About | Neocortex Dance

ABOUT US

Started in 2024, 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). We recognize that people can change and evolve for the better (despite past actions), and we are committed to providing opportunities for individuals to learn and grow. Our organization is dedicated to fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and inclusivity. Mental health and mental illnesses will always exist on a spectrum, and we believe stories should be told without generalizations, stereotypes, or stigmas.

Click below or scroll to the bottom of the page for Research and Academics.

RESEARCH & ACADEMICS

OUR MISSION

Our primary mission is to promote awareness of mental health, reduce stigma, and foster a sense of relatability. We are dedicated to creating a safe, diverse, and inclusive environment.

Additionally, we provide a resource page featuring 34 categories on mental disorders and other mental health subjects, which lists various informational resources on our website, as well as offering printed and/or electronic informational resource brochures, artist talks, and answering questions for our performances.

Neocortex Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) is committed to contributing to the ongoing conversation on mental health, promoting community, advocacy, and empathy, and sharing a shared experience with audiences by exploring complex themes through dance.

Our goal is to establish a full-time dance company and a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization or LLC that offers pay-what-you-can classes to 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.

DISCLAIMER

Neocortex Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) is not a licensed medical organization or personnel and will not be held responsible or liable for your engagement, treatments, activators, or actions. The information and resources Neocortex Dance Theatre Company provides on this website, page, and our social media platforms, performances, rehearsals, artist’s talks, lectures, presentations, workshops, residencies, or classes are not medical, personal, or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatments, and should only be used for educational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for medical advice.

ACTIVATOR WARNING

Neocortex Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) explores complex themes about mental health and identity (including themes of suicide, non-suicidal self-injury, abuse, mental illness symptoms, and more). The material and choreographic works may be traumatizing for adult or children audiences. If you are unsure about the content, please reach out to us for further details at tickets.neocortexdance@gmail.com.

Please see Copyrights and Disclaimers for more information and about our Activator Warning.

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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, 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, (acro) 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 disposable and saying you need one dance look.

After completing my undergraduate studies, I founded J.E.R.I Productions in 2015. However, upon discovering my true calling in mental health advocacy, I decided to establish the Neocortex Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) in 2024.

In 2018, 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 have 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 others, make amends, help those who are struggling, and raise 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 the 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'm glad you're 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

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RESEARCH AND ACADEMICS

RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP

Graduate Research (MFA):

"Up Again, Down Again, Up Again: A Study of Dance and Bipolar Disorder" (2025)

This multi-year study, conducted independently (self-directed research since 2018) and at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (In-person and Remote), utilized autoethnographic, qualitative, quantitative, and interview methods, and choreographic dance performance to explore the somatic (body-based) manifestations of bipolar disorder, as well as investigate the creativity found in adult professional dancers who are living with bipolar disorder. The two choreographic works presented were Switching (The Oscillation of Polarity) and Up Again, Down Again, Up Again. Switching (The Oscillation of Polarity) inspected the physical manifestation, under the scope for psychomotor agitation and psychomotor retardation, of bipolar disorder. Up Again, Down Again, Up Again, examined, although debunked by Dr. Joanna Moncrieff and her colleagues in July 2022, is an abstract interpretation of the chemical imbalances of someone living with bipolar disorder. By bridging clinical psychopathology with choreographic narrative, this research identifies movement as a critical tool for stigma reduction and symptom insight.

Undergraduate Research (BA):

"Dance Like a Man: Gender, Sexuality, and Male Identity" (2015)

A sociological and anthropological study conducted at Knox College exploring the intersection of masculinity, performance, and social identity. The research utilized qualitative analysis, interviews, and composition of a choreographic duet, Don't (Love Me) to examine how gender norms and societal expectations influenced individual expression, sexuality, mental well-being, and dance movements in the masculine body and performance.

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

CRSS SUCCESS PROGRAM (Envision Unlimited): Currently pursing state certification as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), specializing in trauma-informed care and peer-led recovery models.
ADULT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID (MHFA) (Envision Unlimited): Certified in crisis response and early intervention strategies.(Certified May 08,2026-May 08,2029)
PUBLIC MANDATED REPORTER (STATE OF ILLINOIS- DCFS): Fully trained in the legal requirements and ethical protocols for identifying and reporting suspected child and elderly abuse and neglect. Committed to maintaining the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations through strict adherence to state reporting mandates. (Certified May 07,2026-May 07,2029)
QPR SUICIDE PREVENTION GATEKEEPER CERTIFICATION (QPR Institute): Trained in evidence-based emergency response to suicide crises, including risk assessment, direct intervention, and professional referral protocols. (Certified May 07,2026-May 07,2027)
INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD (IRB) CERTIFIED: Trained in Ethics and Foundations of Human Subjects Research, ensuring all NDTC projects maintain high ethical standards and participant safety. (Certified for graduate research 2024-2025)

ACADEMIC HONORS AND FELLOWSHIPS

ADVANCED OPPORTUNITY FELLOWSHIP (2023-2025): Two-time recipient of a highly selective and competitive, fully funded fellowship awarded by the Wisconsin Graduate School and the State of Wisconsin. Selected as one of approximately 25 annual recipients based on academic merit and potential for leadership. This award provided a full tuition waiver and research stipend, allowing for a dedicated focus on graduate study and the completion of MFA research at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
THESIS SUPPORT (2024): Financial assistance, from the Peck School of the Arts and the University of Wisconsin's Graduate Dance Program, given to help fund academic MFA thesis research.
JOHN HOFSAS PRIZE IN DANCE (2015): From Knox College, awarded for the successful integration of artistic practice and academic depth, examining dance, masculinity, sexuality, and male identity.
TRIO "PERSISTENCE AWARD" (2015): Recognition of academic and personal resilience, and sustained achievement from the TRIO Achievement Program at Knox College.
DANCE SCHOLARSHIP (2011-2015): Awarded by a faculty panel for demonstrating artistic excellence, performance merit, and dedication to the performing arts from Knox College.
THEATRE SCHOLARSHIP (2011-2015): Selected by department leadership based on artistic talent, creative contributions, and commitment to theatrical disciplines from Knox College.
TRIO SCHOLARSHIP (2011-2015): Selected as a scholar based on academic commitment and leadership potential within the federally funded Knox College's TRIO Achievement Program.

Neocortex Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) is deeply committed to continuous education and growth in the areas of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We value your input and are always here to listen. If you have any comments, questions, concerns, appreciation, or recommendations on how we can improve, please email us at neocortexdance@gmail.com. NDTC welcomes any suggestions for how we can better serve our community and is committed to constant learning and growth, striving to be a better company than we were yesterday.

Research and Academics