YDTGC Awarded $12,000 grant from Illinois Arts council!
About the Project
BERWYN, IL — September 1, 2026 — BREAKING NEWS!! The Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago (YDTGC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $12,000 grant from the Illinois Arts Council through its Creative Projects 2027 program — the maximum award available.
The grant will support the creation and production of What the River Remembers, YDTGC’s original dance-theater work inspired by Scritch Scratch, the acclaimed middle-grade novel by Illinois author Lindsay Currie.
Premiering spring 2027, What the River Remembers will bring together dance, theater, literature, and Chicago history to explore the story of the SS Eastland disaster of 1915. Young dancers will have the opportunity not only to perform an original theatrical work, but also to connect with the history and literature behind it.
Above: Concept image for Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago’s upcoming production, What the River Remembers, an original dance-theater work inspired by Lindsay Currie’s Scritch Scratch and the story of Chicago’s 1915 SS Eastland disaster.
The present meets the past through the eyes of young artists
“We are incredibly honored to receive this support from the Illinois Arts Council,” said Margo Ruark, Artistic Director of YDTGC. “Receiving the maximum award is an extraordinary vote of confidence in this project and in our young artists. We can’t wait to bring What the River Remembers to the stage.”
The $12,000 award will help fund choreography, rehearsals, production, and the public presentation of the work. Performance details will be announced soon.
Above: Site of the 1915 Eastland Disaster, across from the Reid Murdoch building at LaSalle Street and the Chicago River.
Welcome!
Welcome to The Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago!
I want to personally thank you for visiting our website and learning more about our exciting new journey. We are thrilled to bring young motivated dancers together in a vibrant, inspiring environment where artistry and excellence flourish.
The Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago (YDTGC) cultivates artistic excellence and leadership in young people through rigorous dance training and original, story-driven productions. YDTGC primarily serves dancers ages 7–19 from Berwyn and Cicero as well as the neighboring Chicago communities of Little Village, Austin, and Garfield Ridge.
YDTGC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit youth performing arts company. We give young dancers the opportunity to grow through full-scale productions, meaningful mentorship, and a welcoming artistic community.
We invite you to be part of this journey—whether as a dancer, audience member, or supporter. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, upcoming performances, and behind-the-scenes moments.
We look forward to seeing you at the theater!
Margo Ruark
Artistic Director
Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago
celebrating Youth Through Dance PERFORMANCE
A DANCE COMPANY FOR KIDS - Join a cast of motivated young artists and be part of something special!
YDTGC showcases children ages 7 and up in many different dance styles. The 2026-27 season includes two full-length storybook ballets: An [Urban] Christmas Carol our signature holiday program, and What the River Remembers for our Spring Concert.
YDTGC brings young dancers together to create original, story-driven productions—with meaningful roles for every level of experience. Dancers build confidence, friendships, stage skills, and lasting memories while performing in full-scale theater productions.
Each production is approximately 60-90 minutes in length making it attainable for both the young performers and even the youngest audience members. YDTGC will also be seen around the community performing in various festivals and events, teaching the children commitment, and the importance of giving back to the community. Every child deserves the opportunity to be a superstar on our stage, so we accept all interested dancers into our program!
Our Artistic Home
YDTGC is the resident performing arts company of Baila Conmigo/Dance With Me in Berwyn, IL. We are located conveniently at 6829 Stanley Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402 , across from the Berwyn Metra Station in the Historic Depot District.
Our sponsors
The Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago is funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.