Inaugural artist Parijat Desai, based on the Munsee Lenape peoples’ ancestral lands known as New York City, brings to Chicago communities her investigations around garba, healing, inclusivity, caste, and nationalism, which inform her development of a performance entitled How Do I Become We. Garba is a participatory circle dance form of India, which Parijat explores through her social practice project Dance In The Round (DITR). In September, Soham Dance Space and Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks will co-present three lively DITR workshops that aim to harness the energy and spirit of the circle dance experience toward healing, inclusion, activation, and community. They are free to all and no prior dance experience or particular ability is required. Five Chicago dancers and musicians will be cast this summer as collaborating contributors to Parijat Desai’s artistic process to further the development of How Do I Become We and the three DITR events during her September in-person residency in Chicago.

“Dance In The Round” is presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, supported by the Mayor’s Office and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Celebrating 10 years, the 2022 Night Out in the Parks program presents cultural events year-round in neighborhood parks throughout the city. The Chicago Park District in partnership with over 100 local artists and organizations, present engaging events and performances that enhance quality of life across Chicago and amplify the artistic and cultural vibrancy in every neighborhood. Through multiple disciplines, which include theater, music, movies, dance, site-specific work, nature programs, and community festivals, the series aims to support Chicago-based artists, facilitate community-based partnerships and programs, cultivate civic engagement, and ensure equity in access to the arts for all Chicagoans. www.nightoutintheparks.com