Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Carpenter.
To Ascend means to “Rise up” to “Conquer”. The inspiration for AscenDance Chicago came after founder and artistic director, Heather, was sexually assaulted. Shortly after this, a dear friend of hers lost everything she owned to a building fire the day of her wedding. Both dancers found that one of the strongest therapeutic tools at their disposal was artistic expression through movement. From this realization, many cathartic and healing hours were spent in the dance studio, which led to the creation of beautiful, touching and liberating choreography that became the cornerstone for our artistic vision.
AscenDance Chicago is a contemporary based dance company, dedicated to the design, creation and passion for performance pieces that resonate with anyone in need of healing or inspiration. AscenDance Chicago distinguishes itself by its unique concepts and ability to give back to the Chicago community and rally them to “Ascend”.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road we started down was not paved for us. We had to cut a new path and build this organization from the ground up. The obstacles we faced did not necessarily slow the process down but maybe made a curve in the road we did not plan for.
We found that in healing and getting through personal, traumatic experiences, dance played a very big role. It is very therapeutic to be in the studio, moving together and creating. When I thought about what I wanted this dance company to be about, it was that in entirety.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with AscenDance Chicago – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
AscenDance Chicago is a non-profit, professional dance company based in Chicago, IL. Specializing in contemporary dance, all of the artists involved have years of dance training and are individually selected through an audition process.
AscenDance Chicago’s leaders strive to create a safe place to dance and performances that are cutting edge. Day to day, the full company meets for Open Company Class, which serves as a warm up for the dancers. Following class, rehearsals consist of learning choreography, practicing pieces and running full shows. These rehearsals may be full company or selected smaller groups or individuals based on the piece being rehearsed.
AscenDance Chicago is excited to soon launch its Movement Classes. This pro-bono group dance class will be available to assault survivors, be it sexual, domestic, or otherwise, to allow them a safe environment to use movement and dance as artistic and expressive healing. While classes like these are offered elsewhere, nowhere in the Midwest are they open to the public for no charge to the attendee.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We spilled the beans about the Movement Classes already but there is more in store for AscenDance Chicago!
ADC will soon branch with another fraction of the company; ADC Youth Company. This pre-professional program will be audition based and allow students 15-18 years old, the chance to work directly with a professional dance company in Chicago. The students will gain training and performance opportunity from this experience.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2936 N Southport Ave
Chicago, IL 60657 - Website: http://www.ascendencedancechicago.com
- Phone: 3127586590
- Email: ascendencedancechicago@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascendencedancechicago/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ascendencedancechicago/
Image Credit:
ADC
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