South Chicago Dance Theater Brings Performance, Perspective, and Inspiration to Loyola

On Wednesday, February 25, six performing members of the company, joined by founder Kia Smith, spent the day in the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center working with students in Dance 2, Dance 3, Honors Dance, and the Orchesis Dance Company.

The day began with a powerful 45-minute performance in the Leemputte Family Theater featuring works and excerpts highlighting African American dancers, musicians, and poets in celebration of Black History Month. Through expressive choreography and compelling storytelling, the company invited students to experience dance not only as movement, but as history, culture, and voice.

Following the performance, Loyola dancers took to the stage themselves for a master class led by the visiting artists. Students collaborated on choreography and explored elements of dance composition, gaining firsthand insight into the creative process behind professional performance. The energy in the room shifted from admiration to participation, as Ramblers learned directly from working artists.

"It was incredibly meaningful for our students to see professional dancers who are actively creating and performing today," said Loyola Academy dance teacher Allison Duda. "The performance, the master class, and the conversation about careers helped them understand that dance can be both an art form and a pathway."

For students, the experience offered new insight into the collaborative nature of dance and the ways movement can bring people together.

"The sense of community really stood out to me," said Renata McCoy '28, a member of Loyola's Orchesis Dance Company. "I never realized how much connection dance could create until we worked with them. When we broke into small groups during the master class and combined everyone's ideas, it showed me that the best choreography often comes from different perspectives working together."

McCoy also noted how the company's performance blended traditional and modern styles in ways that broadened her understanding of dance as a storytelling tool. "Seeing them combine different forms of dance to communicate a message showed me that new ideas aren't unprofessional—they can actually help more people understand the story you’re trying to tell," she said.

The experience concluded with an engaging "Careers in the Arts" discussion, where students had the opportunity to ask questions about pursuing dance and other artistic paths professionally. Company members shared their journeys, offered practical advice, and encouraged students to pursue their goals with discipline and passion.

For McCoy, hearing directly from working artists added another meaningful dimension to the day. "Not everyone has the chance to see a professional company perform live and collaborate with them," she said. "They've been in our shoes before, and it was inspiring to hear how they turned their passion for dance into a career."

By bringing professional artists into the building, Loyola continues to provide students with transformative opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom—empowering young artists to see both the beauty and the possibility within their craft.