The Galaxie Chicago's Dance Blog!

The Galaxie's last days

2010-08-17T17:23:00.000-05:00

When we set out, in November of 2006, the goal was to create a space where a multitude of arts can thrive, respond to one another, co-exist, and raise the bar of achievement in the Chicago creative community. We succeeded. We have played host to hundreds of performances, classes, workshops, art exhibitions, creatives-in-residence, new ideas, and creative foundations. At any moment during our past 4 years, one could enter The Galaxie and be struck by the sounds of clowns, the meditations of martial artists, the music of the swing era, a glimpse of painters and sculptors working, live African drum sounds emanating from a back room, actors rehearsing their lines, the whirl of a sewing machine, the voices of singers in perfect harmony, or kids swinging from aerial silks. Just about anything could happen at The Galaxie, and it did.

The Galaxie has been the result of the participation of artists, performers, devotees and students of the arts young and old. All of these creative factions coming together to support one another, and the creative process. Again- we succeeded.

Now, 4 years later, it is with a feeling of great accomplishment, and a great deal of sadness that we announce that The Galaxie will be closing as of September.

The business of art has always been challenging, and in the tough economic times that we are now experiencing, it has become more important then ever to support the arts. The loss of private and foundation based funding has struck the very core of arts organizations throughout the city and the country. School arts programming, theater companies, dance companies, private artists and educational institutions all need your support now more then ever. Through your support of visual and performing arts places that build a home for working artists, like The Galaxie, will thrive once more.

My sincerest thank you to everyone who has participated throughout the years; supported, imagined, dreamed, moved, believed.

Keep your eyes peeled to see what the Galaxie has in store for future classes, workshops and Galaxie hosted events at locations though-out the city.

With gratitude to all,

Nicolle Wood

Director

The Galaxie

Where expression matters

To find out more about what's happening in the Chicago Creative community, and find places where you can make you dollars work, check out some of these fantastic Chicago creative companies and institutions:

500 clown

http://www.500clown.com/

Jump Rhythm Jazz Project

http://www.jrjp.org/

Lucky Plush

http://www.luckyplush.com/

Breakbone Dance

http://www.breakbone.com/

Links Hall

http://www.linkshall.org/

Mordine and Company Dance Theater

http://www.mordine.org/

House Theater Chicago

http://thehousetheatre.com/

Noble Fool Theater

http://www.noblefool.org/

Metropolis Performing Arts Center

http://www.metropolisarts.com/

Rumble Arts Center

http://www.rumblearts.com/

Chicago Children's Museum

http://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/

Old Town School of Folk Music

http://www.oldtownschool.org/

Lillstreet Art Center

http://www.lillstreet.com/

Striding Lion Theater

http://www.stridinglion.org/Home.html

June Dance Classes Up!

2010-05-15T12:37:00.002-05:00

We have new dance classes up for June! These are abbreviated 4 week-long classes, intended to allow more flexibility to accommodate busy summer schedules! To register, please go to: http://galaxiechicago.com/gs/classes/movement.php If you don't see a class that would fit your needs, be sure to check out our workshop offerings in June, as well!

Each class is $60 for 4 weeks, or $55 if you're a student.

Beginning Swing Dance
Saturdays from 11:30-12:30 PM; Classes beginning June 5
Beginning Swing Dance
Mondays from 7:00-8:00 PM; Classes beginning June 7

This class is intended for people who have an interest in getting out on the floor to dance to swing, blues, and jazz music, and have either experimented with different forms of dance or are just now starting to get the bug.

Learn the fundamental information needed for leading and following on the social dance floor including frame, basic foot rhythms, techniques of contraction and expansion, in both open and closed position. After one class you will be ready to get out and practice. This class will give you the basic information and tools to move you into an intermediate level class.

Intermediate Swing Dance
Saturdays from 10:30-11:30 AM; Classes beginning June 5

This class is intended for people who have an interest in getting out on the floor to dance to swing, blues, and jazz music, and have either experimented with different forms of dance or are just now starting to get the bug.

Learn the fundamental information needed for leading and following on the social dance floor including frame, basic foot rhythms, techniques of contraction and expansion, in both open and closed position. After one class you will be ready to get out and practice. This class will give you the basic information and tools to move you into an intermediate level class.

Beginning Lindy Hop
Tuesdays from 8:30-9:30 PM; Classes beginning June 8th

This class is intended for building your swing dance vocabulary! Is this class right for you? Answer this question: Do you have a 6-8 moves that you can execute easily and successfully out on the floor? (4, 6 or 8 count moves, not including Lindy Hop or Charleston variations)

This class is perfect for people who have completed beginning Swing, and want to get out of doing basic she goes, he goes and tuck turn variations over and over and over again. There is a world of moves taught in this class, and each session is completely unique and will follow the general level of the class.

