Stories of Healing

Mel (they/them) is a Chicago based performance artist. They have done several virtual and in person performances as their drag character, Boy Vey. They have also performed as Mel as a dancer, creator, and vocalist. Mel believes in the queer future and enjoys creating art focused on healing and trauma connected to their strong Jewish backgrounds.

n/a

by

Mel

featuring

Mel Rivkin

with music

Sunspot by Moby

Carly Broutman graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee with a BFA in Dance. While in school, Carly performed in original works for numerous choreographers, including Molly Shanahan, Sarah Weber Gallo, and Melinda Jean Myers. While in Milwaukee, Carly performed through internships with Wild Space Dance Company and Danceworks Performance Company. Carly studied dance abroad in Brazil in June 2015. Since moving to Chicago, Carly has performed for various independent artists. Her choreography credits include “Rotten Tomatoes”, performed at Jello Performance Series and Power Ouch! Festival (Links Hall). She was a 2018 Artist-In-Residence for Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble’s Body Passages series. Carly danced for Innervation Dance Cooperative and Lucid Banter Project. Carly is currently with Ground Rhythm Dance Project as a collaborator. Carly is a certified barre instructor, stretch professional, and group fitness instructor through ACE. In her free time, she can be found playing video games and strength training.

If, then

by

Carly Broutman

with music

In order:
“Opening Titles” by Danny Mulhern
“An Ending, A Beginning” by Dustin O’Halloran

Julia Schaeffer, originally from California, began dancing at age 13. She received her BFA in Dance Performance from Chapman University where she studied ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary. After graduation, Julia danced with the Lineage dance company for four years where she had the privilege of performing and teaching community outreach classes. She relocated to Chicago in summer 2019 and has enjoyed getting to know the wonderful Chicago dance community. Since moving to Chicago, Julia has danced for South Chicago Dance Theatre at ‘Night Out in the Parks’, Joel Hall Dancers and Center in ‘Dances in the Hall’, Kaela Norwood in ‘Fused’, Mariah Eastman in ‘Patternalia’, and is currently a company dancer with Winifred Haun and Dancers. She teaches various ages and styles at local studios such as Dance on Broadway, Design Dance, and Chicago Ballet Arts. Julia is very grateful to be involved in the vibrant Chicago dance community.

Interconnected

by

Carly Broutman, Claire Francescon, Chih Jou Cheng, Julia Schaeffer

with music

Legions: War by Zoe Keating