Neocortex Dance Theatre Company

Welcome!

WHO WE ARE

Neocortex Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) is an emerging project-based contemporary modern dance company in Chicago and Evanston, IL, trying to destigmatize mental illness and mental health misconceptions.

No Upcoming Shows

We are taking a brief hiatus, but new shows are coming soon. Please stay tuned.

REVIEWS

"...Some works of dance and theater show you how it feels to step into someone else’s shoes, but “Up Again…” feels like stepping into someone’s brain!“Up Again, down again, UPAGAIN” communicates what it is like to be an artist living with bipolar disorder, a back and forth between sober paralysis and intense creativity. Educational and entertaining, the value in Irizarry’s work goes beyond enjoyment by eliciting feelings of empathy towards fellow humans and a better understanding of what it’s like to be human".
-Tristan Bruns: See Chicago Dance

Review

Past Performances

Up Again, down again, UPAGAIN:
My Bipolar Experience

SOLD OUT SHOW!

Join the Neocortex Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) at the Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble for our inaugural performance and MFA dance thesis concert. Featuring FRANK J. GLAB, CHROMABEATS, ALEX YASINOVSKY, SPENCE WARREN & JASON LEE.

"Up Again, Down Again, Up Again: My Bipolar Experience" is an evening-length dance performance exploring the complex psychological experiences and fluctuating mental states associated with bipolar disorder. This concert is the culmination and continuation of Juan Enrique Roque Irizarry Jr.'s research at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, combining interviews with dancers living with bipolar disorder and Juan Enrique's personal experiences.

The performance features two original choreographic works in collaboration with the dancers:

- "Switching (The Oscillation of Polarity)": A physical representation of bipolar disorder's effects.

- "Up Again, Down Again, Up Again": An abstract interpretation of the chemical imbalance Juan Enrique's brain.

Through this event, NDTC and Juan Enrique aims to:

- Raise awareness and destigmatize bipolar disorder

- Create relatable work supporting those affected and their loved ones

- Provide valuable resources and informational brochures

From the highs to the lows and back up again, this event will shed light on the complexities of Juan Enrique's experiences living with bipolar disorder, and he hopes to share a shared experience with the audience.

TRIGGER WARNING:
Mental health and bipolar content, may contain flashing lights, and in the “Switching (The Oscillation of Polarity)” piece, the middle finger is presented to the audience.

Neocortex Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) explores complex themes about mental health and identity (including themes of suicide, self-harm, abuse, mental illness symptoms, and more). The material and choreographic works may be traumatizing for adult or children audiences. If you are unsure about the content, please reach out to us for further details.

Up Again. Down Again. Up Again Final Flier 1.jpg

Up Again, down again, UPAGAIN: My Bipolar Experience
Promotional Video

Playbill

NIMH Bipolar Brochure

DISCLAIMER

Neocortex Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) is not a licensed medical organization or personnel and will not be held responsible or liable for your engagement, treatments, triggers, or actions. The information and resources Neocortex Dance Theatre Company provides on this website, page, and our social media platforms, performances, rehearsals, workshops, residencies, or classes are not medical, personal, or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatments and should only be used for educational purposes. Always seek medical advice from licensed medical professionals.