Simplicity reigns in Wendy Whelan’s court. She may be ballet royalty, but no hoopla or special fanfare accompanies “Restless Creature,” a straightforward suite of four elegant duets for herself and her four male consorts, each of whom choreographed distinct segments for her.

Elizabeth “Nana” Shineflug grew up on the North Shore, following what might be considered an ordinary path. After earning a degree in mathematics, Nana taught briefly at New Trier High School, until her unbridled, creative spirit lead her down a different path. After attempting a dance career in New York, she returned to Chicago during a time in which there were few places and opportunities for modern dancers. In 1972, Nana started a repertory company called the Chicago Moving Company (CMC), in response to this need.

While 2015 still looks like a shiny new coin just waiting to be spent, SeeChicagoDance thought it might be fun to explore a few new projects coming up in the new year. You can, too, and there’s no better time than now to resolve to see something new and different!

NEW COMPANY: The Cambrians

Chicago’s vibrant dance community has filled stages across the city with an abundance of quality productions throughout 2014.  In lavish halls and humble storefronts, from classical tradition to edgy experimentation and bold collaborations, dance in Chicago continues to distinguish The Windy City as a go-to dance town. As hard as it is to pick favorites among so many fine performances and outstanding works, the dance writers for seechicagodance have selected a few stand-out candidates for our 2014 Critics’ Picks. 

LAUREN:

December 19, 2014 | Moving Reflections

By Zachary Whittenburg

Seeing Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s winter season (Dec. 4-14) at the Museum of Contemporary Art gives us a chance to appreciate the superb artistry of the company’s maturing ensemble up close and personal in a smaller, more intimate venue. While its usual local performance space, the sprawling Harris Theater, gives the dancers a wonderful expansiveness, nuances of musicality, articulation, and physical and emotional responsiveness come into acute focus at close range on the MCA stage.

Just outside the downtown district - in a barren part of Pilsen - walking up to the fourth floor of the under-construction Mana Contemporary art gallery to High Concept Labs, (HCL)’s newish space feels a little like going to a secret party to which few are invited. Indeed, nestled into a very busy weekend of big, feel good dance, Sara Zalek’s Butoh-inspired workshop and performance series featuring NYC-based Vangeline may have escaped notice on your dance card – to your chagrin.