2026 Official Donation Form

Synapse Arts Collective

Synapse Arts creates, performs, and educates to nurture individual identities and challenge social norms by engaging artists and audiences in the making of performing arts.

Drop in with us every Thursday, October 1st through December 10th (no class 11/26) for $10 at 6:00 pm at Berger Park Cultural Center for an open-level, beginner-friendly Latin American social dance class presented by Synapse Arts.&nbsp; Featuring rotating styles such as merengue, salsa, cumbia, bachata, and more, this 18+ class requires no partner or prior experience. There is room to be new as we sweat, connect, and build community through vibrant social dance traditions. Taught by Camila Rivero Pooley (bilingual) Wayfinding<a fr-original-style="" href="https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1ZT23SuszHbVqSNnEexo-cPEPL5eVVTfAQ9B7bHWhwWk/edit?tab=t.0" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Berger Park Cultural Center Access and Location</a>Both buildings have ramped access points.

Latin Social Dances

&Uacute;nete a nosotros todos los jueves, 1 de octubre hasta el 10 de diciembre (sin clase el 26/11) por $10 a las 6:00 pm en el Centro Cultural Berger Park para una clase de baile social latinoamericano de nivel abierto y amigable para principiantes presentada por Synapse Arts.&nbsp; Con estilos rotativos como merengue, salsa, cumbia, bachata y m&aacute;s, esta clase 18+ no requiere pareja ni experiencia previa. Hay espacio para ser nuevos mientras sudamos, conectamos y construimos comunidad a trav&eacute;s de vibrantes tradiciones de baile social. Impartido por Camila Rivero Pooley (biling&uuml;e) Orientaci&oacute;n<a fr-original-style="" href="https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1ZT23SuszHbVqSNnEexo-cPEPL5eVVTfAQ9B7bHWhwWk/edit?tab=t.0" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Acceso y ubicaci&oacute;n del Centro Cultural Berger Park</a>Ambos edificios tienen accesos con rampas.

Danzas Sociales Latinas

Trans Dance Connect (Allies welcome) with Reign DropMondays 6:30-8:00 pm CST&nbsp;Berger Park, 6205 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660, USA Classes start in February and are ongoing through 2026, except for a summer break.Feb 2 - May 18 (no class Feb 16)&nbsp;Luke Virgilio substitute teaches on March 2July 6 - Oct 26 (no class Sept 7, Oct 12) $75 for a 10-class card or $10 for one drop-in class.&nbsp;Pay in person via cash, check, credit card, PayPal, or Venmo.&nbsp;Pay What You Can for drop-in classes is also available when paying in person. Designed to create space for transgender dancers and their allies, Trans Dance Connect is a modern/contemporary dance class designed for beginner to intermediate dancers, welcoming those who have never danced before or are returning to dance after some time off. Our main objective is to come together; everything else is low stakes, high reward. Each class centers around an archetypal theme pulled from a tarot card, allowing you to lighten your spirit through movement. You can expect intentional community building, gravitational floorwork, cathartic contemporary combinations, and guided improvisational practices.&nbsp; Taught by Synapse guest artist and collaborator Reign Drop. Classes take place in the Berger Ballroom on the 3rd floor of the main mansion. The studio has a Marley dance floor over wood planks, natural and artificial lighting, and window air conditioning. Non-binary bathrooms are available on the 2nd floor. We regret that the studio is not fully accessible - participants must move up two sets of stairs to access the space. Full wayfinding information is available at this link: <a fr-original-style="" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZT23SuszHbVqSNnEexo-cPEPL5eVVTfAQ9B7bHWhwWk/edit?usp=sharing." rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Berger Park Cultural Center - Access and Location Information</a>&nbsp;Due to the size of the space, advance registration is limited to 10 spots, and drop-in spots are subject to availability. Health and Safety Protocols: Social distancing and mask wearing are encouraged. We ask that participants negotiate their comfort levels in each setting, including requesting masks be worn. For requests with accessibility assistance, please contact info@synapsearts.com or call or text our access request line at 947-2CREATE (947-227-3283).&nbsp;

