Winning Works

The Joffrey Academy of Dance presents the 14th annual Winning Works program in the culmination of Joffrey’s national call for ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American) artists to participate in the Winning Works Choreographic Competition. The five dynamic winners of this year’s competition—Manoela Gonçalves, Jainil Mehta, Martha Nichols, Xavier Nuñez, and Houston Thomas—will each choreograph an original work created for the Joffrey Studio Company, Academy Trainees, and Conservatory students.

Studies in Blue

Studies in Blue is a captivating program of three dynamic works that test the limits of classical ballet. The program features the return of audience favorite Yonder Blue by Andrew McNicol set to music by Peter Gregson followed by Hungry Ghosts, a world premiere by Stina Quagebeur with music composed by Jeremy Birchal. Hungry Ghosts is a stunning exploration of the blight of addiction, and the longing to feel connected amidst devastation.

"Ouroboros" by Nejla Yatkin at Links Hall

Ouroboros by Nejla Yatkin is an evening-length interactive theatrical solo dance that takes the audience on a transformative journey. Set in the round, the performance's original composition, ASL translation, and a fusion of dance styles, including contemporary and Middle Eastern dance. The piece draws inspiration from the ancient snake dances of the Middle East and centers around the powerful symbol of ouroboros.

Winter Community Convening

Join See Chicago Dance on Saturday, February 24th at Links Hall for the first Dance Community Convening of the year! Reconnect with some familiar faces and make some new connections. See Chicago Dance staffers will walk you through some exciting Chicago Dance Month developments! Community Engagement Manager, Surinder Martignetti, will chat with you about summer programming. Marketing Manager Solomon Bowser will share opportunities to help you promote your summer events!

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!

Dance for Camera: Mentorship Program

See Chicago Dance is excited to accept applications for the 2024 Dance For Camera Mentorship Program!

 

Since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, See Chicago Dance has focused our programming on cultivating sustainability and resilience in the Chicago dance field, including a series of Dance for Camera training programs.

In 2024, Dance for Camera (D4C) will utilize a flexible “à la carte” format comprised of:

Links Hall Co-MISSION Resident Artists Create Community In Works In Progress Showing

 

Co-MISSION Works-In-Progress presented resident artists Eshan Rafi, Jamila Kekulah, and AiRos 頌恩 medill (performing as ZIRán) at Links Hall this past December 15th.

They have been developing their work since September and will again present their investigations in Spring 2024. At the end of the night, there was a talk back presented by the Artist Programs Manager and Associate Curator Aaliyah Christina.  Audience members expressed gratitude to the artists for sharing such personal work that conveyed distinct cultural backgrounds and unique research inquiries.

 

All Aboard The “A Train”; “Sugar Hill” reimagines the Ellington/Strayhorn “Nutcracker Suite”

 

In my attempt to cover nontraditional “Nutcrackers” this year, I thought my experience with “The Buttcracker” burlesque Nutcracker by (sub)version) productions would take the cake as the most unconventional reimagining of the property. Not so! Hello Entertainment and the Auditorium Theatre say, “hold my sugar plum,” presenting “Sugar Hill,” an amalgamation of dance styles set to the jazzy “Nutcracker Suite” by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn running through Dec. 30 at the Auditorium.

Ballet Chicago's Nutrcracker Celebrates Diversity

 

Ballet Chicago wrapped up its 2023 season with sparkling performances of The Nutcracker at Chicago’s Athenaeum Center and The Harris Theater December 8-17. Professional guest artists joined dancers from Ballet Chicago’s semi-professional studio company, students from the Ballet Chicago student and preparatory divisions, and the Tutu School Chicago. Make no mistake, there was nothing “semi” about the production.