Sildance/AcroDanza Team of Present and Past Artist Collaborators
Present Artist Collaborators
Artistas colaboradores
Dancer: Ileana Nadine Mauricio
Ileana Nadine is a first generation Mexican-American originally from Aurora, Illinois. Growing up in a culturally rich family, she developed a strong connection to dance at two years old. Today she continues her training with many companies and projects such as Glenwood Dance Studio, Matter Dance Company 2018-present, Silvita Diaz Brown’s Sildance/AcroDanza 2019-present, Echo Modern Dance Collective 2020-present & Lucid Banter Project 2022-Present.
Dancer: Juan Enrique Irizarry
Juan Enrique R Irizarry Jr. was born and raised in Chicago, IL. He began formal dance training at the age of 17 through Joffrey Ballet and Culture Shock Chicago. In 2015, he obtained a BA in Anthropology/Sociology with a Dance Studies minor from Knox College. Juan Enrique is currently in his fifth season with Identity Performing Arts, his third project as a dancer and collaborator with Sildance/Acrodanza, He was just awarded a fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to obtain his MFA in dance. He has also been a part of multiple projects and companies. he has trained in various dance techniques and styles, Juan Enrique maintains dynamic energy and passion for exploring dance and provides an anthropological and sociological influence through his teachings and career.
Dancer: Derek Quesada
Derek Quesada (he/his) is a Dancer/Singer/Actor originally from Miami, Florida now living and working in Chicago. Derek has roots in Latin heritage with the most of his family coming from Puerto-Rico. He has been dancing for over ten years with experience in Jazz, contemporary, and tap. When he isn't performing, he can be usually found studying as he has recently decided to start nursing school
Dancer: Daniel Oblitas
Dani Oblitas (she/they) is a dance artist and educator currently based in Chicago, IL. Dani graduated from St. Olaf College with a BA in Dance and Environmental Studies. She is passionate about making movement accessible to all, and views dance as a life affirming act of both community cultivation and individual embodiment. . They have additionally danced with Liz Sexe Dance, KLJ Movement, We Are Collective, 773 Dance Project, and Albany Park Theater Project’s Port of Entry. Currently, she is a Teaching Artist for NorthShore Elite Talent, IdeaBox Integrated Arts and a Teaching Artist Mentor with ArtsXChange. Dani is additionally a Links Hall Co-Mission Resident for 2024.
Musician: Wiebe Ophorst
Wiebe Ophorst is a seasoned multi-instrumentalist, innovative composer, and captivating performer hailing from Chicago. Renowned for his avant-garde work with modular synthesis under "Functionless," Wiebe pushes the boundaries of live experimental electronic music, deeply rooted in Chicago's rich techno and house traditions. With Marshall Greenhouse, they create the duo "Chromabeats." This fusion of electronic beats, world grooves, and eclectic sounds has earned them a residency at the popular DMen Tap and the honor of opening for the renowned "This is the Band" at Chop Shop. Not one to be confined to a single genre, Wiebe is also the passionate vocalist for the explosive rock project "Fool Killer" and the heavy-hitting stoner metal outfit "Druuna." Offstage and out of the studio, Wiebe channels his creative energy into board sports and culinary adventures, constantly seeking new thrills and flavors.
Musician: Marshall Greenhouse
Marshall Greenhouse is a Chicago based musician and educator who first began playing drumkit at age 8. His love of percussion led him on a lifelong quest to study music genres and instruments from around the world. He has formed and led many ensembles ranging from Afrobeat to Rock, Experimental to Ambient, and brings over three decades of recording and touring experience. Marshall currently writes and records psychedelic-influenced Synth Pop and longplay ambient meditation music under the name MANCHO, heads up the award winning act AfroZep and is one half of the electronic duo Chromabeats.
Videographer: Antonin Leleivre
Antonin is French but first and foremost an accomplished director of photography based in Chicago for over a decade. Prior to that he has a background in advertising and Chinese studies. Self taught, he prefers small, independent and resourceful styles of productions which allows him to retain creative control on his artistic projects. His website, www.antoninlelievre.com says it better than this bio.
Poet: Lani Montreal
Lani T. Montreal writes to create her home in the diaspora. She is a queer feminist Filipina educator, writer, performer, and community activist based in Chicago, whose works have been published/produced in North America, Asia, and in cyberspace. Lani has worked as a playwright and resident artist with CIRCA-Pintig, Chicago Danztheatre, and Free Street Theatre. Her play Panther in the Sky, which premiered May 2024 at Chicago Danztheatre was described by Buzz Stage critic Wesley David as “a testament to the power of empathy, compassion, and solidarity in the face of unspeakable tragedy. It is a play that challenges us to confront the harsh realities of gun violence while inspiring us to act and make a difference in the world.” Montreal is a 2-time 3Arts Residency Awardee (2009 and 2016), 2017 alumna of the VONA Writers of Color Workshop, and 2024 Links Hall Co-MISSION Artist Fellow.