Hands down, one of the most rewarding aspects of Chicago is its cultural vibrancy. Nearly every neighborhood within the city has a rich history of migration and resilience. A large part of this resilience includes the cultural dance companies that have blossomed over the years.
From a swanky, dark, pink-lit bar pulsing with a club beat, we crossed the threshold into a completely different world—a high-vaulted, spacious and quiet church. Chairs were spaced out around a Marley floor, where pews should have been. Underneath the colored glow of stained-glass windows perched high above, small candles burned like dotted fireflies on tables circling the perimeter. Shadows moved in from two corners, gliding to center stage.
Choreographers Mariah Eastman and Alix Schillaci took Color Club by storm on May 17-18 at 7:30pm. I admire both creators for such clever use of the space. For those unfamiliar, there are no wings in the venue, which lead to creative and compelling choreographic choices while showing performers staying in character.
“Inclined To Decline” by Mariah Eastman deals with the harsh truths of getting mainly “no” in the dance field. Eastman's submersive experience begins upon entrance. While seated, there are various rejection letters tapped to the back of chairs.
The importance of lighting cannot be overstated. Its varying degrees in color, focus and intensity can enhance the atmosphere of a performance. However, achieving a balance between these elements can be challenging, as lighting must complement the piece’s movement, music, costumes and themes. Well-executed lighting often goes underappreciated, as it is meant to blend seamlessly within the performance; so when lighting is noticeable, it is usually for its faults.
Chicago Repertory Ballet's mixed repertory program, "Modern Motions," was an exhilarating evening of dance at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, which showcased the company's versatility and technical prowess. The bill featured two world premiers, two company premiers and two pieces of CRB repertoire. Each dance was a unique expression of emotion, movement and narrative, seamlessly blending classical techniques with innovative contemporary styles.
Ballet Chicago’s 2024 spring concert series, “Mozart and More,” delighted audiences in two performances on May 4th at Chicago’s Harris Theater.
Under the artistic direction of Daniel Duell and associate artistic director Patricia Blair, Ballet Chicago continues to project a beacon of choreographic creativity inspired by George Balanchine’s School of American Ballet and his revolutionary choreography for the New York City Ballet.
What if an emcee were a prophet? While on the surface disparate, prophets and emcees share many common ideals and characteristics as communicators and influencers. Prophets convey spiritual truths and guidance to their followers, often with a sense of urgency and moral imperative. Similarly, emcees, particularly in hip-hop culture, serve as modern-day griots, using their lyrical prowess to convey narratives, social commentary and personal experiences to their audience.
The human experience is a tapestry woven with threads of opposing emotional states, each contrasting hue adding depth to the fabric. Joy goes hand in hand with sorrow, laughter coincides with tears, hope casts a light against despair and fear and courage are unlikely companions. Each emotion challenges another in the struggle for dominance over the human spirit. The true essence of humanity is revealed within the delicate balance of those opposing forces.