Our Classes & Performances
come groove !
This calendar overviews our events.
This ranges from our classes to festivals to productions! We welcome you into our groove & hope to see you in community with us.
Be sure to follow the “Source Link” to get register for events & get tickets to shows!
For a detailed description of each event, look below!
The Wolfpack: The Mountain
Date(s) & Time(s): May 17th, 2026 from 6:30-8:00 pm
Location: The Rooted Space
Level: Open
Lead by: Reign Drop
Description:
The Wolfpack invites you to join us at the precipice of the mountain. A keeper of snow in the dead of winter, we can feel isolated by the climb or inspired by uncovering the gems within us all. In this class, we will work as a group to accomplish tasks that surround the archetype of the mountain and come together in a way that is unique to the group in the room. There will also be live music! It is essential to the heart of The Wolfpack to celebrate individuals who go against the grain in pursuit of sharing their own stories and concepts that support the pack of like-minded individuals.
Regardless of the voice leading the pack, our agreements are as follows:
🐺 We are an improvisation collective
🐺 We investigate freedom, confidence, and healing through movement
🐺 We are guided by nature and the healing properties found within channeling these archetypes
🐺 We obnoxiously celebrate each participant
JOIN US in the FREE class offered to our community and beyond!
We Are Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible.
We are currently funded by individuals, as grant funding is limited. Please consider donating if you are in a position to support queer arts future.
D.I.Y.-Delve Into You!
Date(s) & Time(s): May 21st from 7:30p - 8:30p
Location: My Art House Studio
Level: Open
Lead by: Reign Drop
Description:
Are you working on a fun crafty project and want to build community while you do it? Join We Are Collective for D.I.Y. - Delve Into You, where we hold space at My Art House Studios to make friends + feed our love for hobbies.
We Are Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible.
We are currently funded by individuals, as grant funding is limited. Please consider donating if you are in a position to support queer arts future.
We Are Collective's Company Class | Exceeding The Limit
We Are Collective's FREE May Company Class . . .
Date(s) & Time(s): May 31st at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble
Level: Open
Lead by: Tristen Sanborn
Description:
This class, led by Tristen Sanborn, explores the natural rhythm of the body and its relation to house/disco tracks. How does this realm of music live within oneself? How can we revel in movement and begin to transcend the past?
This is an open-level class. A brief warm-up and introduction to house aesthetics will be shared, followed by a durational improvisational score and inquiry.
We Are Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible.
We are currently funded by individuals, as grant funding is limited. Please consider donating if you are in a position to support queer arts future.
Make Your Space | Linoleum Carving
Date(s) & Time(s): June 4th at 7:30p - 8:30p
Location: My Art House Studio
Level: Open
Lead by: Nik Graves
Description:
Want to craft but don't have the supplies or hate learning from a YouTube video, come to Make Your Space!
In this Make Your Space we will be learning how to carve linoleum blocks & stamp onto stationary. All supplies to participate will be provided. Plus, you get to bring your stamp home to use on all of your own wears!
Limited capacity. Only 5 spots available.
We Are Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible.
We are currently funded by individuals, as grant funding is limited. Please consider donating if you are in a position to support queer arts future.
Season V Auditions
Apply to audition to be a part of Season V of We Are Collective! More information is available at the link below.
The Wolfpack: The River
Date(s) & Time(s): June 21st from 7:30-9:00pm
Location: The Rooted Space
Level: Open
Lead by: Reign Drop
Description:
The Wolfpack invites you to join us in the healing of the river. As queer folks, we are constantly being reborn. The river provides a sanctuary for us to reflect and change with the support of the current. There will also be live music! It is essential to the heart of The Wolfpack to celebrate individuals who go against the grain in pursuit of sharing their own stories and concepts that support the pack of like-minded individuals.
Regardless of the voice leading the pack, our agreements are as follows:
🐺 We are an improvisation collective
🐺 We investigate freedom, confidence, and healing through movement
🐺 We are guided by nature and the healing properties found within channeling these archetypes
🐺 We obnoxiously celebrate each participant
JOIN US in the FREE class offered to our community and beyond!
We Are Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible.
We are currently funded by individuals, as grant funding is limited. Please consider donating if you are in a position to support queer arts future.
