Support Neocortex Dance Theatre's Mental Health Mission

Why donate?

By donating, you will help us start our emerging dance company and assist with production costs, printing educational resource materials, and future projects. We appreciate your support! Thank you so much!

About Us

Neocortex Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) is an emerging Chicago and Evanston, IL-based pre-professional, professional, contemporary, and modern project-based dance theatre company. We explore themes of identity, trauma, mental health, and self-worth. No two stories and experiences are the same, and we provide stories of different experiences (your truth may not be the truth for others). Mental health and mental illnesses will always exist on a spectrum, and we believe stories should be told without generalizations, stereotypes, or stigmas.

Our Mission

Our primary mission is to promote awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and foster relatability. We are dedicated to creating a safe, diverse, and inclusive environment and providing audiences and company members with informational resources to support individuals who have mental health conditions and their loved ones. Neocortex Dance Theatre Company is committed to contributing to the ongoing conversation on mental health, promoting community and empathy, and sharing a shared experience with audiences by exploring complex themes through dance.

Our goal is to become a full-time dance company and a 501(c)(3) non-profit that hosts pay-what-you-can classes for the community, regardless of socioeconomic status. Our programs will provide opportunities for dancers and movers to receive technical training, enhance their mental health and well-being, and foster a sense of community and connection in a safe and nonjudgmental environment.

Why Neocortex?

The neocortex is part of the brain that encompasses the frontal, temporal, occipital, and parietal lobes and is responsible for high-level functions such as emotion, cognition, consciousness, motor control, language, perception, and spatial reasoning. The company is called “Neocortex” because it is a tribute to human consciousness and functioning, chemical imbalances, and mental health.

With so many dance companies in Chicago, why create a new one? I have been in the professional field for years. With an extensive dance background in contemporary, modern, jazz, street jazz, heels, ballet, hip-hop, West African, Asian Folk, somatics, improvisation, yoga, and some aerial, I am shifting focus from being a versatile dancer to my choreographic work.

In my experience, I have been told I am too short, not “man” or “masculine” enough, too skinny, not gay enough, too gay, not Asian enough, and not Hispanic enough. I have worked with many notable companies and projects, but I have also worked for companies and projects of poor quality. Through these experiences, I learned how not to be a director or run a dance company. I am exhausted of dance companies treating their dancers as disposables and saying you need one dance look.

After my undergraduate studies, I created J.E.R.I Productions in 2015; however, after seeing my true calling in mental health advocacy, I decided to develop the Neocortex Dance Theatre Company in 2024.

In 2017, I was officially diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but I started to show symptoms when I was in high school. It has been a struggle to navigate past traumas, symptoms, and treatments. Those experiences led me to believe it was a dark and cruel world, and I was expecting the worst in people and became callous. I take full accountability for my actions and become a better and changed person. People can change. (Trauma is not an excuse. Bipolar is not an excuse. An explanation is not an excuse.) I cannot take back my past actions, but I can educate people, make amends, help others who are struggling, and bring awareness. After navigating my struggles and living with bipolar disorder, I realized the need for mental health advocacy in the dance community. Through continuous studies and research, I am training in trauma counseling and aspire to achieve a certification as a peer-support specialist.

I created Neocortex Dance Theatre Company to destigmatize misconceptions about mental health, deepen my knowledge of my bipolar disorder and personal journey, help other individuals and dancers who might be struggling with their mental health, and provide more opportunities for BIPOC.

Continuous research, education, and access to quality resources and care are essential for treatments and aid in dispelling misconceptions and reducing stigmatization of mental health. Let’s end the stigma!

Mental illness and mental health are individual experiences and sometimes a struggle, but you are not alone. Please take care of yourself and seek additional help and support when needed.

I am glad you are here and sending so much care, love, and support!

Immediate Emergency Assistance or Injury: Dial 911

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, Free, & Confidential): Call or Text 988

Neocortex Dance Theatre Company strives for accessibility and diversity. We proudly welcome individuals of all cultural, socioeconomic, and personal backgrounds, shapes, and sizes. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, gender, gender identity or gender expression, sexuality, neurodiverse individuals, disabilities, chronic illnesses, or other conditions, educational background, national origin, political affiliation, tattoos, piercings, hair color or style, weight, height, or languages spoken.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations. If you require accommodations or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Neocortex Dance Theatre Company