During the last two years as life was on hold for performers and creators, Nejla Yatkin reflected about what kind of
dance does the world need right now and what is the place of dance in our communities. Out of this unexpected
pause, Firebird emerged. In many myth and cultures, the Firebird is a messenger of hope and also considered to
purify the land and waters and hence bestow fertility to where ever the Firebird visits. In addition, the mythical
creature represents the union between the Earth and the Sky serving as the mediator and messenger between the
two. Firebird will pop up and surprise park visitors in 19 different Chicago Parks between May 31st and June 18th,
2022. At the end of each dance, park visitors will be invited to join in a collective guided movement meditation dance.
Roaming park visitors are also invited to create their own firebird dances which they can share on social media and
tag @ChicagoParks, @yearofdance or go on a treasure hunt to search for the secret message hidden by Firebird in
each place that she appears. Collaborators include costume designer Katrin Schnabl, musician Patrick Wojtak and
Video artist Enki Andrews.
Chicago Parks where Firebird will PopUp
1) Park No. 568 (West Ridge Nature Preserve)- Tuesday May 31st, 2022 at 6:00 PM
2) Legion Park - Wednesday June 1st, 2022 at 6PM
3) Clark (Richard) Playlot Park - Thursday June 2nd, 2022 at 6PM
4) Park No. 579 (Ridgeway Trailhead) - Friday June 3rd, 2022 at 6PM
5) Humboldt Park - Saturday June 4th, 2022 at 11AM
6) Northerly Island -Sunday June 5th, 2022 at 11AM
7) Dearborn Park, Monday June 6th, 2022 at 12PM
8) Williams Park, Tuesday June 7th, 2022 at 6PM
9) Hadiya Pendleton Park - Wednesday June 8th, 2022 at 6PM
10) McKinley Park - Thursday June 9th, 2022 at 6PM
11) Bohn Park - Friday June 10th, 2022 at 6PM
12) Park No. 564 (Big Marsh) - Saturday June 11th, 2022 at 11AM
13) Arcade Park - Sunday June 12th, 2022 at 11AM
14) Rainbow Beach & Park - Monday June 13th, 2022 at 9AM
15) Jackson Park - Tuesday June 14th, 2022 at 9AM
16) Promontory Point- Wednesday June 15th, 2022 at 9AM
17) Oakwood Beach, Thursday June 16th, 2022 at 9AM
18) Lincoln Park, Friday June 17th, 2022 at 9AM
19) Montrose Beach, Saturday June 18th, 2022 at 9AM