A Flower in the Tumbleweeds Pride Run
We Are Collective presents... A Flower in the Tumbleweeds
a rowdy dance theatre work that concludes Season IV
June 26th & 27th from 7:30p - 9:15p
at Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble
In-Person & Virtual Tickets Available!
Description of A Flower in the Tumbleweeds
A Flower in the Tumbleweeds is We Are Collective's full length dance theatre production. The show, at it's core, is a sapphic western love tragedy. It explores the town of Calamity Crick & those rolling on through. We follow Longshot Lani as she finds love, community, friction, and conflict in the Wild West. From the bandits to the brothel, we are gonna give you one helluva show!
In addition to the performance, we transform spaces to make an immersive experience as well as host the Queer Art Market which platforms queer artists from within We Are Collective & our community to promote the other art forms that they produce. We also offer community resource tabling at our events as well to provide a net of queer-safe spaces or organizations for the Chicago community with organizations like Brave Space Alliance, Center on Halstead, & Chicago Books to Women in Prison.
Doors open : 7:00p
Come to enjoy the Queer Art Market before the show begins.
Show start : 7:30p
There will be no late seating. If you arrive late, please wait until intermission to enter the auditorium. If the doors are closed, do not enter!
Approximate show run time : 90 minutes (including 15 minute intermission)
Recommendation:
Round up your cowpoke & dress to the nines in your best western wears!
Are you the sheriff of Calamity Crick? A good ole' wild west roughneck? The barkeep at the Silver Spur Saloon? Or a painted lady over at Madame de Vere's?
That is for you to decide and us to find out!
Accommodations & Limitations:
Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble has two flights of stairs to access the auditorium space. If you are not able to attend the show due to accessibility, we are deeply sorry! Please reach out to admin@wearecollective.online to receive a discounted virtual ticket.
Content Warning: gun shot, death, partial nudity, brothel scene with sexual movement.
Due to this, this show is 18+ only.
Subtitles: Spoken dialogue in films will be subtitled.
Masks are encouraged but not mandatory.
Collective Members
Alyssa Simpson
Audrey Hartnett
Hannah Huang
Isis Schmugge
Lani Anderson
Nik Graves
Reign Drop
Rodney Bethea
Tristen Sanborn
Virginia VanLieshout
No Refunds.
If you are no longer able to come to the show, contact admin@wearecollective.online to connect to someone in need of a ticket. If you purchased an in-person ticket, please reach out so we are able to provide you with a virtual link.
We Are Collective is proudly in residency at Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble.
We are grateful for this relationship and wish to maintain it!
We mean this with the utmost sincerity, if you are caught smoking or vaping in the theatre space, you will be removed without refund.
A Flower in the Tumbleweeds Pride Run
We Are Collective presents... A Flower in the Tumbleweeds
a rowdy dance theatre work that concludes Season IV
June 26th & 27th from 7:30p - 9:15p
at Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble
In-Person & Virtual Tickets Available!
Description of A Flower in the Tumbleweeds
A Flower in the Tumbleweeds is We Are Collective's full length dance theatre production. The show, at it's core, is a sapphic western love tragedy. It explores the town of Calamity Crick & those rolling on through. We follow Longshot Lani as she finds love, community, friction, and conflict in the Wild West. From the bandits to the brothel, we are gonna give you one helluva show!
In addition to the performance, we transform spaces to make an immersive experience as well as host the Queer Art Market which platforms queer artists from within We Are Collective & our community to promote the other art forms that they produce. We also offer community resource tabling at our events as well to provide a net of queer-safe spaces or organizations for the Chicago community with organizations like Brave Space Alliance, Center on Halstead, & Chicago Books to Women in Prison.
Doors open : 7:00p
Come to enjoy the Queer Art Market before the show begins.
Show start : 7:30p
There will be no late seating. If you arrive late, please wait until intermission to enter the auditorium. If the doors are closed, do not enter!
Approximate show run time : 90 minutes (including 15 minute intermission)
Recommendation:
Round up your cowpoke & dress to the nines in your best western wears!
Are you the sheriff of Calamity Crick? A good ole' wild west roughneck? The barkeep at the Silver Spur Saloon? Or a painted lady over at Madame de Vere's?
That is for you to decide and us to find out!
