Ravenswood is home to some of the most exciting, inspired, and celebrated businesses in Chicago. As part of our ongoing Local Business Spotlight series, we’re pleased to introduce you to Joel Hall of Joel Hall Dancers & Center (JHDC). A native of Chicago’s Cabrini Green neighborhood, Joel felt a calling from an early age to empower, awaken, and connect individuals from all walks of life with the power of dance. In 1974 Joel co-founded the Chicago City Theatre Company; in the decades since, his life’s work has taken him across continents and earned him wide acclaim as a choreographer and instructor of dance. By leading with power, passion, and pride, Joel and his performing arts organization have fostered a community with a lasting legacy and transformed the landscape of dance in Chicago and beyond.
JHDC is committed to cultivating a more inclusive and equitable performing arts environment for all, highlighting and uplifting Black and Brown and LGBTQIA+ experiences. JHDC provides comprehensive dance education and artistic expression, offering not only instruction in techniques but also deep insights into the history and cultural significance of dance. Their commitment to making dance accessible and affordable helps break down barriers and challenges traditionally oppressive systems. Visit the JHDC Website
What are the primary services and/or products that you offer? What are you most known for?
Joel: Dance classes, training, and performances.
What inspired you to start your own business? What about your business are you most proud of?
Joel: In 1974 I had a dream. That dream was to find the key to awaken the dancer in everyone’s soul. Fifty years later I feel I found that key through the founding of the Joel Hall Dancers & Center. I believe in the power of the arts to educate, enlighten and entertain. For the past five decades I and the JHDC team—my dance family—have been training students and thrilling audiences. Throughout my career I have used my expertise in the discipline of dance to empower individuals of all ages, with a special focus on the underserved, striving to connect with people of all backgrounds, skill levels and ages from communities throughout Chicago and beyond.
When is the busiest time of the year for your business?
Joel: Summer!
What do you love most about having a business in Ravenswood?
Joel: There are vital artists, wonderful restaurants, friendly small businesses, and a diverse community of neighbors.
What’s the biggest challenge in running your business?
Joel: Cashflows, reduced attendance in the colder, rainier months, and visibility.
What’s the “biggest win” in your business’s history? Explain what it was, how it came about, and what it meant to your business.
Joel: We’re over 50 years old, so it could be representing the United States while touring the Soviet Union, surviving the AIDS epidemic and continuing to celebrate the visions and memories of those lost, being named a Chicago Cultural Treasure for the dozens of dance companies we inspired and hundreds of professionals we trained, or celebrating 50 years of being a Black-focused nonprofit arts organization (which is an achievement for any business, but an especially rare one for organizations that highlight the work of people of color).
What’s something people find surprising to learn about your business?
Joel: We are our own independent nonprofit working in partnership with Black Ensemble Theater.
How do you give back and engage with the Ravenswood community?
Joel: We have been hosting low-cost community classes each month, and opening our doors to as many opportunities to share our space and create experiences for our neighbors.
Are there any fun facts about your staff that you can share with us?
Joel: William [Gill] famously performed and the Winspear Opera House with Showboat, Joe [Pindelski] lived in Moscow for several months for graduate school, and Joel was featured in an article in Harper’s Bazaar about his youth in the 60s as a social justice warrior.
Spotlight another local business! Please list your fave spots in Ravenswood. (Ex: Your fave spot for a morning coffee or after-work beer, your go-to lunch spot, etc)
Joel: Spacca Napoli, Tiztal, My Buddy’s, Black Ensemble, O’Shaughnessy’s, and Haitian American Museum of Culture!
What is your favorite neighborhood event?
Joel: Ravenswood Artwalk!
If you could throw a parade, what kind of parade would it be?
Joel: Something wild, bright, and outrageous!
How has GRCC helped to grow your business?
Joel: GRCC has helped us cultivate our visibility in our new space and feel at home here.
What types of events or programs would you like to see more of from GRCC?
Joel: Dance (of course)!
What is your vision for Ravenswood in 10 years?
Joel: A stronger arts sector, more street life (plazas, open air markets).
Joel Hall Dancers & Center
4511 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640
www.joelhall.org / IG: joelhalldc
