Founder - Venetia Stifler
“Artistic Director Venetia Stifler continues to push the creative button of CDI.”
- The Chicago Tribune.
Venetia Stifler, the Founder & Artistic Director of CDI, has been shaping the world of contemporary dance for over four decades. In 1981, she established Concert Dance, Inc. as a platform for artistic collaboration and boundary-pushing performances. Her career as a performer, choreographer, and educator has influenced generations of dancers, earning recognition from the Chicago arts community and beyond.
As the Executive & Artistic Director of The Ruth Page Center for the Arts (2000–2020), she guided the organization’s vision while keeping CDI at the forefront of contemporary dance. With performances across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, Venetia continues to shape the future of dance, combining tradition with modern expression.
From 2000 to 2020, Venetia served as the Executive and Artistic Director of The Ruth Page Center for the Arts, shaping the vision of the iconic Chicago institution. Under her leadership, Concert Dance, Inc. became the official contemporary dance company of the Center, presenting her own choreography alongside works from leading contemporary artists while also re-envisioning the legacy of Ruth Page.
Trained as a dancer, Venetia worked with legendary figures such as Jennifer Mueller, Alwin Nikolais, and Merce Cunningham, gaining international acclaim as a performer. Holding a Ph.D. in Dance and Choreography, she continues to influence the next generation as Coordinator of Dance at Northeastern Illinois University, where she is a tenured faculty member.
A recognized leader in the arts, Venetia was honored in NewCity’s “Players 2015” list for her contributions to Chicago’s cultural landscape. Her passion and dedication continue to drive Concert Dance, Inc. forward, inspiring artists and audiences alike.
In 1981 I formed CDI/ Concert Dance, Inc., a company on which she could explore choreography as a collaborative art. Described by the Chicago Sun-Times as “wonderfully dramatic,” Concert Dance, Inc. has performed throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. Trained as a dancer, I worked in both Chicago and New York with such legendary artists as Jennifer Mueller, Alwin Nikolais, and Merce Cunningham. I went on to a national and international performing career that spanned over a decade. I hold a Ph.D. in Dance and Choreography, and serves as Coordinator of Dance at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, where she is a tenured faculty member. Ms. Stifler was selected in 2015 to NewCity’s annual “Players 2015” list, which honors leaders within the Chicago arts and culture community by recognizing those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make art happen in Chicago.
As Reviewed By
“This music is to important to not be heard again and again (Aftermath, Ned Rorem) ”…the dancers made every fluid movement resonate with stark emotion.”
John Von Rhein
“A witty interaction between art forms”
The Times (Scotland)
“Artistic Director Venetia Stifler continues to push the creative button of CDI.”
The Chicago Tribune
“Every aspect of the choreography is truly satisfying.”
The Herald- Scotland
“Lyrical beautifully designed work.”
The Chicago Magazine
“(Venetia Stifler) …she frames the space about her with the simplest weighted gestures of her livid arms. It is Isadora Duncan without the skips and falls.”