Dance Into Summer!

2010-05-01T11:14:00.001-05:00

Join us at the Galaxie this June for our next series of workshops! To register, please go to: http://galaxiechicago.com/gs/workshops/movement.php

Details for each workshop on the website. All workshops are $40 except Swing to Lindy, which is $45.

Swing to Lindy
May 15 & 16 from 12:30-2:30pm (4 hours total)

Intermediate Swing: Tuck Turn Variations
Tuesdays, June 1 & 8 from 7-8:30pm (3 hours total)

Intermediate Swing
Intro to 8 Count Moves: Tuesdays, June 15 & 22 from 7-8:30pm (3 hours total)

Side by Side Charleston
Tuesdays, June 1 & 8 from 8:30-10pm

Tandem Charleston
Tuesdays, June 15 & 22 from 8:30-10pm

Lindy Breaks and Variations
Wednesdays, June 16 & 23 from 7-8:30 (3 hours total)

Intermediate Blues
Wednesdays, June 2 & 9 from 7-8:30pm (3 hours total)

Dips and Tricks
Thursdays, June 10 & 17 from 8:30-10pm (3 hours total)

Unsung Heroes of Swing
Thursdays, June 24 & July 1 from 8:30-10pm (3 hours total)

Guerrilla Dinners at May 22 Galaxie Nite!

2010-04-28T16:57:00.004-05:00

As promised - here are the details about Guerrilla Dinners' part in the May 22 Galaxie Nite! Join us for dinner, live music from the Modern Sounds, and a variety of Galaxie performances.

Pricing Info:
Attending the performance only:
9-9:45pm Tickets: $10, based upon available seating, Tickets sold the night of the show only

Open dancing with Chicago's Swingin'est and Rockin'est trio from 10pm-1am (there will NOT be a Beginning Swing lesson)
$15 at the door (Galaxie Nite only)

Performance and the Galaxie Nite: $20

Dinner, Performance and Dancing: $50
Reservations for the Guerrilla Dinners portion of the event can be made by emailing
guerilladinners@gmail.com

---
Menu:
Passed appetizers:
Potato and feta pouches
Paneer wedges wrapped with peppers

1st course: Radish, rhubarb and spring greens salad

2nd course: Turmeric chicken with fava and spring onion orzo

3rd course: Lavender, almond chiffon cake with fresh vanilla bean ice cream
Vegetarian options available.

Guerrilla Dinners Mission:

Guerrilla Dinners is an alternative dinning project that draws from the history of secret supper clubs and underground dinners. Using the idea of a roaming restaurant, we aim to bridge the art and food community by offering affordable fine dining in unconventional settings. Our project seeks to foster a community by creating a dialogue that would not normally happen in a typical restaurant. Mixed seating and "inter-course mingling" will facilitate new friendships among like-minded individuals. It is our hope that the Guerrilla Dinners will roam among various venues in the city carrying the community with it.

May 22 Galaxie Nite Galaxie with Guerrilla Dinner & Performances AND The Modern Sounds!

2010-04-24T11:48:00.001-05:00

The Galaxie is excited to present May's Galaxie Nite on May 22, which will consist of two parts:

1. In conjunction with Guerrilla Dinners, The Galaxie will be hosting a collection of performances featuring The Galaxie Girls, The Chicago Scooter Club, 2 recent Galaxie Choreography classes and more! The performances are all top-notch and the food will be fantastic, so mark your calendars now!

Time: 7pm-10pm

Reservation information for Guerrilla Dinners will be available soon!

2. Open dancing with Chicago's Swingin'est and Rockin'est trio, The Modern Sounds, winner of the Chicago Reader's "Our Reader's Choice" award for Best Jazz Act, 2009! The Modern Sounds is a Chicago-based trio featuring Joel Paterson on guitar and vocals; Beau Sample on string bass and vocals; Alex Hall on drums and vocals. This big little band is dedicated to performing traditional American music; specializing in rockabilly, hot jazz, western swing, classic blues and everything in between. The Modern Sounds are on the cutting edge of the Atomic Age—bringing you the best of the 30's, 40's and 50's.

Time: 10pm-1am
$15 donation @ the door

More information on the band can be found at http://www.myspace.com/joelpaterson

Questions? Call the Galaxie at (773) 267-6010 or e-mail kristin@galaxiechicago.com

The Galaxie

http://www.galaxiechicago.com

2603 W. Barry Ave.

Chicago, IL 60618

The Galaxie Announces Two New Classes for Upcoming Session!