Accommodations & Limitations:
Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble has two flights of stairs to access the auditorium space. If you are not able to attend the show due to accessibility, we are deeply sorry! Please reach out to admin@wearecollective.online to receive a discounted virtual ticket.
Content Warning: gun shot, death, partial nudity, brothel scene with sexual movement.
Due to this, this show is 18+ only.
Subtitles: Spoken dialogue in films will be subtitled.
Masks are encouraged but not mandatory.
Collective Members
Alyssa Simpson
Audrey Hartnett
Hannah Huang
Isis Schmugge
Lani Anderson
Nik Graves
Reign Drop
Rodney Bethea
Tristen Sanborn
Virginia VanLieshout
No Refunds.
If you are no longer able to come to the show, contact admin@wearecollective.online to connect to someone in need of a ticket. If you purchased an in-person ticket, please reach out so we are able to provide you with a virtual link.
We Are Collective is proudly in residency at Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble.
We are grateful for this relationship and wish to maintain it!
We mean this with the utmost sincerity, if you are caught smoking or vaping in the theatre space, you will be removed without refund.
Exceeding the Limit
Date(s) & Time(s): May 7th from 7:30p - 8:30p
Location: My Art House Studio
Level: Open
Lead by: Tristen Sanborn
Description:
This class, led by Tristen Sanborn, explores the body's natural rhythm and its relation to house/disco tracks. How does this realm of music live within oneself? How can we revel in movement and begin to transcend the past?
This is an open-level class. A brief warm-up and introduction to house aesthetics will be shared, followed by a durational improvisational score and inquiry.
We Are Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible.
We are currently funded by individuals, as grant funding is limited. Please consider donating if you are in a position to support queer arts future.
We Are Collective's Company Class | Queer Frontier
We Are Collective's FREE April Company Class . . .
Date(s) & Time(s): April 19th at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble
Level: Intermediate - Advanced - Professional
Lead by: Nik Graves
Description:
Saddle up for a choreography class that celebrates queer expression through the grit and flamboyancy... I mean, showmanship of the Wild West.
Queer Frontier blends contemporary movement and western music with storytelling at its core. We will dig into sweeping gestures, grounded textures, and cinematic flair. Each class explores a short piece of choreography set to western music, where dancers are invited to bring their individuality to the forefront. Expect dynamic phrases, expressive choices, and a space that welcomes all bodies and identities to move boldly, authentically, and unapologetically.
This class will work on choreography set to Homemaker by Next of Kin (from 2:45-3:45)
We Are Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible.
We are currently funded by individuals, as grant funding is limited. Please consider donating if you are in a position to support queer arts future.
A Flower in the Tumbleweeds
A sapphic, western, love, tragedy by We Are Collective’s company. This new dance theatre work will conclude our 4th season!
A Flower in the Tumbleweeds
A sapphic, western, love, tragedy by We Are Collective’s company. This new dance theatre work will conclude our 4th season!
Make Your Space
Date(s) & Time(s): February 12th & March 12th at 7:30p - 8:30p
Location: My Art House Studio
Level: Open
Lead by: Reign Drop
Description:
Do you have an idea but need some space to flesh it out? Are you feeling creatively stumped and need some prompts to get you going? Come to Make Your Space and play with us! Reign Drop will be your idea bouncer, feedback giver, and even tarot reader to support your artistic process. Using their knowledge of their dance-theatre, they will ask you questions that will expand your inspiration and vision. Join us this session and make something new!
Limited capacity. Only 5 spots available.
We Are Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax deductible.
We are currently funded by individuals as grant funding is limited currently. Please consider donating if you are in a position to support queer arts future.
Queer Frontier
Dates: January 29th, February 26th, March 5th
Time: 7:30p - 8:30p
Location: My Art House Studio
Levels: 1/29 Beginner/Intermediate. 2/26 Advanced/Professional. 3/5 Advanced/Professional.
Lead by: Nik Graves
Description:
Saddle up for a choreography class that celebrates queer expression through the grit and flamboyancy... I mean, showmanship of the Wild West.
Queer Frontier blends contemporary movement and western music with storytelling at its core. We will dig into sweeping gestures, grounded textures, and cinematic flair. Each class explores a short piece of choreography set to western music, where dancers are invited to bring their individuality to the forefront. Expect dynamic phrases, expressive choices, and a space that welcomes all bodies and identities to move boldly, authentically, and unapologetically.
