awaken the dancer in everyone’s soul

mission

Joel Hall Dancers & Center awakens the dancer in everyone’s soul. By highlighting and spotlighting the Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ experience, we provide comprehensive dance education and artistic expression. We believe dance is a powerful tool to educate and inspire, offering not only instruction in techniques but also deep insights into the history and cultural significance of dance. Our commitment to making dance accessible and affordable helps break down barriers and challenges oppressive systems. By championing Urban Jazz, we engage both performers and audiences to enhance our collective culture and educate future generations, cultivating a more inclusive and equitable world for all.

vision

We envision a world where dance is not a privilege but a rightβ€”accessible and inclusive for all. At Joel Hall Dancers & Center, we see dance as a means to educate and transform society. By highlighting and spotlighting the Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ experience, we work to dismantle oppressive systems through performance and education opportunities for all. We are dedicated to using dance to educate and enrich generations, enhance our collective culture, and contribute to a more just and vibrant world for everyone.

classes

JHDC continues to offer online as well as in-person classes to meet your needs.

SEE ALL CURRENT CLASS OFFERINGSβž”


events

values

WERKQ. We come together through the power of dance to build a stronger community. We are committed to transparency and the WERKQ of dismantling oppressive systems, using Urban Jazz as a social change and joy catalyst.

Flava. The authentic β€œflava” of people of all abilities and experience levels working together. Our inclusively accessible space welcomes diverse backgrounds and experiences, fostering collaboration and growth among all ages and identities.

Artistic Excellence. We are committed to maintaining high standards in our training of artists and the education of students. Our teachers, artists, and dancers respect the authenticity of idioms and creatively challenge norms, enriching the art form and enhancing the student experience to foster a love for dance.

High Caliber Performance. We highlight and spotlight the Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ experience, using Urban Jazz to explore our shared histories and current realities. We challenge our audiences and artists with concerts that employ and showcase professional artistry at its best.

Respect. We foster a culture of respect, honoring hard work, professionalism, studio etiquette, and respect for the rich history of dance. We promote respect for ourselves and one another, creating a supportive community.

Stewardship of Resources. We value the personal, financial, physical, and emotional contributions of our community and the history of the land and people who came before us. Our commitment is to honor and wisely utilize these gifts.

Legacy. We encourage a comprehensive understanding of dance technique, history, and Joel Hall Dancers & Center’s place within history. Our commitment to arts education supports personal development, connects us to the broader legacy of the art of dance, and develops future dance leaders.

invest in the werkq

CORE PROGRAMS

Top-level artistic programming, dance education and service

LEGACY

Make your contribution to the next generation of Joel Hall Dancers

CORPORATE

Join Joel Hall Dancers & Center on its journey as a contributor and partner

Use our secure online forms to GIVE NOW.

Please consider making a gift that is significant to you. Whether it’s a one-time contribution or a monthly sustaining gift, every dollar will help Joel Hall Dancers & Center awaken the dancer in everyone’s soul.

Thank you for your support!

community

for 48+ years, we’ve been building spaces of diversity, access, equity, and inclusion

Through our First Company, Youth Company, training, and community programs, JHDC has used dance to unite and inspire since 1974. Join the movement today, there’s a space for everyone on the Marley.

Community-Dancers-Photo

company

Joel Hall Dancers & Center’s company is comprised of three tiers, the First Company, the Second Company, and the Youth Company, where dancers fresh or seasoned assemble to strut, leap and show out in front of the bright lights of the Chicago Dance Scene!

classes

Dance education should not only be accessible but should enrich the lives of its students. Joel Hall Dancers & Center provides programming aimed at developing dancers’ individual skills but also allowing them the chance to grow, express themselves and develop their artistry.

joel hall

CO-FOUNDER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR EMERITUS

Joel Hall β€” a native of Chicago’s Cabrini Green neighborhood β€” established and co-founded the Chicago City Theatre Company in 1974. This unique performing arts organization includes the Joel Hall Dancers, one of Chicago’s premiere professional concert dance companies, and a training facility known as the Center. Hall was the Artistic Director and prime choreographer for his dance company and the Chief Dance Instructor for the training studio. He has mentored dancers who direct Joel Hall Dancers II and Joel Hall Dancers Youth Company.

legacy

48 YEARS OF IMPACT

Founded in 1974, The Joel Hall Dancers (JHD) have a rich 48-year history. Today, JHD continues to dazzle audiences in venues throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, across the country, and around the world. Having dedicated his life to the development of Urban Jazz Dance, a method that translates life experience through dance, Joel has touched the lives of thousands of young artists.

VISIT OUR ARCHIVE AT THE JAZZLAB βž”

Collage-photo-of-Joel-Hall-Dancers-history

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