2010-03-31T21:29:00.003-05:00

The Galaxie has just announced two new classes for this upcoming session! Join us for:

Lindy Hop Choreography (Int/Adv Level)

Wednesdays 8:30-10:00PM (Classes beginning April 28 - 10 weeks)

Lindy Breaks and Variations (Int Level)

Thursdays 8:00-9:00PM (Classes beginning April 29 - 6 weeks)

The Galaxie is Currently Registering for Dance and Visual Art Classes, Starting the Week of April 12!

2010-03-24T13:37:00.000-05:00

The Galaxie is now accepting enrollments for our upcoming spring term, starting the week of April 12! We have an exciting array of movement and visual art classes lined up, most running for 6 weeks!

Upcoming Dance Classes:

Couples Only/ Wedding Prep

Mondays 7:00-8:00 PM (Classes beginning April 26th - 4 weeks only)

Beginning Swing

Intermediate Swing

Advanced Swing

Tuesdays 9:00-10:00PM (Classes beginning April 13th)

Beginning Lindy Hop

Tuesdays 7:00-8:00 PM (Classes beginning April 13th)

Beginning Blues Dancing

Wednesdays 7:30-8:30 PM (Classes beginning April 14th)

1920's Charleston - All Skate!

Saturdays 12:30-1:30 PM (Classes beginning April 17th)

Beginning Adult Tap Class

Sundays 11:00-12:00PM (Classes beginning April 18th)

Intermediate Adult Tap Class

Sundays 1:30-2:30PM (Classes beginning April 18th)

Galaxie’s “Battle of the Bands” - their Biggest Annual Swing Dance Event!

2010-03-10T19:46:00.003-06:00

CHICAGO, Ill. – Drawing the largest turnout of the year at the Galaxie, the third annual “Battle of the Bands” DJ contest promises to be no different this year on Saturday, March 20. Doors open at 8pm, the battle begins at 8:30pm and the dancing goes until 1am.

Each of several of Chicago’s swing DJs will represent a jazz artist or ensemble from the swing era of the 1930s and ‘40s in the tunes they play, using their best material to keep the dancers on the floor and themselves in first place.

The event averages well over 100 people in attendance, including swing dancers from around Chicago and surrounding cities, Galaxie swing dance students, people interested in trying swing dancing and more. All those interested in swing dancing and the music from the swing era are invited, regardless of experience, and are encouraged to participate in the beginner lesson; no partner or experience is required.

Last year’s event was teeming with energy and excitement as the DJs battled it out, with decked out “ring girls” parading the room, generating wild applause from dancers and onlookers. Dancers of all levels were keeping the nearly 2000 square foot, high-ceilinged room bouncing all night, cheering on the DJs and taking advantage of the exciting social atmosphere created by the space and community of dancers.

The Galaxie’s goal is to bring music, movement, fine art, health and well being to a central place and invite all to participate. They teach swing dance, tap dance and visual art classes, rent studios for various artists and performing groups and host a children’s arts camp.

Artist studio space available @ Galaxie- FIRST MONTH FREE!

2009-09-15T19:43:00.001-05:00

The Galaxie has a communal studio space available in a creative and inspiring environment!

Work side by side with other local artists, including painters, sculptors, glassblowers and more.

FIRST MONTH FREE with security deposit

$175 /month gets you:

-15 x 10 wide space in a communal art studio
-complete use of shop area available
-on-site kitchen available for use
-meeting space available
-lounge areas
-easy, plentiful parking
-lockers available for additional storage

Please reply by e-mail if interested in coming by to see the space to Chelsea@galaxiechicago.com.

Security deposit required.

3 month or 6 month contracts available

The Galaxie’s goal includes creating opportunities for working artists to have a creative, legal and safe environment to work, meet with other artists, gain inspiration and continue to create a strong and vital community in the Chicago art scene.

Please visit our web site to learn more: http://www.galaxiechicago.com.

Latin dance makes your swing dancing historically accurate

2009-07-30T21:04:00.002-05:00

It has probably happened to you- you’re out on the dance floor, swinging out and rock steppin’ it, and you hear someone yell out “Let’s see some Cha Cha!”

Wha…??

The Galaxie’s Salsa and Tango workshops, as well as the 4 week Cha Cha class, are offered because Latin music and dance historically relate to swing and jazz.

You didn’t think we were turning to ballroom, did you?

