Description:

Lucid Banter Project is the creation of Artistic Director Paula Grakens (formerly Grahmann), originally as an outlet for choreography less restricted by the considerations necessary when working with students. Lucid Banter Project has established a name and place in teh Chicago dance scene by creating ecclectic works with artistic exploration as the only guideline. Lucid Banter Project has participated in Dance Chicago, Noumenon Dance Ensemble’s New Moves, Joel Hall Dance Center’s Dances in the Hall, the Inaside Choreographic Sponsorship Event, multiple years of the Delve Showcase, Trifecta Dance Chicago’s New Moves, the Harmony Festival of Dance and Music, and the Harvest Chicago Contemporary Dance Festival.. The company produced their first full-length concert in 2023: Autobiography of a Late Bloomer, which was a 15-year retrospective of Paula’s choreography. The show was included in the Chicago Circus & Performing Arts Festival and the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks program. Paula was awarded a 2025 Individual Artist Program grant from the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, which will partially fund a full-length performance in 2026.

Mission:

To provide early to mid-career professionals the opportunity to train in multiple dance forms as well as create and perform new dance works. The company will work to explore the process of artistic expression from intention to presentation – educating adults in ballet and modern dance, applying the creative process to innovative ideas, producing performances in non-traditional settings as well as proscenium theaters, and utilizing multimedia tools to capture and expand the artistic vision.