Feature

Compañía Nacional de Danza and the universal language of movement

 

On Feb. 10th, Madrid-based Compañía Nacional de Danza (National Dance Company) made its Chicago debut at the Auditorium Theatre, showcasing a mesmerizing series of performances that explored the intricate layers of human existence. The carefully selected pieces presented the company's choreographic history while guiding the audience through an emotional journey of connection and loss. In an interview with See Chicago Dance, Artistic Director Joaquin De Luz and the company artists provided new insight into the work.

Dance For Camera Returns in 2024 with More Resources for Aspiring Dance Filmmakers

 

Dancemakers must wear many hats. Choreographer, performer, producer, director, marketer, floor builder (tap dancers know what I’m talking about!) Add filmmaker to the list.

See Chicago Dance doesn’t just help Chicagoans see dance, but helps dancers be seen. Now in its third year, the SCD Dance for Camera (D4C) program returns with the goal of providing the basic tools of filmmaking for aspiring dancers to learn the ins and outs of producing dance on film.

South Chicago Dance Theater Travels to Colombia as Part of an International Collaboration with Chooma Dance Company and Casa Tumac

 

It only took seven years for South Chicago Dance Theater and Executive Artistic Director, Kia Smith, to grow into one of Chicago’s premiere dance companies, performing to packed houses at some of the city's most esteemed venues and collaborating with local, national and international talent. After SCDT conquers Chicago, the next step is… THE WORLD!

Giordano Dance Chicago Launches New Season with Bold Changes and Deepening Jazz Dance Roots

 

“Change” is this year’s theme as Giordano Dance Chicago dives into its 61st season, dubbed “Unlimited,” with changes in administration, artists, and board of directors. The company held a cocktail reception to introduce new Executive Director Erica Lynette Edwards, and new Board President Chris D'hondt, at the Whitehall Hotel on September 7th.

Edwards joins the Giordano team replacing Executive Director Michael McStraw, who transitions into the role of mentor to Edwards.

Hubbard Street Creates Space for Patience With Aszure Barton Residency

 

A modest table of hors-d’oevres and an ample array of alcoholic beverages greeted me when I arrived at the Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) headquarters, tucked away on the 4th floor of Water Tower Place, for a reception to welcome choreographer Aszure Barton as the acclaimed Canadian/American dance artist begins a three-year artist’s residency with HSDC. The come-and-go residency will include creating new work and setting some of her established repertoire on the company.

It's the end of an era and a bright new beginning as Chicago Dance Crash welcomes new directors KC Bevis and Jessica Leyva

 

There aren’t many companies like Chicago Dance Crash. They’re fusion of contemporary and street dance styles combined with acrobatics has been wowing audiences since the company’s conception in 2002 by founders, Marissa Moritz, Charlie Cutler and Mark Hackman. Since then, CDC has received rave reviews for their story shows with pop culture references to “The Wizard of Oz,” “Tron,” “Batman” and “Pinocchio” to name a few—each with elaborate special effects.

Preview: Mandala South Asian Performing Arts presents "Diwali: Story of Ram", one of the traditional Hindu epics told with a modern twist.

 

For hundreds of years the story of Ram, the seventh avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, has remained a family favorite. Ram’s journey as told in the text of the Ramayana is the embodiment of chivalry and virtue. For centuries, entire communities would gather to witness the story of Ram told through the expressive art form of Bharatanatyam dance.

In the past, this performance could last 14 days, with a different story being told each day. However, if you don’t have 2 weeks of free time at your disposal, then you’re in luck.

Review: Here comes the boom!; Chicago Dance Crash premieres its new work: "Booms Day"

 

The stage at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts is transformed into a bomb-blasted battle ground as a haphazard blockade of debris — chairs, lamps, a pink bicycle — are stacked floor to ceiling, framed by a proscenium crafted out of burlap and paper, painted to look like the charred remains of a city blasted to smithereens.