You no longer have to leave the floor to wait for your standard swing to come back, or worse yet, just rock step through it- the Galaxie’s upcoming Latin dance workshops and class will give you enough of the basics of Salsa, Tango and Cha Cha to stay in your groove on the floor, even when the congas come in.

Which is exactly what they did in the 1930s and ‘40s. If we’re going to embrace American vintage dancing and music, we might as well embrace the whole spectrum.

By the 1930s, the Cuban music that had migrated north to America had taken a strong hold in New York City, where Latin music spread through not only Spanish Harlem but in clubs and hotel ballrooms throughout the city. Establishments that were more Latin oriented would hire Cuban bands to alternate sets with the swing bands. The Latin rhythms of Cuban bands blended with the sounds of big band and swing, and soon people of all races were dancing together to Afro-Cuban and Afro-Caribbean influenced big bands in large ballrooms like the Palladium, the “Home of the of the Mambo.” “Everyone was equal under one roof because everyone was there to dig the music and to dance,” (in Sonobria and Socolov 1990, 6).

During World War II, Hollywood began to take advantage of this cultural transition, portraying Latin music in the movies and making celebrities out of Latino actors. Latino soldiers became war heroes in Europe and the South Pacific, giving a social boost to Latino culture. With the increased Latin influences in American society, people were soon dancing the mambo and cha cha along with the dances of the swing era.

The Galaxie aims to help continue that today.

Intro to Salsa and Intro to Tango are both one-time “Getting Schooled” workshops offered August 3rd and 5th. Cha Cha for Swing Dancers is a 4 week class beginning August 12. See below for details, and for full class descriptions, visit the web site at http://www.galaxiechicago.com.

Latin and swing music, as you probably know, have many similarities but feel very different- you could Lindy to a cha cha rhythm, but you probably wouldn’t feel it like you would with the steps of the Cha Cha.

So when that Latin groove starts playing, don’t find yourself in confusion on the dance floor- let the Galaxie teach you some basics that will allow you to go from swing to salsa and back again- much like they did in the dance halls of the 1930s and ‘40s.

Because, after all, the Galaxie is here to help you to “dig the music and to dance.”

Workshops:
Intro to Salsa
Monday, August 3
8-10pm
$25

Intro to Tango
Wednesday, August 5
8-10pm
$25

Cha Cha for Swing Dancers
Beginning Wednesday, August 12
4 weeks
$60

See http://www.galaxiechicago.com for details, info on other workshops and classes, and to sign up.

The Galaxie Swing Dance Classes

2009-07-27T20:01:00.005-05:00

The Galaxie- your favorite movement, music and fine art venue- is swingin' it again. With 4 week classes and one-time workshops in August, you're sure to find something you (and your friends!) will enjoy learning!

*NO PARTNER REQUIRED FOR MOST CLASSES

The week of August 3 brings social dance workshops in salsa, tango, aerials and Lindy Hop showmanship. Below are the details, and full class descriptions and sign-up can be found on the Galaxie web site at http://www.galaxiechicago.com:

Intro to Salsa
Monday, August 3
8-10pm, $25

Aerials (partner required)
Tuesday, August 4
7-10pm, $25

Intro to Tango
Wednesday, August 5
8-10pm, $25

Showmanship for Lindy Hoppers
Thursday, August 6
8-10pm, $25

Ever go dancing at a club or a wedding and wish you knew some sweet moves? Well, that's why you learn to social dance! The Galaxie offers a short 4 week session in social dancing in forms such as Swing, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Zydeco, Honky Tonk 2-Step, and Cha-Cha. The details are below, and full class descriptions and sign-up can be found on the Galaxie web site at http://www.galaxiechicago.com.

Beginning Swing Dance
Mondays, beginning August 10
7-8:30pm
$90, $70 with valid student ID

OR

Saturdays, beginning August 15
11am-12:30pm
$90, $70 with valid student ID

Honky Tonk 2-Step
Mondays, beginning August 10
8:30-9:30pm
$60, $45 with valid student ID

Intermediate Lindy Hop
Tuesdays, beginning August 11
7-8pm
$60, $45 with valid student ID

Intermediate Swing Dance
Tuesdays, beginning August 11
8-9pm
8-9pm
$60, $45 with valid student ID

Cha-Cha for Swing Dancers
Wednesdays, beginning August 12
7-8pm
$60, $45 with valid student ID

West Coast Swing
Wednesdays, beginning August 12
8-9pm
$60, $45 with valid student ID

Beginning Zydeco Dance
Thursdays, beginning August 13
7-8pm
$60, $45 with valid student ID

(Lindy Hop) Tricks, Splits and Flash
Thursdays, beginning August 13
8-9pm
$60, $45 with valid student ID

Solo Twenties Charleston
Saturdays, beginning August 15
12:30pm
$60, $45 with valid student ID

If you have any questions about schedules, pricing, or dancing in general, please call us at (773) 267-6010 or e-mail chelsea@galaxiechicago.com.

