MSP 181: Chicago

Five Voices, One City: Unpacking Chicago’s Dance Community, with Kristina Fluty, Alyssa Gregory, Rahila Coats, Michael McStraw, and Helen Lee

In this episode of Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast, we dive deeply into the vibrant and diverse world of Chicago’s dance scene. Joining Erin are five incredible voices, each bringing a unique perspective on what makes this city’s dance community so dynamic, expansive, and full of life. Featured in this episode are Kristina Fluty, Alyssa Gregory, Rahila Coats, Michael McStraw, and Helen Lee — five Chicago-based dance artists who capture the spirit and energy of this thriving artistic hub. Together, they share how living in Chicago has shaped their careers and creative journeys, and explore how the city’s geography influences its dance community. We explore the work being created there, the support systems and resources that have been most valuable in their growth, and delve into an overview of opportunities for residencies and funding. Plus, each artist reflects on what keeps them curious, inspired, and energized within the Chicago dance world. Tune in for a lively and insightful conversation that captures the essence of this incredible dance community. Enjoy!

Key Points From This Episode:

·       Setting the scene for the Chicago-focused episode.

·       We are introduced to our five guests: Alyssa Gregory, Kristina Fluty, Rahila Coats, Michael McStraw, and Helen Lee.

·       How living in Chicago has influenced their careers and artistic journeys.

·       Our guests help situate Chicago for listeners unfamiliar with the city and how it shapes the dance community.

·       We dive in and discuss the Chicago dance scene and the work being made.

·       Resources and support systems that have been the most valuable to our guests throughout their careers.

·       An overview of the opportunities available for dance residencies and funding within the Chicago dance scene.

·       Dance education hubs and the overall dance class vibe in Chicago. 

·       Each guest talks about what keeps them curious, interested, and excited about their dance lives in Chicago.

“In my time here in Chicago, I’ve just seen things grow, blossom, and then shift. That seems to be the rhythm in this community.” — Michael McStraw

Kristina Fluty, an Associate Professor at The Theatre School at DePaul University, has been dancing, teaching, consulting, and performing in Chicago since 2003, primarily with Molly Shanahan/Mad Shak.

Alyssa (Uhh-lee-sa) Gregory is a Chicago-based performing artist and cultural organizer who moves between the worlds of dance, arts administration, and podcasting, amplifying Black creativity and championing the brilliance of Chicago’s vibrant arts community. (she/her)

Rahila Coats is an improviser, dancer, musician and educator who loves to eat up space and eat with her community; her work focuses on black femme experiences and joy.

Michael McStraw, Executive Director of Chicago Dance History Project, is an outstanding advocate for the Chicago performing arts community and highly regarded as a positive and constant influence in the sector for 40 years.

Helen Lee is a Queer Asian Chicago-born interdisciplinary artist raised by immigrant parents from South Korea. They are the director for the project-based company, Momentum Sensorium, which often performs in unconventional spaces such as lighthouses, train stations, and homes.

For more on this episode and artists: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

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