2026 Trans Dance Connect

Inclusive Dance with Unfolding Disability Futures (Hybrid)Wednesdays 6:30pm - 8:00pmHYBRID virtual or in person at Clarendon Community Center Park, 4501 N Clarendon Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 Winter/Spring session: January 14 - May 13 (no class March 25) (18 weeks)&nbsp;Fall Session: September 9 - &nbsp;December 9 (no class Nov 11 or 25) (12 weeks) This Inclusive Dance class is a community-led gathering of movers of all kinds. Each session, different facilitators and guest artists lead the group through an exploration of dancemaking tools, dance techniques, and improvisational exercises from ballet to modern. The goal of our workshops is to intentionally build a dance space grounded in disability culture, where bodies and minds of all types feel welcomed and valued.Co-taught by Synapse Arts and Unfolding Disability Futures.&nbsp; Once you have registered for class, you will receive a link to join the class virtually; you are welcome to come in person or attend virtually for any class.&nbsp; Regular prices$10 per class to drop in - drop in to your first class for FREE!$135 for Winter/Spring session (18 weeks), $90 for Fall session (12 weeks) Discounted pricesThese prices are subsidized and intended for anyone who needs a discounted rate. We do not ask for any proof or explanation.&nbsp;$3 per class to drop in$50 for Winter/Spring session (18 weeks)$35 for Fall session (12 weeks) Teacher Schedule - Fall Session:9/9 Lauren &amp; Damon9/16 Lauren9/23 Stefanie &amp; Jamila9/30 Sydney &amp; Michelle10/7 Sydney &amp; Jamila&nbsp;10/14 Sydney &amp; Jamila10/21 Stefanie &amp; Jamila10/28 Lauren &amp; Michelle11/4 Stefanie &amp; Michelle11/18 Maggie &amp; Michelle12/2 Maggie &amp; Damon12/9 Maggie &amp; Michelle --Health, safety, and access:Social distancing and mask wearing is highly encouraged. Masks will be provided. All workshops will be held hybrid via Zoom. AI captioning will be available for all workshops. We kindly ask you to send us your request for ASL at least 3 weeks in advance by emailing <a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:jyoung@accessliving.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">jyoung@accessliving.org</a>. In-person classes take place in the Clarendon Park Dance Room (2nd floor, accessible via elevator). Wayfinding information here: <a fr-original-style="" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XdBRq9YGIk5lJLGqiQ0YrYTzR2m6cDz4-XEKTHLqPv4/edit?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Clarendon Community Center Park Wayfinding</a> For additional access service requests or onsite accessibility assistance, please contact UnfoldingDisabilityFutures@gmail.com or text the Synapse access request line at 947-2CREATE (947-227-3283) in advance.&nbsp;<div fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> </div>--ASL services for the Inclusive Dance Workshop Series are supported by Unfolding Disability Futures&#39; artist residency with the Art &amp; Culture Project at Access Living of Metro Chicago. This event is brought to you by the Arts and Culture Project at Access Living, an independent living center for people with disabilities, and Bodies of Work: Network of Disability Art and Culture. Bodies of Work is a part of the Department of Disability and Human Development within the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois-Chicago. The contents of this workshop were developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90RTCP0005). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this workshop do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

2026 Inclusive Dance

Drop-in with us every Tuesday&nbsp;for a special summer edition of Latin Social Dances on the beach! Partnering with Blue Jay Cafe at Loyola Park, join us July 7th through August 25th at 6:00 pm for an open-level, beginner-friendly Latin American social dance class presented by Synapse Arts.&nbsp; Featuring rotating styles such as merengue, salsa, cumbia, bachata, and more, this 18+ class requires no partner or prior experience. There is room to be new as we sweat, connect, and build community through vibrant social dance traditions. Taught by Camila Rivero Pooley (bilingual) Wayfinding<a fr-original-style="" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bpVqouUuQRaJXIf7AwOIhCeQZof5uhiYPJsROQsaqug/edit?tab=t.0" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Loyola Park Access and Location</a>

2026 Latin Social Dances

&Uacute;nete a la nueva edici&oacute;n de Danzas Sociales Latinas en la playa. Una clase dedicada a explorar la gran variedad de bailes sociales de Latinoam&eacute;rica.

