We’re thrilled to announce that Concert Dance, Inc. (CDI), under the direction of Venetia Stifler, has been invited to perform at the Dance City Festival in New York City—a nationally curated event showcasing outstanding dance companies from across the country.

Our performance is August 27, where CDI will close the festival evening with a bold new work.

We will travel from Chicago to NYC on August 26 for the three-day festival (August 27–28).

This is a major milestone—CDI’s official New York City debut. For Artistic Director Venetia Stifler, it’s also a return to the city that celebrated her solo performance in 1980. As The New York Times noted:

“A new solo to New York must have been inspired by the magnetic stage presence of its interpreter, Venetia Stifler.” – Jennifer Dunning

Our Mission in Action

CDI’s work lives at the intersection of history and innovation. Our mission is to push the boundaries of contemporary dance while preserving its rich heritage—connecting movement, music, and storytelling in ways that engage, challenge, and uplift.

The work we’re presenting at Dance City Festival—a new creation, “Technically Speaking” by Stifler and Edson Cabrera—delves into the profound questions around artificial intelligence, and its impact on our bodies, spirits, and human connection. This piece exemplifies our commitment to movement that provokes thought and transforms space.

Why This Moment Matters

Our community extends beyond city borders—it includes every person we engage, inspire, and move. The 10 professional dancers performing with us are emerging artists entering the next chapter of their careers. Festivals such as this give them the rare chance to gain national exposure, perform among peer companies from across the U.S., and represent the vitality, talent, and voice of Chicago dance on a global stage.

Through communal rigor, grit, and synergy, these artists commit themselves to movement that makes meaning. This performance will not only shape their growth—it will expand CDI’s legacy of innovation and storytelling through dance.

What We Need

We’re raising $24,000 to cover:

Thanks to a generous matching gift from SCMGlobe Corporation, every dollar you give will be doubled—so we only need to raise $12,000 through this campaign.

Here’s how your donation helps:

Every donation supports a meaningful, transformative opportunity—for our dancers, our audiences, and for the evolution of contemporary dance itself. As a supporter, you’ll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content and updates via a special donor page.

Meet the Dancers

​​Lindsey Scouten

Ryan Dick

Nina Jackson

Sydney Osborne

Gretchen Plinke

Emma Raney

Casey Sanders

Anna Labriola

From Chicago to New York, we’re building a bridge between heritage and innovation—telling stories that matter, and moving with purpose.

Thank you for helping us take this next step, and for being part of our extended CDI community.

With deep appreciation,

Venetia Stifler

Artistic Director, Concert Dance, Inc.

Concert Dance, Inc. creates Dance Art that Moves the Body, Mind, and Spirit.

Our mission is to push the boundaries of contemporary dance while preserving its rich heritage—connecting movement, music, and storytelling in ways that engage, challenge, and uplift.