There aren’t many companies like Chicago Dance Crash. They’re fusion of contemporary and street dance styles combined with acrobatics has been wowing audiences since the company’s conception in 2002 by founders, Marissa Moritz, Charlie Cutler and Mark Hackman. Since then, CDC has received rave reviews for their story shows with pop culture references to “The Wizard of Oz,” “Tron,” “Batman” and “Pinocchio” to name a few—each with elaborate special effects.

Veteran choreographer Sean Roschman brings his wealth of experience working in both concert and commercial productions in New York City to the Chicago stage with “Swarm,” presented by his company, Niko8, at the Ruth Page Center on July 21.

Creepy, tender, scary, political, supernatural…

Who hasn’t spent time dwelling in the limbo that is “between jobs?” The endless string of politely worded rejection letters one gets while on the job- hunt is the premise behind Mariah Eastman’s “Inclined to Decline,” presented by Darvin Dances at the Rooted Space on July 14.

Artists of all disciplines spend time in that grey area between amateur and professional. Climbing from one plateau to the next can be confusing and stressful—unless you have a guide to lead you. Luckily, there are dancers and organizations set up to help others take that leap from studio kid to full-fledged pro.

Now in their fifth season, Moonwater Dance Project debuted “Moonwater V” on June 30 at the Ruth Page Center, featuring past repertoire and world premieres by Braeden Barnes, Shannon Alvis, Robyn Mineko Williams, company Executive Director, Celine Spinka O’Brien and Founder and Artistic Director, Mackenzie King.

Past performances have combined creative movement, fantastic imagery from the imagination, high levels of technical prowess and strict rhythmic acuity. Last year’s Moonwater IV set a high bar, but would the company be able to top their previous performance?

Ensemble Español’s “Flamenco Passion 2023” lit up the stage of Skokie’s North Shore Center for the Performing Arts this past weekend, July 16-18, with precision rhythms, full-body flair, and the vibrant colors and sounds of Spain.

Into the mix was a blend of American jazz, blues, and popular music with movement to match, inspiring choreographic forays into a hybrid of flamenco, contemporary, ballet, jazz and modern dance genres that might by dubbed “flamenco re-imagined.”

This week, "New Dances,” a local incubator for choreographic talent, ends its three-week, intensive process with three performances at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts. Six brand new works from six emerging choreographers featuring a troupe of 16 dancers in a Chicago dance landmark…what a great way to continue celebrating Chicago Dance Month. And all thanks to two women from Evanston.