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DANCERS
Diamond Gant
Dancer
Diamond Gant is a Chicago based professional dancer, choreographer and social media content creator. She has received training in dance styles such as tap, jazz, modern, African dancehall and hip hop. Throughout her dance career, Diamond was a member of a few Chicago based dance crews such as CreateInMotion Dance Family, Endure Dance Productions, and WeAreMINTCrew. Additionally, Diamond worked with an organization called “Symphony of Change” as a teaching artist. In this role, she taught street jazz and hip hop to 5th and 6th grade students at CPS schools. Diamond is currently a proud member of "BANG BANG! Dance Company" which is an affiliate hip hop training company of "BOOM CRACK Dance Company" led and directed by Trae Turner and Krista Ellensohn.
Diamond Gant is a Chicago based professional dancer, choreographer and social media content creator. She has received training in dance styles such as tap, jazz, modern, African dancehall and hip hop. Throughout her dance career, Diamond was a member of a few Chicago based dance crews such as CreateInMotion Dance Family, Endure Dance Productions, and WeAreMINTCrew. Additionally, Diamond worked with an organization called “Symphony of Change” as a teaching artist. In this role, she taught street jazz and hip hop to 5th and 6th grade students at CPS schools. Diamond is currently a proud member of "BANG BANG! Dance Company" which is an affiliate hip hop training company of "BOOM CRACK Dance Company" led and directed by Trae Turner and Krista Ellensohn.
Chloe Hamilton
Dancer
Chloe Hamilton is a queer Latinx artist specializing in movement and photography. Currently, she dances with Boom Crack! Dance Company and photographs artists of many forms in the city. She’s been loving on Chicago for the past 8 years and is excited to be performing with the beautiful Loud Bodies crew!!!!
Chloe Hamilton is a queer Latinx artist specializing in movement and photography. Currently, she dances with Boom Crack! Dance Company and photographs artists of many forms in the city. She’s been loving on Chicago for the past 8 years and is excited to be performing with the beautiful Loud Bodies crew!!!!
Deja Hood
Dancer
Deja Hood is a multidisciplinary artist from Chicago, Illinois. With a blended love for dance, photography, and storytelling, Deja creates works molded from individuality, authenticity, and the question “why?” As an African American woman, Deja is heavily influenced by her culture and personal experiences. It is through these influences that she has shaped her creative process of experience first, question second, process third, and conversation last. In 2018, Deja participated in RAW Detroit and choreographed her first piece “ResilienSHE” which paid homage to the strength and resilience of Black women. In 2020, Deja choreographed two full length works, “Praise” and “64,000 Plus One”, as a part of her Senior Projects at Eastern Michigan University. A year later, Deja released her first dance film “STYLES” giving appreciation to specific genres of dance that receive minimal recognition in Western society. In 2021, Deja also began her YouTube channel “DejWorks” and released her two series “Creative Connections” and “Dej Talks”. She also choreographed and performed in George Ellzey’s film titled “SWITCHIN’” which was featured in the Black Harvest Film Festival and DePaul Premiere Festival. In 2022, Deja performed in Chicago Dancemakers Forum’s ELEVATE showcase in “Praise Mother” by Aaliyah Christina and released her second dance film “Nov. 16.” In 2023, Deja performed in “ABORT” by Kierah King, Fly Honeys “SPRUNG” showcase, and was the lead choreographer for Perceptions Theatre’s production “Panther Women: An Army For The Liberation” by India Nicole Burton.
Through her past and present works of artistry, Deja continues to remain true to her mission of challenging perceptions, awakening audiences to new ideals, and sparking conversations. She is a passionate and dedicated artist who is steadily evolving and honing in on her craft.
