The Shirley Mordine Dance Maker Award
About Shirley Mordine
Widely considered to be the founder of contemporary Modern dance in Chicago, Shirley Mordine was a visionary dancer, performer, choreographer, and educator. Her five-decade career in Chicago included founding the Dance Department at Columbia College Chicago, the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, and originating the college’s revered Dance Presenting Series now in its 53rd Season. A prolific artist, Shirley founded and served as Artistic Director of Mordine & Company Dance Theater from 1969 to 2019. Her contributions sparked and encouraged a vibrant, enduring Chicago dance community.
About The Shirley Mordine Dance Maker Award
The Shirley Mordine Dance Maker Award provides Chicago-area emerging and mid-level contemporary choreographers with unrestricted grants via a short application and process. The Award honors Shirley Mordine’s dedication and prolific contributions to Chicago dance and her prodigious and life-long love of dance making.
Recognizing the many roles required to make dance, unrestricted $1,000 grants are awarded to assist dancemakers in paying for the essentials in creating and presenting dance, including but not limited to music recording, music rights, costume design or construction, operations, marketing, space rental, childcare, dancer wages or honoraria, etc.
In addition to financial support, the Fund provides access to established dance professionals for guidance, advice, and mentorship.
Eligibility
Early-to-mid career choreographers living in the greater Chicago area are invited to apply; applicants can have, but are not required to have, an association with Columbia College Chicago. Current faculty, staff, and students at the time of application are not eligible.
Follow Up and Reporting
Applications are reviewed and funds awarded by a committee of active dance peers and practitioners in December 2026.
Working within the Award recipient's timeline and proposed workflow, a virtual mid-project update and end-of-project recap will be scheduled. The intent of these meetings is to support the awardee and to learn more as to how the Fund can be adapted for greater impact. By design, the meetings will be conversational and helpful without placing undue burden on the awarded choreographer. No written final report will be required.
The Shirley Mordine Dance Maker Fund
The Shirley Mordine Dance Maker Fund was established by Shirley Mordine’s family. Tax deductible contributions are welcome to sustain and expand the Fund.
