April 2025: Shows You Gotta See (And More...)

April arrives with a bang! Chicago dance fans have a full plate this month. On the menu: Twyla Tharp is making an appearance at the Harris Theater with Third Coast Percussion as part of her 60th anniversary as a choreographer, a rare opportunity to see a living legend. Giordano Dance Chicago and Red Clay Dance Company both present new and exciting programs. A range of styles—aerial, Butoh, praise dance and more—highlight the benefits of living in a big city, with something to whet the whistle of all tastes. Take advantage of the spring weather and go out to... See Chicago Dance!

Kaleidoscope Choreographers Festival

Alliance Dance Company presents our 2nd Annual Choreographers Festival - Kaleidoscope.

Last year was a big success with the final show a sellout.  This year is even bigger.

If a Kaleidoscope operates on the principle of multiple reflection,
then this dance festival is truly such!

You will not want to miss a chance to see one of the most diverse dance festivals
in Chicago with works created by 25 choreographers from the Midwest region.

Over 60 pieces were submitted for consideration by committee to bring you
a different show each night!

Review: Miguel Gutierrez's "Super Nothing" at MCA

 

Miguel Gutierrez’s “Super Nothing,” presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art, March 28-30, as part of the “On Stage” program, explores absence, both philosophical and artistic, immersing the audience in a space where identity and meaning dissolve into pure movement. It evokes the ultimate void, where the self disappears and emotion fades into the background, offering a temporary escape from grief and loss. Through this embrace of emptiness, the performance provides a moment of release, allowing the audience to transcend sorrow and find solace in the stillness.

Open Call: Chicago Dance Artists & Dance Companies (Dance/USA)

On June 17-20, 2025, Dance/USA’s National Conference will return to Chicago for the first time since 2011. Over 500 cultural workers will gather to hear from leaders from across the dance ecosystem. The Chicago Host Committee is excited to announce an open call for performance opportunities during the conference. Applications are open through March 28 (11:59 PM CST). Link to apply can be found on the Dance/USA website- www.danceusa.org/conference

Review: Winifred Haun & Dancers present "First Draft" (2025) at Links Hall

 

Winifred Haun and Dancers' “First Draft” uplifted audiences at Link Hall this past weekend, showcasing thirteen premieres by emerging Chicago choreographers and dancers. Its title nods to the creative process, where every choreographer refines their work through multiple drafts, with each piece presenting original ideas that highlight diverse voices, engage audiences and explore global themes.

2025 Chicago Dance Month Info Session

Have questions about Chicago Dance Month 2025? We’ve got you covered! Join See Chicago Dance on Wednesday, March 12th, from 3–4 pm, for a Chicago Dance Month virtual info session. During this gathering, SCD Special Projects Coordinator Samantha Brown will walk attendees through the CDM application and answer any questions about the process. Bring your questions, ideas, and feedback to this session, and together, let’s get ready for a stellar celebration of dance this June!

Register today! https://bit.ly/CDM25-Info

Preview: Kimberly Baker presents "Earth Below Us" at Ruth Page Center

 

Northern Lights made a rare appearance last October in Chicago, drawing major attention to our night skies. Urban light pollution typically limits the experience of celestial phenomena in the city, but independent choreographer Kimberly Baker has always been curious about the cosmos and how it might connect to dance. As Chicago witnessed the Aurora Borealis, Baker initiated a deep dive into the wonder of outer space in preparation for the “Earth Below Us” concert March 14 &15 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts.