Artists

JENNIFER BECKER, (courtesy of Aerial Dance Chicago) celebrates her second season with The Monocle Eclectic Dance Company in “Because We CAN CAN CAN.” Along with bringing her exquisite technique to the table for this production, Jennie has rocked the role of Assistant Director of TMEDC for two seasons- resulting in long hours of coffee drinking with Katie Burrows (one of her favorite past times), sewing costumes, designing hair and make-up, and owning the role of the go-to-gal. Please don’t be fooled by this lady’s sweet demeanor, this feisty Libra hails from the Twin Cities and will cut you.  Her dance training extends from ballet, tap, jazz, and modern, and evolves through aerial, ballroom, Latin and swing. Mrs. Becker’s professional performance experiences include The Monocle Eclectic Dance Company's "Case of the 27's," TheMASSIVE's Faust and Macbeth, as well as multiple productions with Aerial Dance Chicago. Her choreography has been featured in Chicago at the Milwaukee Arts Festival, and in Decorah, Iowa for Chess the Musical. Jennie earned her BA in Theatre, Dance and Biology from Luther College. Her words to live by: “Angels may not always come when you call them but when you need them.”

KATHRYN BURROWS, founder and Artistic Director of The Monocle Eclectic Dance Company, believes her first dance teacher had it right- Katie was born to dance. Born in Michigan and raised in Kankakee, Illinois, this Cancer adores autumn, Peter Island, and being barefoot- all the time. Her movement studies began at age 2, always the performer; however, while at Illinois State University the choreographer was born. Katie earned her degree with Honors in Dance Performance from ISU, where she also fell in love with modern dance and, subsequently, gaucho pants and the music of Phillip Glass. Her passion brought her to Chicago in 2007, where she's performed for Matter Dance Company, Innervation Dance Cooperative, Eddie Ocampo, and TheMASSIVE in their 2011 production, "But What About Asian Dudes?" and their 2012 production, Macbeth. Her choreography has spanned over the Midwest with multiple theatre groups, dance companies, and festivals, including Dance Chicago and the Milwaukee Arts Festival. Katie is thankful for this opportunity to present “Because We CAN CAN CAN” with friend and colleague Jennie Becker, and loves her dancers and her husband dearly for their never failing support.


CARLY CARROLL is a fierce mover and shaker! A hip-hop performer with strong dance technique and training- Carly’s introduction to dance began at an early age in her hometown of Painesville, Ohio. This Leo graduated from The Ohio State University with her BA, and credits her mom with two phrases to live by: “You are never stuck,” and “Don’t be a bowl of oatmeal,” meaning you can always change your path of life no matter how hard it may be, and don’t be boring, but be adventurous and passionate! Carly’s success as a professional dancer attests to her dedication to these words. A company member for Boom Crack! Dance Company, working with her mentor/director Trae Turner has elevated Carly to a whole new level in the dance world. “Because We CAN CAN CAN” marks her exciting debut season with The Monocle Eclectic Dance Company. Carly is a cat lady, loves fall and the city of Toronto, has two middle-names, and one of her favorite summer activities is the annual “Carroll Family Camping” trip.