Queer Frontier has limited capacity. Only 5 spots available per class!
We Are Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax deductible.
We are currently funded by individuals as grant funding is limited currently. Please consider donating if you are in a position to support queer arts future.
Queer Frontier
Dates: January 29th, February 26th, March 5th
Time: 7:30p - 8:30p
Location: My Art House Studio
Levels: 1/29 Beginner/Intermediate. 2/26 Advanced/Professional. 3/5 Advanced/Professional.
Lead by: Nik Graves
Description:
Saddle up for a choreography class that celebrates queer expression through the grit and flamboyancy... I mean, showmanship of the Wild West.
Queer Frontier blends contemporary movement and western music with storytelling at its core. We will dig into sweeping gestures, grounded textures, and cinematic flair. Each class explores a short piece of choreography set to western music, where dancers are invited to bring their individuality to the forefront. Expect dynamic phrases, expressive choices, and a space that welcomes all bodies and identities to move boldly, authentically, and unapologetically.
Queer Frontier has limited capacity. Only 5 spots available per class!
We Are Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax deductible.
We are currently funded by individuals as grant funding is limited currently. Please consider donating if you are in a position to support queer arts future.
Melt + Resist | Company Class
We Are Collective's FREE February Company Class . . .
Melt + Resist will offer a space to land where your feet are, be playful, and build community. The class will explore textures and practices of melting through and resisting against, all while not taking ourselves too seriously. This class is open to all levels but will include some beginning partner work and weight sharing.
This class is lead by Alyssa Simpson | Collective Member, Choreographer & Board Member.
Class is held at Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble in Andersonville, Chicago.
6:00pm - 7:00pm
F R E E ! Donation based class.
Class limit of 25 people due to space restrictions.
Join We Are Collective in our Company Class !
Make Your Space
Date(s) & Time(s): February 12th & March 12th at 7:30p - 8:30p
Location: My Art House Studio
Level: Open
Lead by: Reign Drop
Description:
Do you have an idea but need some space to flesh it out? Are you feeling creatively stumped and need some prompts to get you going? Come to Make Your Space and play with us! Reign Drop will be your idea bouncer, feedback giver, and even tarot reader to support your artistic process. Using their knowledge of their dance-theatre, they will ask you questions that will expand your inspiration and vision. Join us this session and make something new!
Limited capacity. Only 5 spots available.
We Are Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax deductible.
We are currently funded by individuals as grant funding is limited currently. Please consider donating if you are in a position to support queer arts future.
The Wolfpack
Date(s) & Time(s): February 6th @ 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Location: The Rooted Space | The Nest
Level: Open
Lead by: Reign Drop
Description:
The Wolfpack is a restorative and introspective improvisation dance jam that is typically focused on themes of nature, using tarot based archetypes. The Wolfpack is made for any and all movers. The only rules to enter the space is to carry respect for you and the community that joins the space on a personal and artistic level. It is essential to the heart of The Wolfpack to celebrate individuals who go against the grain in pursuit of sharing their own stories and concepts that support the pack of like-minded individuals.
Regardless of the voice leading the pack, our agreements are as follows:
🐺 We are an improvisation collective
🐺 We investigate freedom, confidence, and healing through movement
🐺 We are guided by nature and the healing properties found within channeling these archetypes
🐺 We obnoxiously celebrate each participant
JOIN US in the FREE class offered to our community and beyond!
We Are Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax deductible.
We are currently funded by individuals as grant funding is limited currently. Please consider donating if you are in a position to support queer arts future.
Queer Frontier
Dates: January 29th, February 26th, March 5th
Time: 7:30p - 8:30p
Location: My Art House Studio
Levels: 1/29 Beginner/Intermediate. 2/26 Advanced/Professional. 3/5 Advanced/Professional.
Lead by: Nik Graves
Description:
Saddle up for a choreography class that celebrates queer expression through the grit and flamboyancy... I mean, showmanship of the Wild West.
