Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicolle Wood.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Nicolle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Having had a passion for vintage culture from a very young age, as the tip of the iceberg that was the Swing music and dance revival started to poke its nose out, I eagerly took up the gantlet as the Chicago source for social dance of the early part of the century.
In 1996 I was instrumental in creating gathers, social events and dance lessons featuring Swing Era music.
Through a number of iterations of dance studios and underground social clubs, I created an enormous following, and a reputation as a source for vintage culture related entertainment.
In 2006 I opened The Galaxie, a brick and mortar 10,000 + square foot space that was a hub for artists. “Music movement and fine arts- where expression matters”. It was the home to 3 rehearsal and performance spaces that doubled as underground event spaces, a woodshop/workshop, 4 private artist studios, 4 arts related offices, and more rehearsals and classes than any other location at the time, with the exception of Old Town School of Music and Hyde Park Arts Center. It was very good company to be in. In 2010 the landlord of the building lost the space to the bank, and we were unceremoniously evicted. The bow truss space that was the home to thousands of working artists over the years would soon be a pile of bricks.
In 2012 I was contracted to define the non-restaurant culture and create the entertainment offerings of a soon to open Untitled in River North. I created floor shows, burlesque shows, and booked roots music for public and private events of all stripes. I was producing large and small shows to the delight of clients- innovating in style and aesthetic, but never in authenticity. My productions were always rooted in the history of whatever genre I was creating.
Since that time I have been creating that same magic for public and private events through-out the city and the Midwest. Always authentic, always with the most talented and professional performers available. My reach into the community has spread along with my reputation for providing classic entertainment at a reasonable rate for the client and genuine experiences for the studied artists at a wage that respects both their integrity and their effort. One of my main offerings to my clients is my company of authentic vintage style performers, The Galaxie Girls- a chorus line for the ages. This company of professional dancers has been entertaining throughout the Midwest since 2009.
On occasion I create passion projects in venues through-out Chicago. Vintage floor shows and underground social events that set the bar for self-produced, non-corporate, self-funded entertainment.
I also spend time creating community based projects that help to inspire would be performers and otherwise less involved demographics, such as the Chicago Chorus Girl Project, whose mantra is that “You only have to be a Chorus Girl at Heart” and whose mission is to provide creative outlets, community support and new friendships to the participants, as well as free community performances.
Whether it’s a backyard Jazz jam session in Batavia or a 4000 person event at The Fabulous Fox Theater in St. Louis, The Galaxie will provide, and has what is needed to delight.
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?
Anything worth doing is something worth fighting for.
I have had many studios that have went the way of scam landlords and illegitimate leases. I have had clients bounce checks and claim ignorance. I have had 50 hour continuous shifts of last minute costume and decor builds and 4am call times, but nothing has been able to sink this ship as it has moved its way into the hearts of clients and working artists.
I have never canceled a show, never not paid an artist, and never given less than promised to a client.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The company, The Galaxie, is a sole proprietorship. It was named after one of the most amazing gifts from a friend, Andrew Pines of Cosmo Dog, of his 1968 Ford Galaxie. It was the thing that kept me going when things got rough, and The Galaxie is what keeps me going.
My specialty is authentic talent driven entertainment. My specialty is my innate ability to create a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, as they say. My specialty can only be demonstrated because of the immense talent and generosity of my community.
I am the chief cook and bottle washer. I lead every aspect of the business from choreography to scheduling to costume builds to decor. When necessary I haul gear, I run soundboards, I wash costumes, I shine shoes, I have even jumped in as a performer when ABSOLUTELY needed. I prefer not to do it all solo, and as a result, I have an amazing crew to help out.
What were you like growing up?
I was always interested in vintage culture. I was also interested in creating magnificent offers. Whether it was a cricket circus in my back yard (at age 10) or a musical over my back yard fence, featuring my stuffed animals (maybe age 7?). I learned archery, I ice skated, I listened to records, and rode my bike. Pretty typical kids’ stuff in that respect.
I would make clothes for myself, and re-do vintage pieces that I would find in local thrift stores. I still do that.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4304 N Central Park Ave Unit 1
Chicago, IL 60618 - Website: www.galaxiechicago.com
- Phone: 312-479-1390
- Email: nicollewood1@gmail.com
- Instagram: galaxiechicago
- Facebook: The Galaxie- Extraordinary Entertainment
Image Credit:
Robert Chi (large group)
Deep Fried Photos (moon photo)
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
