A quartet threaded in and out of one another as the audience took its seats in Links Hall Friday. Using contact improvisation in a stationary clump downstage, Jeanine Durning’s latest choreographic performance, “Invitation Situation,” shattered our formal introduction expectations by pressing play before spectators entered.   In, out, around and through, four women—Andee Scott, Mary Williford-Shade, Heidi Brewer and Clare Croft—negotiated the same space as a cloak of silence muted the room. Like a mother giving a stern glance to her child, the movement told us what time it was.

New Zealand contemporary dance company Black Grace makes their Chicago debut on March 1st at the Harris Theater at Millenium Park including a family matinee on March 2nd. The group will present “Paradise Rumour” (2023), choreographed by director Neil Ieremia. Both performances will transport audiences to the Pacific Islands in what promises to be a culturally rich and dynamic tour.

The Lyric Opera House lit up with excitement last Thursday, February 15th, as the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago premiered “Studies in Blue,” a collection of three energetic works that test the limits of classical ballet and reflect the shared human experiences of loss, love, friendship and sense of place.

Running and maintaining a professional dance company is no easy feat. Many come and many go. That’s why we celebrate those companies who, through quality of work, dedication and business savvy, have managed to stay in operation against economic hardships, global Pandemics and shifting politics— companies like Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre.

Project Bound Dance put on one heck of a show last year with “If It’s Stuck, Shake It Loose” at the Color Club. This year, the company returns to the same venue but goes a new direction with “Buffering.”

“Buffering” continues through Feb. 18 at Color Club on North Elston.

Survival, magic, and deep roots intertwined on stage with We Are Collective’s performance of “and the sequoia stood tall." The evening of works, which moved audiences this past Thursday and Friday, February 8-9, consisted of three choreographed works including a premier of “and the sequoia stood tall” and one improvisation-based piece.