Hot Crowd is a 501(c)3 non for profit Chicago-based modern dance company located in Logan Square whose goal is to stimulate and inspire dancers and non-dancers alike through innovative movement, community interaction and accessibility to strengthen and spread the art of modern dance throughout the Chicagoland area and beyond.
THE BOARD
Emily Rayburn
Founder & President
Emily Rayburn, originally from Edwardsville, IL, received her B.F.A. from Western Michigan University in May 2015. While at Western, Emily performed works by Ohad Naharin, Loie Fuller, and worked with artists such as Gabrielle Lamb, Lauren Thompson Hall, Monique Haley, Jackie Nowicki, KT Nelson, and faculty member Carolyn Pavlik in their processes of creating original works. While in school, her choreography premiered in several Winter Gala Concerts, Orchesis Concerts, and her solo, Corey’s Promise, was accepted and performed at the 2014 regional American College Dance Association conference. She also received the Shawn Coyle Hunnicutt Scholarship for Excellence in Choreography. Emily was awarded a grant by The Ramon Zupko Enrichment Fund to produce an original ballet, “Who Killed Mr. Mason?”. She was named the WMU Department of Dance 2015 Presidential Scholar. After graduating, Emily moved to Chicago where she danced as a free-lance artist. In November 2017, Emily incorporated Hot Crowd. Since the company's inception, Emily's choreography has been performed in over fifteen dance festivals throughout the midwest and east coast. Hot Crowd has successfully created three evening-length productions showcasing the company's uniquely playful aesthetic. Emily continuously works to push the boundaries of Hot Crowd and find new means of success.
Devon Lloyd
Board Member
Devon Lloyd
Board Member
Brandon Waters
Treasurer
Brandon is extremely passionate about dance and the performing arts. He firmly believes that art has the capacity to change lives and communities. He studied Financial Economics at Brigham Young University Idaho with a minor in dance. Brandon’s passion for dance inspired him to move from Idaho to attend graduate school in Chicago. He holds a Master of Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Degree from Columbia College Chicago. He has worked in the arts community in Chicago in many capacities serving both the theater and dance community.
Brittany Latta
Board Member
Brittany Latta
Board Member
Interested In Joining?
Do you have appreciation for art and dance?
Do you desire to help cultivate a growing Chicago dance 501(c)3?
Are you looking to work with a fun spirited group of people who strive for authentic and innovative ideas to help bring dance to the Chicagoland community?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then we have the perfect opportunity for you! Hot Crowd, a Logan Square based modern dance company, is looking to expand their board. Could you be member we are looking for? Interested in submitting a self nomination? Please click the box below. Interested in nominating someone else? Please email their information to hotcrowddance@gmail.com
David Hoehn
Board Member
Devon Lloyd
Board Member
Although very few would refer to David as a “dancer,” he has found a vicarious love for dance over the better part of the last decade through his wife (and fellow Hot Crowd board member), Sam Fink, and her professional dance career. He was introduced to Hot Crowd through Sam and has since developed a passion for the company’s unique and fun take on modern dance. David has always felt drawn to the arts, mostly through music, and he enjoys spending free time playing and learning various instruments, going to concerts, and taking in local art as often as possible. He especially enjoys sharing these experiences with his wife and son. David, a recovering CPA, began his professional career as an auditor, and has held roles in corporate accounting, finance, and strategic program management. He looks forward to leveraging this experience in helping Hot Crowd advance their company vision in the coming years.
Sam Fink
Board Member
Sam Fink is a dancer, choreographer, and teaching artist based out of St. Louis, MO. Sam was a founding member of Hot Crowd, performing with the company for three seasons. While living in Chicago, Sam performed with various small modern dance companies, with opportunities to perform and teach both domestically and abroad.
Sam is also the owner of Lumosco Photo, a dance-specific photography business helping dancers showcase their specialized skill set and unique personality through standout, professional photos. With her versatile dance training, professional performance career, along with her passion for teaching and choreography, Sam is able to communicate with all levels of dancers to create imagery that they are truly proud of.