm. We’ll also have our DanceWear Share Library racks with free dance attire and shoes for all ages.

Photo by Chloe Hamilton.

08/03/2026

Dance With Synapse classes return this fall at Berger, Clarendon, Lincoln, and Loyola Park. Online registration opens tomorrow, August 4th at 9:00am. Don’t delay– spots fill fast!

Learn more about our kids dance classes at https://synapsearts.com/for-kids

Photo by Matthew Griffo.

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

Address

1230 West Greenleaf
Chicago, IL
60626

Website

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

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