Preview

The decadent storytelling of Nejla Yatkin “Ouroboros” at Links Hall

 

When I hear the word Ouroboros, I imagine myself at the beach. Rotating in the breeze as I carve endless circles in the sand with a stick or my finger. Listening to waves return and go endlessly.

Ouroboros, a word that commands the entire mouth, is an ancient Greek and Egyptian symbol of a serpent eating its own tail. Possessing a meaning as fluid and complex as its pronunciation, it is a fitting title for Nejla Yatkin’s latest theatrical solo performance premiering at Links Hall March 8-10.

Black Grace spotlights Pacific Island experience with “Paradise Rumour” at Harris Theater

 

New Zealand contemporary dance company Black Grace makes their Chicago debut on March 1st at the Harris Theater at Millenium Park including a family matinee on March 2nd. The group will present “Paradise Rumour” (2023), choreographed by director Neil Ieremia. Both performances will transport audiences to the Pacific Islands in what promises to be a culturally rich and dynamic tour.

Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre celebrates 25 Years by focusing on the immigrant experience

 

Running and maintaining a professional dance company is no easy feat. Many come and many go. That’s why we celebrate those companies who, through quality of work, dedication and business savvy, have managed to stay in operation against economic hardships, global Pandemics and shifting politics— companies like Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre.

Ballet 5:8 Amplifies Women In An Art Form Long Criticized For Failure To Do So

 

Historically, ballet doesn't have the most shining record for female empowerment and is replete with anti-feminist views. It's no walk in the park being a woman in the world of ballet, with pressure to be slender, beautiful, graceful, and feminine.

Stiff competition for leads and solos gives men, fewer in numbers, an unfair advantage with more prominent casting a higher salary scale.  In fact, the Dance Development Project reports a mere 22.9% of new work of the top 50 biggest ballet companies in the U.S. are by women artists.

Complexions Contemporary Ballet Presents Chicago Premiere of "Star Dust: From Bach To David Bowie"

 

Absent from Chicago since 2006, Complexions Contemporary Ballet (CCB) returns to present “Star Dust: From Bach To David Bowie” at the Auditorium Theatre at 7:30pm, February 3. The first half of the evening will present a sampling of excerpts from their 30-year-long histoy, including “Chaconne,” “Choke,”  “Pocket Symphony,” “Elegy,” “Work It Out" and the critically acclaimed "Star Dust."  Each piece has been chosen to reintroduce and highlight the diverse strengths of CCB and to share a common theme of classical composer Johann Sebastian Bach.

Ballet Chicago's "Nutcracker" Comes to the Harris Theater

 

There are many flavors of “The Nutcracker” to choose from this holiday season, but if you have yet to taste one of them, Ballet Chicago’s production is both delicious and packs a powerful message that is especially poignant during these conflicting times. The message: we must hope and have faith that good will triumph over evil.

Duell and Blair’s “Nutcracker” delivers this message in countless ways but especially in its diversity of casting. A rainbow of cultures, ages, sizes and shapes tell the story through a spirit of inclusiveness and love.

Hedwig Dances presents “no ideas but in things” featuring works by Rigoberto Saura, Noelle Kayser and Jenna Pollack.

 

On November 3-4, contemporary dance company Hedwig Dances will present “no ideas but in things,” featuring three world premieres. SeeChicagoDance was invited to view a preview performance of “K@O2” by Rigoberto Saura, “Pat & Dianna” (working title) by Noelle Kayser and an untitled work by Jenna Pollack. As the show’s title suggests, each artist was prescribed a single objective: to merge dance with a tangible visual environment.