CHICAGO LIVE!

Free demo classes in Bollywood Dance, Bharatanatyam Dance, Odessi Dance, Yoga, tabla (percussion), and Carnatic Singing. Bollywood and Bharatanatyam would also be offered to children.

RSVP Link: Kalapriya | Center for Indian Performing Arts

Location: 2101 S. Wabash Suite 1 (Kalapriya Studio)

Draw inspiration from other artists in this playful, spontaneous environment. All creative disciplines are welcome. Movers can dance, musicians can play, visual artists can create, poets can recite poetry, etc. Participants are invited to bring their own instruments, pencils, canvas, clay, or other preferred medium.
(open to all ages/abilities, recommended age 13 and up)

RSVP Link: Little Fire Artist RSVP

Location: Movement on Montrose, 2951 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618.
(Event will take place in Studio 2 on the first floor. The place is ADA accessible and has accessible parking in front).

Meher Dance Company hosts a special Bollywood dance workshop for the Chicago community at Navy Pier. Come learn the fundamentals of Bollywood and Indian dance all while having fun!

Meher Dance IG

Location: Navy Pier Wave Wall Stage

Nova Zaii is a sonic experience designer, drummer, and producer from Chicago. Zaii invented and patented a touchless musical instrument called the Nova Portals, and performs genre defying futuristic live sets with occasion-specific intentionality. He has performed the Nova Portals live for the likes of Kavi Gupta Gallery, Hermès, and TEDx Chicago. He is a founding member of the band The JuJu Exchange, which has a broad catalogue of jazz-electronic music including the chart topping debut record Exchange, and the most recent full length LP, BEHOLD .  Zaii’s vision as an experience designer is to invite the listener into an immersive zone of profound creative stimulation, through which identity, purpose, and essence can be vividly explored and beheld.

Nova Zaii

Location: Navy Pier Wave Wall Stage

The hottest dance showdown of the year returns for one-night-only to the Wave Wall Stage on Navy Pier!

The Keeper of the Floor “Game Night” edition is stacked with power-ups, boss battles, bonus rounds, and sudden-death finales—this showdown plays out like the ultimate mash-up of your favorite games!

Sponsored by Chicago Live! at Navy Pier, cap off the outdoor summer season with the city’s longest-running dance battle—now taken up a notch with a one-of-a-kind competition featuring standout local artists from the street dance scene. Come ready to shout and move your favorite dancers to the next round and watch as your favorite freestylers, breakers, acrobats and hip hop artists compete for the championship title.

Chicago Dance Crash continues to blur the line between art and entertainment with “Keeper of The Floor.” KTF matches competitive dance with the spectacle of sports entertainment, featuring some of Chicago’s most renowned dancers battling it out for YOUR vote and the solid gold KTF championship belt… it goes with everything!

AND don’t forget about your host, the hilarious Mr. Mattrick Swayze and his Swayzettes!

RSVP Link: http://www.chicagodancecrash.com

Location: Navy Pier Wave Wall Stage

Come for the preview stay for the Dance Jam! ~ ¡Ven al adelanto y quédate para el Dance Jam!

An engaging, interactive & casual gathering: A preview of company repertoire to be performed at Chicago Live! The open rehearsal features works by diverse choreographers and dialogue with dancers and Artistic Director Wilfredo Rivera. After the sneak peek preview, you’ll be inpired to hang and particpate with Rivera and dancers in a joyful & playful community movement jam session incorporating Latinx/e fusion moves that promise to invigorate the body & uplift your soul. The dance jam is designed for all levels, no previous baile experience needed. Come for the preview stay for the Dance Jam! CRDT, where culture, heritage & identity is honored and celebrated!

https://www.cerquarivera.org/

Location: Navy Pier Wave Wall Stage

Join us for a workshop that amplifies the voices of young Chicago creatives! Participants from 12 to 20 years old will be led through a series of improv games and storytelling activities to get to the heart of what today’s students are passionate about. The emerging topics will be the center of our upcoming Youth Cohort’s work (starting in October 2025!)

During this workshop participants will:

• Gain experience in ensemble building – letting loose and connecting with peers who have similar interests and passions.
• Learn how to collaborate and compromise with a group and work towards a collective vision.
• Experience the special way About Face does educational work that centers and celebrates sexuality, gender, and diversity
• Be exposed to participatory theatre making in a hands-on learning environment

This workshop will use the same techniques we did to create touring shows; We Could Be and Life Out Loud.  All are invited to join us for our Chicago Live performance on Sunday 9/21 excerpt of Life Out Loud and see the impact of telling real stories through a participatory theatre lens.

Participants will receive a $60 stipend and food will be provided.

Space is limited, so please only apply if you can make the full session.

RSVP Link: Teen Theatre and Action Pop-Up Workshop

Location: About Face Theatre Offices at 1922 W Irving Park Rd STE 1, Chicago, IL 60613

Two 60-minute classes:

Youth Urban Jazz, from 1:30-2:30

Adult Urban Jazz from 2:30-3:30

https://www.joelhall.org/

Location: 4511 N. Clark, Chicago IL 60660

Visceral Dance Chicago invites families to a special Open House event on Sunday, September 7th, offering a fun and inclusive introduction to dance for children and teens. This free community event welcomes families to explore our space, meet the faculty, and experience a wide variety of sample dance classes in a welcoming, supportive, and joyful environment. We will provide a fun, welcoming, and interactive community dance experience.