Queer Frontier blends contemporary movement and western music with storytelling at its core. We will dig into sweeping gestures, grounded textures, and cinematic flair. Each class explores a short piece of choreography set to western music, where dancers are invited to bring their individuality to the forefront. Expect dynamic phrases, expressive choices, and a space that welcomes all bodies and identities to move boldly, authentically, and unapologetically.
Queer Frontier has limited capacity. Only 5 spots available per class!
We Are Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax deductible.
We are currently funded by individuals as grant funding is limited currently. Please consider donating if you are in a position to support queer arts future.
We Are Collective's Company Class | Movin' & Groovin'
We Are Collective's January Company Class will be...
Movin' & Groovin' is a fun, upbeat dance class designed to help you feel confident and comfortable dancing in social settings. Whether you’re at a party or night out with friends, this class teaches easy-to-follow moves that fit any casual vibe. No experience or fancy footwork required—just bring your energy, and we’ll help you loosen up and find your rhythm with confidence!
This class is lead by Lani Anderson, Collective Member and Choreographer.
Class is held at Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble in Andersonville, Chicago.
7:00pm - 8:00pm
F R E E ! Donation based class.
Class limit of 25 people due to space restrictions.
Join We Are Collective in our Company Class !
Queer Frontier with Nik Graves
Saddle up for a choreography class that celebrates queer expression through the grit and flamboyancy... I mean, showmanship of the Wild West.
Queer Frontier blends contemporary movement and western music with storytelling at its core. We will dig into sweeping gestures, grounded textures, and cinematic flair. Each class explores a short piece of choreography set to western music, where dancers are invited to bring their individuality to the forefront. Expect dynamic phrases, expressive choices, and a space that welcomes all bodies and identities to move boldly, authentically, and unapologetically.
Queer Frontier with Nik Graves
Saddle up for a choreography class that celebrates queer expression through the grit and flamboyancy... I mean, showmanship of the Wild West.
Queer Frontier blends contemporary movement and western music with storytelling at its core. We will dig into sweeping gestures, grounded textures, and cinematic flair. Each class explores a short piece of choreography set to western music, where dancers are invited to bring their individuality to the forefront. Expect dynamic phrases, expressive choices, and a space that welcomes all bodies and identities to move boldly, authentically, and unapologetically.
The Wolfpack | The Mountain
The Wolfpack invites you to join us at the precipice of the mountain. A keeper of snow in the dead of winter, we can feel isolated by the climb or inspired by uncovering the gems within us all. In this class, we will work as a group to accomplish tasks that surround the archetype of the mountain and come together in a way that is unique to the group in the room. There will also be live music!
Queer Frontier with Nik Graves
Saddle up for a choreography class that celebrates queer expression through the grit and flamboyancy... I mean, showmanship of the Wild West.
Queer Frontier blends contemporary movement and western music with storytelling at its core. We will dig into sweeping gestures, grounded textures, and cinematic flair. Each class explores a short piece of choreography set to western music, where dancers are invited to bring their individuality to the forefront. Expect dynamic phrases, expressive choices, and a space that welcomes all bodies and identities to move boldly, authentically, and unapologetically.
The Wolfpack | The Mountain
The Wolfpack invites you to join us at the precipice of the mountain. A keeper of snow in the dead of winter, we can feel isolated by the climb or inspired by uncovering the gems within us all. In this class, we will work as a group to accomplish tasks that surround the archetype of the mountain and come together in a way that is unique to the group in the room. There will also be live music!
Make Your Space with Reign Drop
Do you have an idea but need some space to flesh it out? Are you feeling creatively stumped and need some prompts to get you going? Come to Make Your Space and play with us! You will have access to studio space from 7:30-8:30 pm on Thursday nights in November! Reign Drop will be your idea bouncer, feedback giver, and even tarot reader to support your artistic process. Using their knowledge of their dance-theatre, they will ask you questions that will expand your inspiration and vision. Join us this session and make something new!
Company Class | Queer Frontier
Saddle up for a choreography class that celebrates queer expression through the grit and flamboyancy... I mean, showmanship of the Wild West.
Queer Frontier blends contemporary movement and western music with storytelling at its core. We will dig into sweeping gestures, grounded textures, and cinematic flair. Each class explores a short piece of choreography set to western music, where dancers are invited to bring their individuality to the forefront. Expect dynamic phrases, expressive choices, and a space that welcomes all bodies and identities to move boldly, authentically, and unapologetically.
