About Chicago
As the third-largest city in the United State behind New York and Los Angeles, Chicago lives up to its reputation as a cultural icon with numerous museums, theaters, public art and festivals. After rebuilding from a devastating fire in 1871, the city has emerged as the second most beautiful in the world (just behind Prague) according to Timeout Inc.
With ample public green spaces, a variety of professional sports teams, unmatched shopping opportunities and a thriving food and bar scene, Chicago is the perfect location for business and leisure travel, as well as creative pursuits such as filming, theater productions and Plein air painting.
The city of Chicago is full of cultural venues, from theaters large and small to studios and even parks. You should have no trouble scheduling a dance shoot at one of these locations, and there are several service providers in the city offering video production, stage set-up, food for the crew and more.
Dance Shoot Options in Chicago
A Chicago dance shoot location will require a little thought regarding set up. You'll want to consider what things are important for a top-notch venue.
- Studios
It’s no wonder that the city that spawned a movie about a 1920s dance revue is full of studios dedicated to the art. Dance and performance art studios are perfect for small to medium ensembles and are generally sparsely decorated, allowing you to focus attention on the performers and their skills.
- Equipment
From ballet barres to mirrors, you’ll need to equip your Chicago dance shoot location with the tools and supplies to give your dancers what they need. The right fitness equipment at the ready and items like props and music players are essentials for a well-run shoot.
- Photographer and Videographer
Being able to view themselves on film and in photos is helpful to a dancer in regards to perfecting moves and positioning. Local talent in the field should be scheduled into practices before the shoot and even on the big day.
Dance Shoot Companies in Chicago
Once you’ve selected a Chicago dance shoot location, you’ll need to spend time organizing equipment and planning logistics. Let a professional service provider take care of equipment, prep, logistics and more so you can spend time rehearsing and creating just the right atmosphere.
- Filmgear
No matter which venue you choose for your dance shoot, you’ll need to have the proper equipment to stage and capture all the action. Filmgear specializes in production equipment rentals including professional lighting, electrical gear, grip equipment, cameras and support and more. You can also rent film equipment trucks fitted out with grip and lighting equipment for amazing shots on the move.
- Ron McKinney Photography
Your dance shoot should speak for itself – your dancers’ skills, along with your creativity and artistry. A great photographer can also help tell your story with stunning still shots of your dance crew in action to be used for promotion and marketing. Ron McKinney is recognized as an international leader in dance photography since founding Pas de Deux Dance Photography in 2008. McKinney captures dancers at their best, from positional shots to movement to head shots.
- Broadway Costumes Inc.
Make your dancers look amazing during the shoot with special costumes from Broadway Costumes Inc. You’ll find every variety of outfit, from showgirls to animals to full masquerade costumes. The company was established in 1886 and has outfitted operas, stage productions, musicals and more.
Pros and Cons of Dance Shoots in Chicago
Chicago is full of talent and you’ll have no trouble finding excellent dancers. It’s important to look at the pros and cons of the city before choosing your production locale.
Advantages
- Great food
Chicago has is well known for its great street food as well as Michelin star eateries. Cater your dance shoot with a variety of food to keep everyone energized.
- Vendor selection
Being a large city with many avenues for film, dance, theatre and more, the variety of vendors with experience in the field is highly adequate.
- Supplies
Whatever you need for your Chicago dance shoot location, you will find it here.
Disadvantages
- Winter is tough
Chicago winters can be snowy and of course, windy. The temperatures are known to dip as well, so choose a venue with good heating if you plan on an indoor winter shoot.
- Pricey
Work with a budget for all aspects of your studio as Chicago is known to be an expensive city.
- Traffic
Chicago has been flagged as the city with the second-worst traffic situation in the United States in 2019.
Famous Locations in Chicago
- Wrigley Field
Home of the MLB Cubs since 1914, Wrigley Field is one of the oldest remaining ballparks in the United States. During baseball season, the field comes alive with one of the sport’s most energetic fan bases, but the park is about more than just baseball. You can tour the iconic facility on non-game days to get a glimpse of the stadium from top to bottom. Wrigley Field also hosts big-name music artists in concert throughout the year, including Def Leopard, Zac Brown Band and Lady Gaga.
- Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is a 1.25 miles path along the Chicago River as it snakes through downtown. The pathway is lined with numerous shopping, dining and activity opportunities, including a water taxi to take you to various locations along the Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is also the starting point for the city’s many river cruises and party boat trips, as well as unique opportunities like kayaking. You can also visit the Chicago Architecture Center to explore the city’s beautiful skyline.
- Shedd Aquarium
At 5 millions gallons of water when it as constructed in 1930, Shedd Aquarium was once the largest indoor aquarium facility in the world. Today, Shedd is home to more than 32,000 animals, including the Giant Pacific Octopus, various species of sharks, sea otters, penguins, sea lions and even a beluga whale. Exhibits focus on education and conservation, and the aquarium offers hands-on experiences with some of its residents, including playing with a penguin and feeding the stingrays.
