Ellen Werksman is the founder and artistic director of Dancewerks. Ms. Werkman’s years of experience in the commercial and artistic communities inspired her to create MDC with the goal of nurturing young dancers as they explore their potential as performing artists. She utilizes her extensive knowledge, education, and experience in dance to provide opportunities for dancers to realize success through their art.
She has worked and trained with Robert Joffrey, Lou Conte (Hubbard Street Dance Company), Gus Giordano, Rosemary Doolas, Nana Shineflug, Leona Bataille, and the American Ballet Theater. She was a company member of Chicago Dance Medium for eight years, and a frequent guest artist of the Chicago Repertory Dance Ensemble. She has choreographed and produced for Dancewerks Production Company for over twenty years, and has choreographed extensively for the Chicago dance community. Ms. Werksman has taught across the country for the National Association of Dance Masters, the Illinois Dance Festival, Michigan Youth Arts Fest, Dance for Life Dance Workshops, and Footloose Dance Competitions in Canada. Ms. Werksman has been recognized four times in “Who’s Who Among American Teachers” for her dedication and outstanding commitment to the art of dance. She has been featured in “Dance Spirit” and “Dance Teacher Now” for her innovative choreography and creative teaching formats. Ms. Werksman also founded and directed Applause Talent Presentations Scholarship and Workshop Program, where she was a National Adjudicator and Director of the Workshop series across the United States.