Make Your Space with Reign Drop
Do you have an idea but need some space to flesh it out? Are you feeling creatively stumped and need some prompts to get you going? Come to Make Your Space and play with us! You will have access to studio space from 7:30-8:30 pm on Thursday nights in November! Reign Drop will be your idea bouncer, feedback giver, and even tarot reader to support your artistic process. Using their knowledge of their dance-theatre, they will ask you questions that will expand your inspiration and vision. Join us this session and make something new!
Outlaw of the Arts Works of Revolution
We Are Collective presents... Outlaw of the Arts
This evening is Long Form Works of Revolution !
In-Person & Virtual Tickets available here.
Performances this evening include:
Coyote Verde & the Wild Pack
Dani Oblitas
Identity Performing Arts
Nik Graves
Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble
Najah Iman and Caitlin Wonsowski
Rhianna Young
Outlaw of the Arts Works of Queer Revolution
We Are Collective presents... Outlaw of the Arts
This evening is Short Form Works of Queer Revolution!
In-Person & Virtual Tickets Available here.
Performances this evening include:
Mandy Milligan Movement Project
GridLock
Gwen Jones
Kori Fay
Cloudmoon Dance
Randi Jonites
Aicha Chehmani & Rodney Bethea
Maggie Sedlacek
Hannah Ottenfeld
Maddy McCarthy
Em Holt
Outlaw of the Arts Workshops
We Are Collective presents... Outlaw of the Arts
August 28th is Workshops from 4:00-8:00 PM at Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble.
Class Schedule
4:00-5:00 PM: Arts, Advocacy, & Activism taught by L'Raven
5:00-6:00 PM: Tendencies of a Fall taught by Tristen Sanborn & Alyssa Simpson
6:00-7:00 PM: The Art of Advocacy in Scriptwork taught by Ray Post
7:00-8:00 PM: Heels Technique and Western Play Pretend taught by Maddy McCarthy
4:00-8:00 PM: Zines as Revolution hosted by We Are Collective
Class Descriptions
(Art) It's ALWAYS Political by L'Raven
As artists, we are uniquely positioned to advance the issues we feel are important. We know how to make complex themes tangible and visceral. Join L'Raven for an hour-long session on how to bring visceral experiences to life as an organizing and escalation tactic. Let's heal ourselves and liberate our communities through movement for the movement.
Tendencies of a Fall taught by Tristen and Alyssa
Through in class research, dancers will find the edge; of the physical, anatomical, and communal space. In this class, participants will create spontaneous composition from improvisational methods of moving and communicating. With facilitation from Alyssa Simpson and Tristen Sanborn, this class is aimed at encouraging active questioning and play.
Advocacy in Scriptwork taught by Ray Post
Advocacy through knowing your audience, advocacy through knowing yourself, advocacy through disturbing the comfortable and comforting the disturbed.Art being as subjective as it is, we often struggle to feel as though we have gotten our point across and this fear of being misunderstood can be inhibiting. How do you know your message will get across the way you want it to? How do we toe the line between entertainment and enlightenment? How do we get our audiences to leave with new perspectives and new questions? This class will explore how to build advocacy into the foundation of our work, in order to cultivate an effective message.
Heels Technique and Western Play Pretend taught by Maddy McCarthy
Class will consist of a warm up focusing on activating stabilizer muscles that are essential for keeping joints safe while dancing in heels and a short, sensual dance phrase using western imagery/storytelling.
Zines as Revolution hosted by We Are Collective
Join We Are Collective at our zine-making booth, where you can craft your own message of resistance! Supplies will be provided. No registration necessary.
Learn more about our Teaching Artists on our Instagram @wearedancecollective.
Details of Outlaw of the Arts Festival:
We Are Collective is built, organized, and celebrated by queer folks & now more than ever we are in need of art as revolution. Performance has been pivotal to the exploration and acceptance of queerness. We must be loud. We must speak clearly. We must use our voice before it is stripped away. Through this three day festival, we hope to highlight queerness as power through education and performance. Day one will consist of classes ranging in topics to highlight radical ways to advocate, uplift, and move forward through community. Day two will be an en masse performance of queer revolution ranging from contemporary dance, to film, to drag, to spoken word in a short form composition! Day three will be a long form evening based on the idea of revolution, not specifically queer revolution.
