Unpacking Elgin

Originally published October 2, 2024. Imported May 19, 2025.

The Elgin Fringe Festival was a great time for Dance Uprising! Huge thank-you to those who donated before the trip! These funds were used for gas and food while we were traveling. Fortunately for us, the fringe festival provided billeting for artists, which means that we had a free place to stay while we were in Illinois.

Speaking of our hosts, it was so fun to get to know the couple we stayed with, as well as their family and pets. One of their sons was a photographer for the event, so we got a few pictures back right away. Enjoy!

Our three performances were held in the Side Street Studio Arts Backspace, which held about 40 chairs set up in a U shape. Dancing up close in front of the audience in a space like this is a fun experience. It seems like the audiences at this fringe expected unusual, experimental, even weird performance art — which is perfect! We had the opportunity to push the limits of our comfort zones in this space. Our work was well received, and we had a great time!