Jess Martin Presents
EXPLORATION:
An Evening of Dance, Discovery, Creativity, and Fun
This year's EXPLORATION show will focus on The Human Body and what the Human Experience means to all of us.
TICKETS $16-$42
ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE DATES
EXPLORATION is designed to be inclusive. Patrons may request a sign language interpreter up to two weeks prior to the performance. Large print programs are also available upon request. Please contact Links Hall’s Programs Associate, Dana Pepowski, at dana@linkshall.org to make a request or for more information.
ABOUT EXPLORATION
OUR MISSION
Exploration - An Evening of Dance, Discovery, Creativity & Fun will be a combination of choreographed and improvisational movement.
This performance seeks to:
Tell a story
Talk about struggles in a creative, open, and safe environment
Change people’s perception about disabilities
Encourage people to follow their dreams and not be afraid to ask questions
Have fun and not take life too seriously
VISION
Everyone can dance.
Our struggles help define our uniqueness. Because we look at our struggles in a positive way, we do not put limits on anyone. We are open to the idea that any one can dance. It doesn’t matter your age, race, nationality, sexual preferences, physical challenges, mental challenges, or body type. We want to look at the person inside and see how they can use their uniqueness to share their messages with the world.
FEATURED ARTISTS
Jess Martin (they/them) is a dancer, choreographer, public speaker, and proud creator of EXPLORATION. Their choreography is often based on the nature that surrounds us and the human experience, and Jess is extremely grateful to have this opportunity to return to Links Hall.
Em No (she/they) was born in Wilmette, Illinois, and has been obsessed with technique and artistry since she began dancing ballet. She recently performed a version of Petipa’s “Prayer Variation” from Coppélia and was excited to be a part of the premiere of Adina Stuhlman’s Jewish version of The Nutcracker in December of 2024. She is honored to be dancing with Jess in the midst of her own ballet training, having met in their mutual interest in Spiral body Technique. Em is additionally a keen enjoyer of and inspired by other forms of visual and auditory art. In her free time she enjoys artistic film, multiple genres of music, and classical ballet. Utilizing her experience as a cellist and a visual artist, she currently is striving to improve her musicality, and genuine performance of emotional expression.
Julia Schmidt (she/her) is a public servant by day with a lifelong love of dancing, choreographing, and moving with other people. Her dance training is primarily in modern and contemporary dance, and she is grateful to Links Hall and the Exploration 2025 team for this opportunity.
Ari Renai (he/him) began dancing at age 16. He recently graduated from Tulane University with majors in Business Management and Dance. He has also been a part of the LINK and Bates Dance Festivals. Ari is excited to be in a production with many talented dancers and contribute to the Chicago dance scene.
Kathleen Hansen (she/her) is a mover, improviser, and writer. She digs wordplay, waffles, and waves. Kathleen is grateful for the opportunity to dance in EXPLORATION.
Catherine (Cat) Hepler (she/her) is a Chicago-based dancer. Originally from Oakland, CA, she gained a varied dance background including ballet, modern, Polynesian dance, and contact improvisation to name a few. In addition to dancing with Jess and other freelance projects, Cat is also a member of IS/LAND: Performance Collaborative.
OTHER COLLABORATORS
Sheri Brimer, company logo
Ben Brimer, music editor
This performance is funded by the Chicago DanceMakers Forum.
SPECIAL THANKS
DanceMakers Forum and the DanceChance program for helping me make the 2025 EXPLORATION show possible. Additionally, thank you to Sheri Brimer aka Jess's aunt for creating the logo. And to Ben Brimer aka Jess's cousin for helping with music editing. And, finally, Thank you to Links Hall for believing in our mission and vision and providing us with a place to share our work.