December 15th, 2020

​Perseverance and resilience are two words that come to mind reflecting on 2020. While there has been much uncertainty in the world over the last several months, the human spirit is filled with “perseverance and resilience.” Seeing how people have come together to care for one another and build community through trying times gives me hope. 

I have seen our teaching artists persevere through the difficulties of remote learning to connect with our students. I have seen our students at our remote learning site persevere through the trickiness and frustrations with the help of our teachers. 

While we may not be on stage, through our 20th-anniversary project I’m reflecting on all the artists and technicians we’ve worked with and the many stories we have told, and how through the ups and downs as a non-profit, we are resilient, and we persevere to create art. We do this because art is vital to the community. 

This year, we’ve had an opportunity to redesign our website and logo, create communications and sustainable business plans, and update our strategic plan. All of this foundation work is important to sustaining an organization. 

As we look to return to the stage in the fall of 2021 and celebrate our 20th anniversary, we need your help in rebuilding. 

If you are able to give financially, any amount is helpful. We also ask that you help us create community by sharing Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble with your friends, families, and colleagues. If you have been to one of our performances, or have been involved in one of our programs, we would love to hear your story on how CDE has impacted you. 

I hope that in this season of reflection, you can find light and love and be filled with it. My light is the people who make CDE happen and my daughter, Miriam Sky.

Ellyzabeth Adler
Executive Artistic Director and Founder

photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis