The Chicago Project at Illinois Institute of Technology

Event Type
Performance
Event Description

CDI/Concert Dance Inc. (CDI) presents The Chicago Project: Future Present at the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Crown Hall, 3360 S. State St., Monday, Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. The CDI performance is Artistic Director Venetia Stifler’s critically-acclaimed full-length work originally created in 1985 but reimagined for the 21st century, The Chicago Project: Future Present. As part of the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial, the performance includes a half hour presentation by Dr. Cynthia Vranas Olsen, Ph.D. regarding the influence of dance on the design of the Palais Garnier in 19th Century Paris followed by the half hour presentation of The Chicago Project: Future Present. The performance and lecture are free and open to the public. Parking is free throughout the IIT campus, with the closest lots being D1, D2 and D5. For more information on CDI, please visit www.ruthpage.org.   To RSVP to this event, please email cvranas@iit.edu.

In 1985, Artistic Director and Emmy Award-nominated choreographer, Venetia Stifler, created the critically acclaimed “The Chicago Project.” Her goal in 2017 was to reimagine this favorite dance using today’s technology, and with the eyes of a choreographer who’s creative process and point of view have evolved. The premiere of The Chicago Project: Future Present explores the human kinesthetic and emotional relationship to the form, texture, materials and design of architecture, especially Chicago architecture, including accompanying images created by visual artist Frank Vodvarka.

The Chicago Project: Future Present celebrates the genius of Chicago architecture through movement, image and sound.  Using Louis Sullivan’s system of Architectural Ornament as a starting point the work explores some of Chicago’s most iconic environments. Stifler received a City Arts Independent Artist grant award from the City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for this ongoing and now complete project.

Vranas Olsen recently completed her doctoral studies in Architecture (History and Theory emphasis) at Illinois Institute of Technology and is also a dancer who trained at The Ruth Page Center for the Performing Arts. She approached Stifler to discus her doctoral theses, believing that dance is an important consideration for architects. The upcoming presentation at the Illinois Institute of Technology will bring a unique look at dance as it weaves into foundation of the architectural landscape.  .

“It is a beautiful coincidence that my doctoral thesis “The Chicago Project” also speaks to the influence of architecture on the human body.  Cynthia and I have been in discussion about how Ruth Page Center and IIT could benefit from our dance research for many months and we hope this partnership is just the beginning of a beneficial relationship between our two organizations,” said Stifler. 

Dance Styles
Modern / Contemporary

Location

S.R. Crown Hall, Illinois Institute of Technology

3360 South State Street
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 567-3230