Deja Hood is a multidisciplinary artist from Chicago, Illinois. With a blended love for dance, photography, and storytelling, Deja creates works molded from individuality, authenticity, and the question “why?” As an African American woman, Deja is heavily influenced by her culture and personal experiences. It is through these influences that she has shaped her creative process of experience first, question second, process third, and conversation last. In 2018, Deja participated in RAW Detroit and choreographed her first piece “ResilienSHE” which paid homage to the strength and resilience of Black women. In 2020, Deja choreographed two full length works, “Praise” and “64,000 Plus One”, as a part of her Senior Projects at Eastern Michigan University. A year later, Deja released her first dance film “STYLES” giving appreciation to specific genres of dance that receive minimal recognition in Western society. In 2021, Deja also began her YouTube channel “DejWorks” and released her two series “Creative Connections” and “Dej Talks”. She also choreographed and performed in George Ellzey’s film titled “SWITCHIN’” which was featured in the Black Harvest Film Festival and DePaul Premiere Festival. In 2022, Deja performed in Chicago Dancemakers Forum’s ELEVATE showcase in “Praise Mother” by Aaliyah Christina and released her second dance film “Nov. 16.” In 2023, Deja performed in “ABORT” by Kierah King, Fly Honeys “SPRUNG” showcase, and was the lead choreographer for Perceptions Theatre’s production “Panther Women: An Army For The Liberation” by India Nicole Burton.
Through her past and present works of artistry, Deja continues to remain true to her mission of challenging perceptions, awakening audiences to new ideals, and sparking conversations. She is a passionate and dedicated artist who is steadily evolving and honing in on her craft.
Maddy McCarthy
Choreographer, Producer, Textile Artist, Dancer
Maddy McCarthy (she/they) is a Chicago-based producer, choreographer, and dancer with a BFA in Contemporary Concert Dance from Indiana University. While studying at IU she had the honor of working with decorated artists such as Bill T. Jones, Twyla Tharp, and Stefanie Batten-Bland as well as producing and choreographing her own shows. Since graduating, she has been working steadily on contemporary projects with various Chicago companies and choreographers, but most recently has found her dance bliss in showgirl and burlesque projects. She's increasingly interested in using dance to explore sensuality as well as finding new ways to use dance as a method to strengthen her relationship with herself and her body.
Using a sustainable textile piece made from scraps of other handmade rugs, the dancers make real-time choices exploring the spectrum of safety/attachment to danger/dysregulation, and community/belonging to isolation/individualism.
Maddy McCarthy (she/they) is a Chicago-based producer, choreographer, and dancer with a BFA in Contemporary Concert Dance from Indiana University. While studying at IU she had the honor of working with decorated artists such as Bill T. Jones, Twyla Tharp, and Stefanie Batten-Bland as well as producing and choreographing her own shows. Since graduating, she has been working steadily on contemporary projects with various Chicago companies and choreographers, but most recently has found her dance bliss in showgirl and burlesque projects. She's increasingly interested in using dance to explore sensuality as well as finding new ways to use dance as a method to strengthen her relationship with herself and her body.
Using a sustainable textile piece made from scraps of other handmade rugs, the dancers make real-time choices exploring the spectrum of safety/attachment to danger/dysregulation, and community/belonging to isolation/individualism.