• Dance classes for ages 18 months to 17 years  
• Ice cream for children
• Open to all levels — from first-timers to experienced movers
• Engaging family activities and fun photo opportunities
• Meet-and-greet with instructors and staff
• On-site registration assistance for the fall session

https://www.visceraldance.com/

Location: 3121 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618

Aerial Dance Chicago is partnering with Chicago Live to bring you a fun and free introduction into the magical world of aerial silks. With the help of our expert teaching artists, you’ll learn airborne balances, climbs and basic movement. Join us for this all-ages workshop and we’ll have you floating amongst the silks in no time! No experience is needed. No advance registration needed. We’ll have a kids workshop and an adult workshop running simultaneously. Teens 14+ can join the adult workshop. Bring the whole family!

https://www.aerialdancechicago.org/

Location: 4028 W. Irving Park Rd, Loft A, Chicago, IL 60641

The program includes the final presentation of Ethnic and Folk Arts Master/Apprentice Program recipients Yoshinojo Fujima & Yukio Nang; and special guests Takane Umeya from Japan, Yurino Fujima from Austrailia and musical guests from Tsukasa Taiko and Toyoakimoto shamisen of AIRMW.

https://shubukai.org/

Location: Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

Join Lazy Susan Theatre Company for a dynamic workshop exploring the art of solo performance! Led by co-artistic directors Hannah Loessberg and Nealie Tinlin, this hands-on session invites performers, writers, and theatre-makers of all experience levels to discover the power of telling their own story on stage. Through guided exercises, group discussion, and one-on-one feedback, participants will learn techniques for developing compelling characters, crafting personal narratives, and embracing vulnerability and authenticity in performance. Whether you’re working on a solo show, experimenting with new material, or simply curious about the form, this workshop offers a supportive space to stretch your creativity and refine your voice.

Free Ticket Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/solo-performance-workshop-tickets-1637006403219?aff=oddtdtcreator

Location: Greenhouse Theater Center – 2257 North Lincoln Avenue Chicago, IL 60614

Join Tellin’ Tales Theatre as we take a dive into the world of improv with “What’s Yours Like” our one of a kind team. Watch a rehearsal or if you are feeling brave enter into the fun with our talented team of improvisers, both with and without disabilities. The accessibility jam is designed to accommodate all levels of ability and experience. The rehearsal will include improv games designed to include all levels of participation. If performing is out of your comfort zone, come as an observer as the rehearsal and games evolve into a world of laughter and creativity.

Free Tickets: https://www.simpletix.com/e/improv-accessibility-jam-tickets-233182

Location: NEIU El Centro 3390 N Avondale Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 Room No#110

Enjoy a backstage look with Chicago Repertory Ballet! Join CRB in rehearsal as we prepare for our appearance in Chicago Live! Join us in the studio as the dancers rehearse the pieces we will perform at the festival. See the dancers and artistic staff in action as we make our final preparations for the performance. When: Wednesday September 17th. Where: Extensions Dance Center Time: 11am – 11:45am

https://www.chicagorepertoryballet.com/

Location: Extensions Dance Center 3933 N. Elston Ave. Chicago IL 60618

This will be a casual in-studio preview of company repertoire to be performed at Chicago Live!, and at our October 18th performance of “Absent Moon & other dances” at the Studebaker Theater. This open rehearsal will feature three works by different choreographers, and it will include a Q&A with the dancers and Artistic Director, Winifred Haun.

Chicago Live! Open Rehearsal with Winifred Haun & Dancers

Location: Definition Dance Academy, 2525 N. Elston, Chicago

Culture Shock Chicago offers guests the opportunity to “drop it like it’s hot” and “bust a move” with our electrifying hip-hop movement class! Whether you’re a seasoned groove master or just starting out, our class is a fun and interactive way to get moving while enjoying beautiful Navy Pier. From old-school beats to the freshest tracks with our Live DJ, we’ll have you movin’ and groovin’ in no time. So grab your sneakers and let’s turn up the bass together!

Location: Navy Pier Wave Wall Stage

A free event for Tap Dancers to improvise and for attendees to watch and enjoy vibrant music and movement with Nico Rubio!

Nico Tapz

Location: Navy Pier Wave Wall Stage

This special event will serve as a dynamic preview of Visceral Dance Chicago’s repertory that will be performed at Chicago Live!. The evening offers a rare opportunity to experience an introduction to Visceral Dance, featuring a live performance preview, meet-and-greet with the dancers and Artistic Team, and opportunities for networking and community building.

Guests will enjoy drinks and conversation while engaging with Visceral’s community. Attendees will hear directly from the Artistic Director and choreographer in a moderated Q&A session that explores the artistic process and vision behind the works. The evening will conclude with an optional intermediate ballet class open to audience members, offering a participatory experience and deeper insight into Visceral Dance.

This event is designed to foster connection, increase access to contemporary dance, and provide a welcoming environment for both seasoned arts supporters and new community members.

https://www.visceraldance.com/

Location: 3121 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618

A media workshop focusing on performing artists as they prepare for the Navy Pier Chicago Live! performances. This workshop will take place at a very prestigious state-of-the-art multimedia studio in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Fabre Studios is a full service, fully staffed customizable environment with various sets utilized for all your video production needs, including professional lighting, set design, modern camera equipment and studios with highly trained engineers and producers. In an effort to create an engaging and interactive workshop to encourage young creative interested in the diverse landscape of the arts and entertainment sector, my community engagement event offers high school and undergraduate arts students the opportunity to view a pre-show rehearsal of Universal Togetherness Band; participate in a Q&A with a Chicago-area arts correspondent and UTB band members; and conduct pre-show interviews Andre Gibson, producer and leader of Universal Togetherness Band. Andre will offer interviewers the open forum to discuss his experience as a verified Spotify artist, Recording Academy mentor and decades of experience as an independent singer, songwriter and producer in Chicago.

https://www.instagram.com/chiatrecords/?hl=en

Location: Fabre Film Studio – 401 w Ontario