July Newsletter

By Sid Smith

 

While one of the more quiet dance months of the year, July is by no means silent, offering a plethora of unusual outings and this year culminating in one of the Chicago Human Rhythm Project's more ambitious annual undertakings.

The month arrives with a Dance Chance from DanceWorks Chicago, another informal get-together allowing choreographers to show off work and get some feedback, this one set for July 1 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts. The Luna Troop presents "Tides," subtitled "An Evening of Changes," July 11-14 at Stage 773. On July 13, Muntu Dance Theatre performs "Rhythm Keepers," including new work by guest artist Ariel Hardison, at the Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St. in Hyde Park. Also on the 13th, the Nomi Dance Company showcases "A Few Great Men," a program of works by various male choreographers, including Paul Christiano and ballroom expert Alex Arteaga, at the Athenaeum Theatre. (That weekend, Aerial Dance Chicago, by the way, continues last month's "Gravity" through July 14 at Ruth Page.)

Niftily 13 years old in 2013, the "New Dances" installment from Thodos Dance Chicago arrives July 19-21 at Ruth Page, offering the troupe's dancers a chance to try their mettle at dance making. Audible Odyssey offers "Heard Again, For the First Time" July 19 and 20 at the Den, on the 2nd floor at 1333 N. Milwaukee Av.

Then, the Chicago Human Rhythm Project's annual Rhythm World festival July 22-Aug. 4 features concerts, classes, tap jams, community outreach and more for two weeks at various locations. Classes will be held at the group's relatively new headquarters, the American Rhythm Center at the Fine Arts Building, on the third floor at 410 S. Michigan Av., with performances at both the Jazz Showcase (806 S. Plymouth Ct.) and the Museum of Contemporary Art. The schedule includes a program of tap improv July 29 at the Jazz Showcase and the "JUBA! Masters of Tap and Percussive Dance" concerts, with a potpourri of international tap stars, Chicago greats included, July 31, Aug. 1 and Aug. 3 at the MCA.

Links Hall hosts "Guerra: A Clown Play," a satirical physical comedy offering slapstick, clown art, farce and dance, from the Mexico City company La Piara, July 26-Aug. 4 at Constellation, 3111 N. Western Av.

"Espiritu del Fenix" is Flamenco Chicago's 10th annual outing of student talent July 27 at Ruth Page.

And, if you're in the mind to end the month with some instruction, Lori Belilove and members of the Isadora Duncan Dance Company arrive from New York for Momenta's "Isadora Duncan Summer Intensive," classes in the technique of the renowned dance innovator July 29-Aug. 3 at the Doris Humphrey Memorial Theater, 605 W. Lake St.