VISCERAL ENCORE, now in its third year, is a performance company led by artistic directors Michelle Meltzer and Braeden Barnes, created for dancers aged 35 and older. Encore offers a rare opportunity for both seasoned movers and developing dancers to return to the stage, not just in class, but through performance. This 14 - week program fosters a space where artistry deepens with age, and the body’s evolving story is not only accepted, but celebrated, culminating in a public performance.
Encore challenges cultural norms that tie dance to youth and narrow ideals of appearance. It stands as a powerful response to those limitations, reclaiming space for mature performers to express their voices through contemporary movement and continue their lifelong creative journey.
Because if you’re human, you’re a dancer.
"EYES CLOSED"
A contemporary dance experience that invites audiences to journey through the human senses. Featuring original works by a collective of choreographers, the performance explores what is felt when vision fades and perception deepens. Inspired by Visceral Encore’s mission to create meaningful performance opportunities through bold contemporary choreography, Eyes Closed celebrates connection, expression, and the power of embodied experience.
Choreography by directors Michelle Meltzer and Braeden Barnes, with additional works by Nick Pupillo and Shanna VanDerwerker.
JUNE 6 | 7:30 PM
JUNE 7 | 2:00 PM
ENCORE SEASONTHREE
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CHOREOGRAPHERS
BRAEDEN BARNES
MICHELLE MELTZER
NICK PUPILLO
ALONG WITH GUEST CHOREOGRAPHER
SHANNA VANERWERKER
Shanna is currently an Assistant Teaching Professor of Musical Theater Dance at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts and on faculty here at Visceral Dance Center.
Creative Credits include: Jesus Christ Superstar (Choreographer), Pippin (Choreographer) and Co-Choreographer of Wonderful Town for CCPA, Renascence at Illinois Wesleyan University (Choreographer), Director and Choreographer of 9 to 5 at Tantrum Theatre, Ohio University, and Head Over Heels at Columbia College Chicago. Shanna has choreographed for Beautiful City Project, Porchlight Music Theatre, Mercury Theater Chicago (Jeff Award Winning Spamalot), the Chicago premiere of Lysistrata Jones for Refuge Theater Project (Jeff Nomination). Thirteen shows at The Fireside Theatre in Fort Atkinson, WI, favorites include Matilda (co-director), Saturday Night Fever, 42nd St, Newsies, and Singin' In The Rain.
Shanna was the Associate Director/Choreographer to Deidre Goodwin for Beehive The Musical and her Associate Choreographer for Catch Me If You Can at Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre, and Associate Choreographer of the World Premiere of Always Something There for Tyler Hanes. Associate Choreographer to Christopher Gattelli for almost 20 years, including on Broadway’s High Fidelity.
Selected performance credits: Wicked (Broadway and 1st National Tour), Mary Poppins, Singin’ In The Rain, H2$ (Fireside Theatre), Evita (Drury Lane) Kiss Me, Kate (TUTS), dre.dance company, and Walt Disney World.
Shanna has a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Point Park University and is a 25+ year member of AEA. shannavdance.com