As a dance service organization, it is our mission to support artists and help dancers, choreographers, studio owners, dance presenters and administrators do what they do best: create, teach and present the art form we love.

The performing arts have gone digital, helping the world endure the devastating losses and hardships of COVID-19 at a time when the pandemic has closed access to live performance world-wide.

In an ironic twist of fate, as artists and arts organizations struggle to stay solvent, free online concerts, recitals, classes, workshops, discussion forums and short videos are creating unprecedented access to the performing arts, stimulating and sustaining a burgeoning public appetite for its message of hope and faith in the human spirit. 

Although it first appeared that we’d all be “resting” more than usual, many of us seem to be feeling even more tired and tense after weeks of couch-sitting and phone-gazing. Somatic exercises can add a bit of balance to our often outward-focused dance practice, and provide structure when we feel we need it.

Looking to give ourselves a challenge regarding all the strange non-perishables hiding on your shelves and in your pantries, we asked you, “What mysterious ingredients do you have hiding in your kitchen?” Thanks to everyone who submitted responses on Facebook and Instagram! Here are some great savory and sweet recipes to try in an effort to use some of those less-familiar ingredients you may have acquired—a useful skill to have whether under a shelter in place order not. Have something a little strange or unfamiliar that you’d like to turn into something satisfying and delicious?

The past few seasons revealed cracks at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, an extraordinary dance company that, until recently, seemed untouchable. One could perhaps start the narrative in 2016, when a flood damaged the company’s studios at 1147 W. Jackson—hallowed grounds for generations of Chicago dancers. 

Author’s note: The story I wanted to share was one of personal loss, and how dance helped me move through a period of grieving. Now, with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are sadly in a time where we are collectively and personally faced with losses of many kinds. I share my story, though, with a feeling of hope for our collective ability to move through this to another place. Grief is universal.  And healing is as well.