A sense of spatial abstractions hit me as soon as I entered the theater to take in “rejoinder,” the latest work presented by dropshift dance, a collaborative cohort of contemporary artists, founded in 2010 by Andrea Cerniglia. The company focuses on creating abstract artistic works through collaborative processes. True to mission, both works on the program claim no choreographer, only collaborators.

Chicago Tap Allstars was established by Bill Barrett, Founder of M.A.D.D. Rhythms and Mark Yonally, Founder of Chicago Tap Theatre as a way to lessen the divide between tap dancing communities on the North and South sides of Chicago. Initially sparked by an open letter written by Barrett addressing inequities in the tap community during the civil unrest of June 2020, the collaborative performance “Bridging the Gap: One Step at a Time” sought to make due on some of the changes promised by both tap communities. 

In the lobby of the Hamilton Park Cultural Center, a river of bodies flows down a pair of symmetrical stone staircases, pooling into a high-ceilinged foyer, spilling into the astonished audience. They play with the onlookers, one dancer languidly unfurling their arms mere inches from my face. These sprites are then whisked away towards a large double door and into a dark room, an auditorium with a blonde wood floor and a stage, a white proscenium framing a turquoise and lavender background. Caught in the rush of the current we follow them.

Wanna see something mythical, healing and interactive?
Nejla Yatkin’s “Firebird,” May31 – June 18. FREE!

While spending time combing through past issues of “Dance Magazine” at the Harold Washington Library, I realized for the first time how prolific dancer/choreographer Ruth Page was during her career. She is mentioned in nearly every issue, often covered by longtime Chicago dance writer Ann Barzel. Page is always pushing boundaries, always moving forward, always working on a new ballet, often to rave reviews. Seeing the immensity of Page’s work spread out in front of me instilled a sense of awe and, as a Chicagoan, a sense of pride.