Looking for some welcoming movement this summer? This is your chance to dance! Join Chicago&rsquo;s inclusive community for dancers with and without disabilities.&nbsp; Learn from our experienced teachers and create a weekend that fits your body, mind, schedule, and interests. This lab will include classes on creative movement, contemporary technique, choreographic practice, and improvisational skills. This is a great opportunity to move in community while choosing your level of challenge.&nbsp; No matter your age or skill level, we have an offering for you! Sunday morning, join us for a 12 and under creative movement class. Adult movers, select to join an individual workshop (morning or afternoon) or join us for the full lab on Saturday and Sunday. At the end of the weekend, we will have an improvisation jam in the park! Those who are registered in the final workshop can participate, but all are welcomed to come watch!&nbsp; Loyola Park Access and Location finding information available<a fr-original-style="" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bpVqouUuQRaJXIf7AwOIhCeQZof5uhiYPJsROQsaqug/edit?usp=sharing" id="isPasted" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">&nbsp;here.</a> Please contact unfoldingdisabilityfutures@gmail.com with any questions about accommodations and access. A special thank you to <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.smackdabchicago.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Smack Dab</a> for donating coffee and doughnuts!

Inclusive Dance Lab

Give everyone access to the arts. Why does art matter?Communities without public art are more disconnected with fewer social support networks. Audiences need art that is accessible across a wide spectrum of income and ability levels so that all members of the community can participate. Why dance for all?Dance is a unique part of the cultural and social fabric of our society:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);box-sizing:inherit;" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);box-sizing:inherit;">it integrates physical and mental health&nbsp;</li><li fr-original-style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);box-sizing:inherit;" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);box-sizing:inherit;">it builds creativity and resilience</li><li fr-original-style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);box-sizing:inherit;" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);box-sizing:inherit;">it provides a space for people of all backgrounds to connect</li><li fr-original-style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);box-sizing:inherit;" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);box-sizing:inherit;">it fosters a sense of belonging and reduces social isolation</li></ul> Dance for all ages, identities, and income levels.Your support will provide:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);box-sizing:inherit;" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);box-sizing:inherit;">Quality Dance Education: We provide affordable dance classes to children and adults at Loyola Park, Berger Park Cultural Center, Clarendon Community Center Park, and Lincoln Park Cultural Center.</li><li fr-original-style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);box-sizing:inherit;" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);box-sizing:inherit;">Professional Development: Our New Works program sponsors underrepresented choreographers, focusing on supporting women, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC artists. We connect artists to share resources and develop their voices, fostering agents of change in the cultural economy of our city, nation, and world.</li><li fr-original-style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);box-sizing:inherit;" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);box-sizing:inherit;">Quality Live Works: We support the development of new artistic works by focusing on support for artists themselves. We pay artists fair wages and value process over product so that our artists can do their best work and create high-quality performances. &nbsp;</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">Uplift the Art Community: We bring free performances to accessible spaces and work to provide art that is accessible across a wide spectrum of income and ability levels so that all members of the community can participate.</li></ul>

