Dancewerks is dedicated to the development of the individual aspiring performing artist, utilizing the foundations and techniques in the art of dance. We work with the artist to define his/her goals, curate their educational experience, while providing real life experiences in the world of dance.
Mission
Vision
Dancewerks unites the dance community by supporting and providing:
Collaborative Outreach Providing unique opportunities for performance Educational and community forums Networking Forums Diversity in Training – including all art forms and mediums Real world performance opportunities Guest Master Classes with working professionals in the industry Ongoing education for all staff membersHistory
Dancewerks Dance Production Company was founded in 1984 by Director Ellen Werksman as a dance entertainment production company, supplying custom-designed dance performances for industrial shows, trade-shows, private parties, and special events.
Since its founding, Dancewerks has provided dance entertainment for hundreds of prestigious clients such as Oprah Winfrey (her 40th birthday party), TV Guide, Sports Illustrated, Cellular One, and McDonald’s. Dancewerks became one of the foremost dance entertainment production companies in Chicago, performing with such luminaries as James Brown, Eartha Kit, and Kenny Ortega (High School Musical / Dirty Dancing Choreographer). They were also chosen to bring to life the dancing piano scene from the hit movie, “BIG.”
After enjoying years of success with her entertainment company, Ms. Werksman expanded Dancewerks, creating and directing the Applause Talent Presentation Scholarship and Workshop Program, where she conducted large-scale dance “Werkshops” that provided a seamless integration for dancers in the dance competition world. Private studios began requesting her Werkshops and in response, the Dancewerks Regional Werkshop Series was created.
At the same time, Ms. Werksman continued her teaching career, guiding young dancers in the technique and artistry of dance. As dancers became proficient, the need for greater performance opportunities arose, and Ms. Werksman formed the Midwest Dance Collective, an audition-based youth ensemble that connects young dancers to the professional world of dance.
The Dancewerks National Werkshop was developed as a comprehensive summer dance camp where talented and committed students who had benefitted from Dancewerks classes and workshops at various locations throughout the year could come together in one location for an intensive week of instruction under the guidance of Ms. Werksman. The Dancewerks National Werkshop is now in its 13th year of producing quality dance intensives for dancers around the world.
Dancewerks is also an integral component of local community life. Ms. Werksman’s Midwest Dance Collective and Dancewerks students often give their time by donating performances for local charitable organizations in Barrington and Chicago’s Northwest suburbs.
The foundation of the Dancewerks is built on the following:
- Limited class size in all classes and Werkshops
- Hands-on correction / personal classroom attention
- Instructors with professional, real life dance experience
- Technique-based classes
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