Virtual Dance Lab (VDL) launched in 2020 in response to COVID-19’s crippling effects toward the Chicago dance community and beyond. Lucky Plush Productions partnered with TAPS at University of Chicago to provide a virtual platform that offers access to classes, workshops, and events. It continues to offer a selection of live-stream and on demand classes through a sliding scale payment model. Since the beginning of the pandemic, VDL has hosted over 6,000 participants globally, 65 teaching artists, and over 60 workshops to date.
weekly live-stream classes
GENTLE MODERN DANCE
Mondays 11-12p CT
BEMOVED®
Tuesdays 8-9a CT
PILATES
Saturdays 9-10a CT
Featured
Explore modern dance basics and get your body moving with ease and efficiency.
Drawing from modern dance lineages and David Zambrano’s Flying Low technique
Modern Class based in Graham Technique and repertory movement
Learn foundational movement of the Dunham Technique
a mix of forms of traditional American modern dance with Afro-cuban dances and Flamenco dance
Wake up your body with this release-based practice.
Hip Hop | Street Styles
Featured
explore the Jamaican sound system and its influence on Hip-Hop's foundation
journey through schools of thought, technique, movement foundations and sociocultural contexts of Breaking
practice the techniques and underlying grooves associated with House dance
visit specific elements that make-up this dance movement technique such as walking, spins, drip, and performance
learn steps that include a fusion of styles and techniques
the experiential edge in which Hip Hop and Krump were birthed
a fun and conversational way to approach and interpret dance and hip hop music
Chicago tradition that crosses community, cultural or ethnic boundaries
foundation, form, and fundamentals of popping through the use of drills and choreography
a unique and expressive style created within Jamaican culture
commercial hip hop from the basics with hints of contemporary inspirations
learn fundamentals of House Dance footwork as well as tools for freestyle improvisation
African Dance Forms
Featured
beginning traditional West African movement and how it relates to the contemporary music played now
basics of traditional West African movement and folklore while using this art form to bridge genres of dance from the African diaspora
focus on guided movement that can be defined as "indigenous movement" toward freedom on the West Indian islands of Jamaica and Haiti
an energizing hour of West African dance technique, history and culture for dancers of all levels and ages
Ballet | Social Dance Forms | Movement exploration
Featured
movers will learn to use some of the basic elements of Laban Movement Analysis
find your foundation with a classic jazz warm-up, rooted in the Giordano Technique
class will begin with a full barre and transition to center work
touch on different social dances that came before salsa
class will begin with a full barre and transition to center work
Fitness | Theater
Featured
create strength as you focus on flexibility, posture, and balance
learn some yoga basics, pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation focusing on and maintaining an active, holistic practice