Give everyone access to the arts.Why does art matter?Communities without public art are more disconnected with fewer social support networks. Audiences need art that is accessible across a wide spectrum of income and ability levels so that all members of the community can participate.Why dance for all?Dance is a unique part of the cultural and social fabric of our society:it integrates physical and mental health it builds creativity and resilienceit provides a space for people of all backgrounds to connectit fosters a sense of belonging and reduces social isolationDance for all ages, identities, and income levels.Your support will provide:Quality Dance Education: We provide affordable dance classes to children and adults at Loyola Park, Berger Park Cultural Center, Clarendon Community Center Park, and Lincoln Park Cultural Center.Professional Development: Our New Works program sponsors underrepresented choreographers, focusing on supporting women, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC artists. We connect artists to share resources and develop their voices, fostering agents of change in the cultural economy of our city, nation, and world.Quality Live Works: We support the development of new artistic works by focusing on support for artists themselves. We pay artists fair wages and value process over product so that our artists can do their best work and create high-quality performances. Uplift the Art Community: We bring free performances to accessible spaces and work to provide art that is accessible across a wide spectrum of income and ability levels so that all members of the community can participate.

Much&iacute;simas gracias for donating and being part of this myth ⚔️ I am incredibly grateful and excited that the universe has heard my plegarias: MATADORA makes its world premiere on September 24 at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago. The production is in its crucial final stages. Donating today supports production of the special effects you&rsquo;ll see in the live performance, and, most importantly, allows me to pay more artists for their time and talents on and off stage. Thank you for supporting the artists bringing MATADORA to life! See you on opening night,INS&Eacute;KTA All donations are tax deductible.MATADORA is fiscally sponsored by Synapse Arts, a 501c3 organization.

Muchísimas gracias for donating and being part of this myth ⚔️I am incredibly grateful and excited that the universe has heard my plegarias: MATADORA makes its world premiere on September 24 at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago.The production is in its crucial final stages. Donating today supports production of the special effects you’ll see in the live performance, and, most importantly, allows me to pay more artists for their time and talents on and off stage.Thank you for supporting the artists bringing MATADORA to life!See you on opening night,INSÉKTAAll donations are tax deductible.MATADORA is fiscally sponsored by Synapse Arts, a 501c3 organization.

MATADORA: Become a mythmaker with us!

Much&iacute;simas gracias for donating and being part of this myth ⚔️ I&#39;m incredibly grateful and excited that the universe has heard my plegarias: MATADORA makes its world premiere on September 24 at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago. The production is in its crucial final stages. Donating today supports production of the special effects you&rsquo;ll see in the live performance, and, most importantly, allows me to pay more artists for their time and talents on and off stage. Thank you for supporting the artists bringing MATADORA to life! See you on opening night,INS&Eacute;KTA

Muchísimas gracias for donating and being part of this myth ⚔️I'm incredibly grateful and excited that the universe has heard my plegarias: MATADORA makes its world premiere on September 24 at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago.The production is in its crucial final stages. Donating today supports production of the special effects you’ll see in the live performance, and, most importantly, allows me to pay more artists for their time and talents on and off stage.Thank you for supporting the artists bringing MATADORA to life!See you on opening night,INSÉKTA

MATADORA: ¡Conviértete en un creador de mitos con nosotros!

Thank you for your rental! This page is currently only for making a deposit of $100 to hold the equipment for your rental agreement.&nbsp;A full contract must be executed in order to rent any equipment. Contact <a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:booking@synapsearts.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">booking@synapsearts.com</a> for more.&nbsp; We offer sliding scale pricing:<ul fr-original-style="" id="isPasted" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Subsidized rental for independent artists and companies with less than $50k annual revenue - covers only Synapse personnel costs - range from $100 per rental up</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Partially subsidized rental for independent artists and companies with less than $200k annual revenue - covers Synapse personnel costs and equipment maintenance - range from $150 per rental up</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Full price rental for independent artists or arts organizations with more than $200k annual revenue and for profit businesses - covers Synapse personnel costs, equipment maintenance, and storage space - range from $200 per rental up</li></ul>

