Ellyzabeth Adler founded Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble in 2001 creating a resource for dancers and actors whose interests extend beyond their primary artistic discipline. The German Expressionist movement ‘tanztheater’ was founded by Rudolf von Laban, who “through dance hoped to unite all art media and achieve an all-embracing, radical change in humankind.” Adler hoped to foster a sense of true artistic collaboration, drawing on the many artistic media to create multi-sensory dance theatre performances.
 
Believing in bringing quality art experiences to children, the company included opportunities for members to work as teachers and visiting artists in the Chicago area schools and community centers. In order to facilitate this growing outreach program, CDE created Kids Project and Teen Artist Project with a mission to increase an awareness of the arts and improve literacy in children of all backgrounds through experiences in many artistic disciplines, including painting, photography, acting and dance.
 
Since 2001, Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble has created seven original productions and countless smaller festival pieces. CDE continues its performance style that seamlessly weaves theatre, dance, visual art, media and text into performance with purpose. Our commitment to community outreach remains unwavering.
 
 
For a list of all CDE collaborations and partnerships over the last 10 years click HERE