A quarter of a century is a long time and to have a dance company survive and to thrive in these times is no small feat. Deeply Rooted Dance Theater (DRDT) has done just that and is celebrating with a virtual and in-person fundraiser and performance this Saturday at the Athaneaum Theatre. “Deeply 25: Beyond Dance…The Celebration Begins” highlights the journey and the mission of the company and its founders Kevin Iega Jeff and Gary Abbott and includes all the voices and creativity it has picked up from collaborating artists along the way.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 has truly been the year of the online dance film. Recognizing and utilizing this current performance zeitgeist as fuel, Wicker Park-based Collaboraction Theatre Company presents three short dance films during this year's online edition of their fifth annual Peacebook festival. Opening October 17 and running through November 8, Peacebook 2020 will feature a total of 10 world premiere videos split into two distinct programs.

The boundless creativity of physically-integrated dance—where performers with and without disabilities work in tandem—is on full display as Momenta Dance Company continues to challenge what is possible in the realm of contemporary dance.

“You might be asking yourself, why are we doing this? We’re doing this because artists and art are essential,” said Winifred Haun during the opening speech for her latest project, “Steps in the Garden.” The humble founder and clever mastermind behind the Chicago-based dance company, Winifred Haun & Dancers, spoke endearingly to a crowd of masked spectators on a chilly Sunday afternoon. Her excited tone was shared by this critic, as I was yearning for an in-person performance to shake me out of my digital funk.

First things first: When I entered the Avondale neighborhood to get my first glimpse of Stephanie Martinez’ new dance company, Para.Mar Dance Theatre, I was stunned by the number of Black Lives Matter signs hanging in windows of homes, on doors in coffee shops—even staked into immaculate lawns. As a Black woman from the South Side, the solidarity was appreciated but I questioned it. I carried my hesitance with me into the parking lot where Para.Mar’s inaugural performance was to take place.

Throughout October, See Chicago Dance is celebrating the resilience of Chicago's dance community with our Moving Forward campaign. Yes, it's a fundraiser, replacing what would have been our annual gala. But more than that, Moving Forward is a chance to reconnect with SCD members and friends.

On Oct. 6, we kick off our celebration with a virtual happy hour toasting this year's SCD awardees: Joel Hall and Gail Kalver. Mix up our signature cocktail (it's purple!), log-in and raise a glass with us—let's party!

Who starts a new dance company in the middle of a global pandemic? That’s the first question I posed to Stephanie Martinez, who did just that. Para.Mar Dance Theatre (P/M) opens its first-ever performance series this weekend, including four inaugural shows along with four all-abilities, open-to-the-public, pay-what-you-can pre-show classes. “It’s donation-based…all of it,” said Martinez. “I wanted to ensure that no matter what your economic situation, you could join us for a performance.”