Thank you for your rental! This page is currently only for making a deposit of $100 to hold the equipment for your rental agreement. A full contract must be executed in order to rent any equipment. Contact booking@synapsearts.com for more. We offer sliding scale pricing:Subsidized rental for independent artists and companies with less than $50k annual revenue - covers only Synapse personnel costs - range from $100 per rental upPartially subsidized rental for independent artists and companies with less than $200k annual revenue - covers Synapse personnel costs and equipment maintenance - range from $150 per rental upFull price rental for independent artists or arts organizations with more than $200k annual revenue and for profit businesses - covers Synapse personnel costs, equipment maintenance, and storage space - range from $200 per rental up

Synapse Arts Equipment Rental

&iexcl;Gracias por su alquiler! Esta p&aacute;gina es actualmente solo para realizar un dep&oacute;sito de $100 para reservar el equipo para su contrato de alquiler.&nbsp;Se debe ejecutar un contrato completo para alquilar cualquier equipo. Contacte a <a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:booking@synapsearts.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">booking@synapsearts.com</a> para m&aacute;s informaci&oacute;n.&nbsp; Ofrecemos precios en escala deslizante:<ul fr-original-style="" id="isPasted" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Alquiler subvencionado para artistas independientes y empresas con menos de $50k de ingresos anuales - cubre solo los costos del personal de Synapse - rango de $100 por alquiler en adelante</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Alquiler parcialmente subvencionado para artistas independientes y empresas con menos de $200k de ingresos anuales - cubre los costos del personal de Synapse y el mantenimiento del equipo - rango de $150 por alquiler en adelante</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Alquiler a precio completo para artistas independientes u organizaciones art&iacute;sticas con m&aacute;s de $200k de ingresos anuales y para empresas con fines de lucro - cubre los costos del personal de Synapse, el mantenimiento del equipo y el espacio de almacenamiento - rango de $200 por alquiler en adelante</li></ul>

¡Gracias por su alquiler! Esta página es actualmente solo para realizar un depósito de $100 para reservar el equipo para su contrato de alquiler. Se debe ejecutar un contrato completo para alquilar cualquier equipo. Contacte a booking@synapsearts.com para más información. Ofrecemos precios en escala deslizante:Alquiler subvencionado para artistas independientes y empresas con menos de $50k de ingresos anuales - cubre solo los costos del personal de Synapse - rango de $100 por alquiler en adelanteAlquiler parcialmente subvencionado para artistas independientes y empresas con menos de $200k de ingresos anuales - cubre los costos del personal de Synapse y el mantenimiento del equipo - rango de $150 por alquiler en adelanteAlquiler a precio completo para artistas independientes u organizaciones artísticas con más de $200k de ingresos anuales y para empresas con fines de lucro - cubre los costos del personal de Synapse, el mantenimiento del equipo y el espacio de almacenamiento - rango de $200 por alquiler en adelante

Synapse Arts Collective

Synapse Arts Collective

Synapse Arts Collective

Upcoming events

Events

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2026 Inclusive Dance

Get your tickets

Latin Social Dances

Get your tickets

Latin Social Dances

Get your tickets

2026 Inclusive Dance

Get your tickets

Latin Social Dances

Get your tickets

2026 Inclusive Dance

More ways to support us

Donate now

2026 Official Donation Form

Donate now

MATADORA: Become a mythmaker with us!

Learn more

Synapse Arts Equipment Rental

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.css-1bfa2ov a{color:inherit;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1bfa2ov a:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:hsl(0, 0%, 100%);}Synapse Arts Collective

Synapse Arts Collective

Upcoming events

Events

Get your tickets

2026 Inclusive Dance

Get your tickets

Latin Social Dances

Get your tickets

Latin Social Dances

Get your tickets

2026 Inclusive Dance

Get your tickets

Latin Social Dances

Get your tickets

2026 Inclusive Dance

More ways to support us

Donate now

2026 Official Donation Form

Donate now

MATADORA: Become a mythmaker with us!

Learn more

Synapse Arts Equipment Rental

Powered by

Synapse Arts Collective