Harlequinade: An Italian Fairy Tale

 A delightful gem of a ballet in the commedia dell’ arte style, Harlequinade tells the story of love, loss and redemption through the antics of a colorful cast of characters. Enjoy the fun as Columbine’s father repeatedly attempts to deflect Harlequin’s attentions and marry off his daughter to a rich, old suitor. The program also includes a World Premiere, Beatbox, by Eddy Ocampo and an excerpt from the stupendous ballet, La Bayadère. Salt Creek Ballet brings “Harlequinade: An Italian Fairy Tale” to the McAninch Arts Center Saturday, May 14th at 3:00 p.m.

Collective Identities: Hubbard Street Spring Series

 

 

Two massive ensemble works in Hubbard Street’s Spring Series, at the Harris Theater March 17-20, approach group identity from opposite vantage points, while a third chamber piece splits identities between two couples and uses an ensemble of men to amplify a solo character’s identity.  

 

As different and uniquely thematic as each of the three works, each explores, teases, or wrestles with the use of the ensemble to portray collective identity. 

 

Ailey Approaches New Works in Two Ways

 

 

 

As a college dance major, I vividly remember walking up to the ticket window at the Auditorium Theatre and snatching $10 last call tickets for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. That $10 somehow got me into a box seat; viewing Revelations live for the first time is a memorable, if not spiritual experience for any young dancer. It is the perfect bite, the tastiest of dance desserts, flawless in every way.

 

Joe Goode Performance Group: Secrets Surface in ‘Hush’

 

 

Joe Goode’s “Hush” begins with a song. “I’m channeling my inner Willie Nelson,” the choreographer says, stepping out for a quick introduction and a Nelson-like serenade of the folksy variety. Goode claims his mini overture has nothing to do with his earnest dance-theater adventure, now at the Dance Center of Columbia College through Saturday, but there may be no better way to start.   

 

Winning Works Teeming With Optimism, Dark Subject Matter

 

 

For six years, the Joffrey Academy has presented “Winning Works,” featuring Joffrey’s studio company and dancers from the Joffrey Academy’s Trainee program performing works by winners of Joffrey’s annual choreography competition.  The engagement has sold out three performances at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Edlis Neeson Theater for the past few years, with 2016’s version touting stellar choreography, sensational young talent, and top notch production value.

 

Dance + Music

experience the subtle magic of the spring equinox and journey
through darkness to light at this unique blend of classical music
and modern dance featuring string quartet repertoire by Haydn, 
Schubert, Borodin, Lili Boulanger + Chicago composer Robert Arends