Sarah Ellen Miller
Choreographer, Producer, Dancer
Sarah Ellen Miller (she/they) is a choreographer, performer, writer, and bartender based in Chicago. Short list of performance credits with local choreographers include Erin Kilmurray, Joanna Furnans, Alix Schillaci, and Zac Whittenberg, but she’s been honored to work with many others. Her career in Chicago can be highlighted by extensive work with Alex Grelle and community on both "Ordinary Peepholes" and "Grelley Duvall", participation in The Fly Honey Show, multiple personally produced dance films, and her directorial debut for Prop Thtr’s Rhinoceros Theater Festival. So far in 2023, Sarah has performed in "Floor Show" directed by Jesse Morgan Young and Erin Kilmurray’s "Nightshade", as well as many Grelleverse productions, and worked with Remy Bumppo as a movement designer. You also may have seen her recently as Carlisle in "Twilight: After Dark, a burlesque parody". If you want to see Sarah kick-ass at her other career, visit her at Logan 11 Bar & Kitchen. Follow her on social: @sarahellenmiller
Sarah Ellen Miller (she/they) is a choreographer, performer, writer, and bartender based in Chicago. Short list of performance credits with local choreographers include Erin Kilmurray, Joanna Furnans, Alix Schillaci, and Zac Whittenberg, but she’s been honored to work with many others. Her career in Chicago can be highlighted by extensive work with Alex Grelle and community on both "Ordinary Peepholes" and "Grelley Duvall", participation in The Fly Honey Show, multiple personally produced dance films, and her directorial debut for Prop Thtr’s Rhinoceros Theater Festival. So far in 2023, Sarah has performed in "Floor Show" directed by Jesse Morgan Young and Erin Kilmurray’s "Nightshade", as well as many Grelleverse productions, and worked with Remy Bumppo as a movement designer. You also may have seen her recently as Carlisle in "Twilight: After Dark, a burlesque parody". If you want to see Sarah kick-ass at her other career, visit her at Logan 11 Bar & Kitchen. Follow her on social: @sarahellenmiller
Jaylen Ray
Dancer
Jaylen Ray, also known as JayRay, is a multifaceted androgynous Aquarius dedicated to unapologetic expression. Graduating from Indiana University with a BFA in Contemporary Dance Jaylen launched themselves into a career in the arts. Jaylen currently works as an Associate Instructor at Indiana University while also doing freelance work in the Bloomington, Indianapolis, & Chicago area. Jaylen’s eclectic background allows him to live unbounded, extending the pursuit of their passions beyond dance to include modeling, photography, fitness, music, fashion & academia. This allows them to see and experience this world from a unique perspective, which is beautifully reflected in their artistry.
Jaylen Ray, also known as JayRay, is a multifaceted androgynous Aquarius dedicated to unapologetic expression. Graduating from Indiana University with a BFA in Contemporary Dance Jaylen launched themselves into a career in the arts. Jaylen currently works as an Associate Instructor at Indiana University while also doing freelance work in the Bloomington, Indianapolis, & Chicago area. Jaylen’s eclectic background allows him to live unbounded, extending the pursuit of their passions beyond dance to include modeling, photography, fitness, music, fashion & academia. This allows them to see and experience this world from a unique perspective, which is beautifully reflected in their artistry.
Alix Schillaci
Choreographer, Producer, Dancer, Designer, Rehearsal Director
Alix Schillaci (she/they) is a performer, choreographer, director, and producer loose in the city. Her most recent work includes performances in Alex Grelle’s “Lady Di” and the burlesque parody “Twilight: After Dark”; production support for Erin Kilmurray’s works “Nightshade” and “The Function”; and set design for an upcoming short film by Dani Wieder. Schillaci has previously performed as a company member with Project Bound Dance and independently for dancemakers Darling Shear, Erin Kilmurray, Hannah Santistevan, and Sarah Ellen Miller, among others. She has also been a rotating ensemble member in The Fly Honey Show and Four Dimensions Ensemble. She is currently a jack of all trades for LOUD BODIES. With the support of a choreographic residency at The Rooted Space she premiered her first evening length work “Sunset’s That Way” at Links Hall in fall of 2023. Outside of dance, Schillaci designs and constructs costumes, sets, and props for various kinds of projects including theater, film, and commercials. To learn more about Alix and her work catch her after the show!