In addition to the 18 artists and companies performing, the Queer Art Market by We Are Collective will also be hosted before the show and at intermission. Community groups will be tabling to offer information, resources, and ways to engage with their organizations pre-show and during intermission as well! We want to emphasize that revolution happens through communal support. In this space, we uplift each other to act as Outlaws of the Arts.
Thrash. Splay. Slay. w/ Nik Graves (INT/ADV/PROF)
Thrash. Splay. Slay. is more than a dance class — it’s a movement sanctuary for every body, identity, and instinct. Rooted in queer liberation and radical self-expression, this class invites you to throw out the rules, eat the space, and move from the gut.
We thrash to release. We splay to expand. We slay to celebrate who we are — boldly, messily, and joyfully. Guided by prompts, textures, and music-driven flow, you'll explore improvisation, choreographic embodiment, and the freedom to move without apology.
This is a space where you are seen. Where you don’t have to “perform” – just express. Come as you are, move how you feel, and leave feeling more you than ever!
No technique required. Just instinct, presence, and pride.
This class is taught by Nik Graves, Organizer and Chair of We Are Collective.
Class is held at My Art House Studio in Uptown, Chicago.
7:00pm - 8:15pm
Sliding Scale registration!
Class limit of 7 people due to space restrictions.
Be sure that you are signing up for the class level that you are comfortable with!
SIGN UP AT THE LINK BELOW !
Company Class w/ Lani Anderson
We Are Collective June Company Class will be...
Movin' & Groovin' is a fun, upbeat dance class designed to help you feel confident and comfortable dancing in social settings. Whether you’re at a party or night out with friends, this class teaches easy-to-follow moves that fit any casual vibe. No experience or fancy footwork required—just bring your energy, and we’ll help you loosen up and find your rhythm with confidence!
This class is taught by Lani Anderson, Collective Member and Choreographer.
Class is held at Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble in Andersonville, Chicago.
7:00pm - 8:00pm
F R E E ! Donation based class.
Class limit of 25 people due to space restrictions.
Join We Are Collective in our Company Class !
Bodies of Water's Fluid Expressions
We Are presenting linger longer as a headliner at Bodies of Water’s Fluid Expressions. This work was choreographed by Alyssa Simpson and performed by Audrey Hartnett, Virginia VanLieshout, and Tristen Sanborn.
Bodies of Water's Fluid Expressions
We Are presenting linger longer as a headliner at Bodies of Water’s Fluid Expressions. This work was choreographed by Alyssa Simpson and performed by Audrey Hartnett, Virginia VanLieshout, and Tristen Sanborn.
Thrash. Splay. Slay. w/ Nik Graves (Fresh Start / Beg.)
Thrash. Splay. Slay. is more than a dance class — it’s a movement sanctuary for every body, identity, and instinct. Rooted in queer liberation and radical self-expression, this class invites you to throw out the rules, eat the space, and move from the gut.
We thrash to release. We splay to expand. We slay to celebrate who we are — boldly, messily, and joyfully. Guided by prompts, textures, and music-driven flow, you'll explore improvisation, choreographic embodiment, and the freedom to move without apology.
This is a space where you are seen. Where you don’t have to “perform” – just express. Come as you are, move how you feel, and leave feeling more you than ever!
No technique required. Just instinct, presence, and pride.
This class is taught by Nik Graves, Organizer and Chair of We Are Collective.
Class is held at My Art House Studio in Uptown, Chicago.
7:00pm - 8:15pm
Sliding Scale registration!
Class limit of 7 people due to space restrictions.
Be sure that you are signing up for the class level that you are comfortable with!
Dance/USA 2025 National Conference
We Are presenting Another Pleasure to Burn at Dance/USA 2025 National Conference. This work was choreographed by Hanna Swartz and performed by Lani Anderson, Alyssa Simpson, Tristen Sanborn, Audrey Hartnett, & Nik Graves.
Identity's Elpis
We Are presenting linger longer at Identity’s Elpis. This work was choreographed by Alyssa Simpson and will be performed by Tristen Sanborn, Audrey Hartnett, and Virginia VanLieshout.