See you on the dance floor!

The Galaxie
2603 W. Barry Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618

A lesson from LAFLX

2009-04-09T20:05:00.002-05:00

Every time I return to Purdue to dance, I am blown away by the same thing every time:

Their energy.

Something swing dancers everywhere, including Chicago, could instill in their own dancing and their own scene.

The Purdue Night Train has, over the past few years, exploded in size and activity. This is largely due to, through all the changes in membership, instructors, events and music, one common thread that has persisted: the energy and enthusiasm of its members and their eagerness to spread their joy in the dance.

And isn’t that what us Lindy Hoppers are all about? Sometimes I think we need a reminder.

Walk into the first dance of LAFLX, Purdue’s annual Lindy exchange (which has exploded in attendance as well) and you’ll see what I mean. The ballroom in the campus union is filled, and I mean FILLED, with swing dancers from all over the Midwest, as well as several alumni, a few of whom fly back to West Lafayette, Indiana just for this event. The reported number of people pre-registered, not including those who paid at the door or came for just one night, was 280.

Awesome.

Just the sight of them all doing the Shim Sham, spread all the way across the ballroom, made me beam with pride in what I had helped to build.

Now it’s time for my new scene to do the same. That’s you, Chicago.

We actually can learn something fundamental from a bunch of college kids- love what you do, share it with others, and you’ll reap the rewards. Well, we already know that we love the Lindy Hop- now it’s time to build our energy, spread our enthusiasm, and set aside our egos to build our swing community not just in numbers, but in the electricity that flows through our scene.

That sounds fantastic- right? But HOW?

The Galaxie is answering that question for you. With the initiation of a social group of swing dancers (sounds redundant, right?) we are getting the dancers out into the community and pulling the community into the scene.

I won’t give away all the details here- stop by the Galaxie to find out how you can get involved in the effort to get Chicago dancing.

Let’s follow the steps of Night Train and get out there and dance, Chicago!

Swinger's Ball: The social (dance) event of the year

2009-04-01T21:43:00.002-05:00

If there is one thing you could say about Chicago's annual Swinger's Ball, it's that it definitely brings out the dancers-

-complete with sparkly dresses, tails and top hats!

Chicago's biggest one-night dance event of the year brought out not only many familiar faces in the Chicago swing scene, but out-of-towners and members of the community as well, to the Willowbrook Ballroom last Saturday night. Adding to the inherent excitement of the event was the all-out elegant attire that seemed to heighten the energy in the room and serve as the perfect conversation starter (how many compliments on beautiful gowns or slick tuxes would you guess were thrown out there that night?)

The event brought out so many from the local and surrounding swing scenes, in fact, that there was really hardly time to get out there and dance! One barely had enough time to make it around the room, chatting with friends and acquaintances, before the early hour of 1 am rolled around. The event surprisingly seemed to serve not just as a dance, but a great excuse to look great and socialize with the swing scene. Dancing was just an added bonus...

...as was the Lindy Hop showcase competition. As Chicago dancers have few opportunities to compete in their town, the showcase gave them an opportunity to prepare and show off their stuff. Orlando Cabalona and Kerry Romack, coached by the Galaxie's Nicolle Wood, came away with the winnings with their snazzy routine reminiscent of the Nicholas Brothers.

So by the time you grabbed a drink at the bar, greeted some familiar faces, chatted with some friends, caught up with dancers you hadn't seen in a while, walked around for a bit just to show off your incredible outfit and hairdo, passed dozens of compliments back and forth, cheered on your friends in the competition, and chatted some more with the friends you didn't find until 3 hours into the event-

When was the dancin' time??

What's Going On???

2009-03-27T16:55:00.002-05:00

With Galaxie's brand spankin' new blog, you can now not only keep up with what we've got goin' on, but post your own thoughts, opinions, wit (and hilarious comments!) on your subject of interest!

Become a follower of the Galaxie blog and track the latest on our classes, workshops and events. Read posts on upcoming happenings and stuff that's already happened to get a better idea of what you want to participate in. Post your thoughts and experiences at the Galaxie and let everyone know what you thought or what you're looking forward to!

Stay tuned for more of Galaxie's Thoughts and Happenings...