Alix Schillaci (she/they) is a performer, choreographer, director, and producer loose in the city. Her most recent work includes performances in Alex Grelle’s “Lady Di” and the burlesque parody “Twilight: After Dark”; production support for Erin Kilmurray’s works “Nightshade” and “The Function”; and set design for an upcoming short film by Dani Wieder. Schillaci has previously performed as a company member with Project Bound Dance and independently for dancemakers Darling Shear, Erin Kilmurray, Hannah Santistevan, and Sarah Ellen Miller, among others. She has also been a rotating ensemble member in The Fly Honey Show and Four Dimensions Ensemble. She is currently a jack of all trades for LOUD BODIES. With the support of a choreographic residency at The Rooted Space she premiered her first evening length work “Sunset’s That Way” at Links Hall in fall of 2023. Outside of dance, Schillaci designs and constructs costumes, sets, and props for various kinds of projects including theater, film, and commercials. To learn more about Alix and her work catch her after the show!
Lucy Williams
Dancer
Lucy Williams (she/they) is a movement artist and community care worker- outside of the studio they can be found supporting folks in accessing abortion care through their work at the Chicago Abortion Fund. She is honored and excited to work alongside the artists of LOUD BODIES as she reimagines her relationship to dance and re-centers her practice after her years-long hiatus.
Lucy Williams (she/they) is a movement artist and community care worker- outside of the studio they can be found supporting folks in accessing abortion care through their work at the Chicago Abortion Fund. She is honored and excited to work alongside the artists of LOUD BODIES as she reimagines her relationship to dance and re-centers her practice after her years-long hiatus.
Reign Drop Winker
Featured Artist, Dancer
Reign Drop is a trans dancer, choreographer, and Co-Founder of We Are Collective. Over the last seven years, they have grown roots in the Chicago dance community focusing on creating sustainable and accessible dance spaces for all ages. They research contemporary movements that demonstrate autonomy, liberation, and connection. In the community, they have led an Improvisers’ Jam for Chicago Dancemakers Forum, performed for Alix Shilaci and Erin Killmurray, presented work at j e l l o dances, created work for Synapse Arts New Works, and have choreographed for New Dances and the iconic Chicago drag queen Shea Coulee’s "Rewind" music video. Their newest role includes being a Company Lead for Queer Dance Freakout, the largest trans dance organization in Chicago which aids them in their mission to be heard—to share their story—to honor the stories of all magical trans people.
I AM is a punk display of gender expression, body autonomy, and the celebration of each person's unique gender identity, researching the juxtaposition of thrashing and magic. Why do we thrash? What makes something magical? For this project, Reign Drop is researching stories of trans resilience. Trans bodies are in danger and being trespassed against by harmful legislation causing detrimental impact on community healthcare, employment, and safety. Reign believes trans history deserves to be preserved and that making art is necessary to the healing of the trans and nonbinary community. This project is a love letter to the trans community...we are the magic they cannot confine. No matter how hard they try, our glitter still flies.
Reign Drop is a trans dancer, choreographer, and Co-Founder of We Are Collective. Over the last seven years, they have grown roots in the Chicago dance community focusing on creating sustainable and accessible dance spaces for all ages. They research contemporary movements that demonstrate autonomy, liberation, and connection. In the community, they have led an Improvisers’ Jam for Chicago Dancemakers Forum, performed for Alix Shilaci and Erin Killmurray, presented work at j e l l o dances, created work for Synapse Arts New Works, and have choreographed for New Dances and the iconic Chicago drag queen Shea Coulee’s "Rewind" music video. Their newest role includes being a Company Lead for Queer Dance Freakout, the largest trans dance organization in Chicago which aids them in their mission to be heard—to share their story—to honor the stories of all magical trans people.
I AM is a punk display of gender expression, body autonomy, and the celebration of each person's unique gender identity, researching the juxtaposition of thrashing and magic. Why do we thrash? What makes something magical? For this project, Reign Drop is researching stories of trans resilience. Trans bodies are in danger and being trespassed against by harmful legislation causing detrimental impact on community healthcare, employment, and safety. Reign believes trans history deserves to be preserved and that making art is necessary to the healing of the trans and nonbinary community. This project is a love letter to the trans community...we are the magic they cannot confine. No matter how hard they try, our glitter still flies.
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