In the arts, especially dance, we celebrate longevity. Why, you ask? Anyone working in this realm knows the uphill struggle artists face due to the lack of financial resources. Lest I mention the profound impact a global pandemic has had on this field as well. Those who find sustained success do so because they possess passion, flexibility, intuitiveness and sheer tenacity. The JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, now entering its 23rd year, is a glowing example of this steadfastness.

JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience recognized choreographer and director Jay Pather as its legacy artist for 2021. Because of this recognition and honor, Pather’s film “Undertow” was presented as the opening feature of this year’s dance festival. 

For the past 29 years, Dance for Life has been, hands-down, my favorite Chicago dance event, but this year, it is especially so. Not only is the annual gala fundraiser a stellar public showcase for Chicago Dancers United, the not-for-profit parent organization that provides financial aid and health care support for dance industry professionals experiencing health crises or in need of general health care. It also provides a unique opportunity for the entire Chicago dance community to come together artistically and in collective service of the art of dance.

Editor's note: The August 25 "Goshen" preview was cancelled due to weather. The piece will now appear as part of Deeply Rooted's appearance in the "Made in Chicago" dance series at the Auditorium Theatre on Oct. 23. For tickets and details, click the link below.

The first time I saw Cecil McDonald, Jr.’s work it was during an informal visit to his studio at the Arts Incubator during his year as an artist in residence with Arts and Public Life. McDonald shared some of his photography in process at the time and I immediately connected to his subject matter, which at that time was movement and gesture. But it wasn’t your typical picturesque dancer shots; it was something a bit more layered.

With warnings of another potential lockdown on the horizon, dancers and choreographers are getting creative with how they present their work. Going virtual has been the obvious choice— although not the preferred one for many—and live performances must be carefully managed. Fortunately, choreographer MaryAnn McGovern has ‘carefully managed’ as one of her skill sets.

The new, virulent delta variant of the coronavirus raises many questions, not only about a return to wearing masks, but to larger issues in the dance community around the emotional, physical and social safety needed for excellence in artistic practice. Because of various health factors, some folks in the disability community have yet to take their masks off. On the eve of the return to pre-pandemic life, we are reminded to slow down—to remember those left behind by access barriers.