It’s Chicago Dance Month. What does that mean in an age of social distancing?

Apr 6, 2020 | By Lauren Warnecke

This is the sixteenth monthly column I’ve written for See Chicago Dance. In the opening paragraphs, I typically offer some cheap metaphor about the weather or time of year we’re in. On particularly busy months for dance, I try to convey my giddy anticipation about how many nights I’d be spending at the theater, and aim to implore you, the readers, to join me in experiencing dance, live and in person.

Commencement during coronavirus: Moving through the mess as a graduating senior

Apr 4, 2020 | By Lydia Jekot

On Wednesday, March 11, I went to an evening rehearsal for a peer’s piece that was to be performed at the American College Dance Association (ACDA) that weekend. I’m not sure whether we were hopeful or simply in denial at that point, but we gathered in our electric-green-walled studio at Loyola University and rehearsed a piece about “lollipop moments” – moments that change your life for the better.

Chicago Performing Arts Virtual Retreat

Representatives from several dance and performing arts organizations in Chicago recently convened to discuss this unprecedented crisis we face. The group affirmed that we are all contending with many of the same issues and asking similar questions. It became clear that this is time to assemble, not only to share useful information with one another, but also to reinforce our connection, compassion, creativity, and collective power.

 

The B-Series goes virtual with the Dance Center's 'B-FLY'

Apr 1, 2020 | By Lynn Colburn Shapiro
While thousands of performing artists and audiences wait out the social distancing, sheltering-in-place, and self-quarantining that have shuttered performing arts venues across the world, the underground dance movement suffers two-fold, both on stage and off. 
 
In addition to cancelled public performances, the clubs where patrons jam together and do hip-hop battle are shuttered, and people are prohibited from gathering in private homes, community centers, or on the street where they might erupt into spontaneous dance.
 

Movement Revolution Dance Crew lightens the mood with community and the legacy of hip hop

Mar 15, 2020 | By Jordan Kunkel

In an evening that created a sense of community and sense of relief from this past week’s stress, Movement Revolution Dance Crew (MRDC) brought fun, warmth and high-energy dance to their fourth annual “Opposites Attract” showcase with an intimate, yet loud and supportive audience. Running March 14-15 at Stage 773, “Opposites Attract” featured short works choreographed by different dancers from the crew that brought together opposing themes, music and dance genres (spanning traditional street dance techniques to contemporary-hip hop blends).

Odd in the best way: Cabinet of Curiosity’s 'The Farewell Fables' doesn’t quite gel, but is a welcome and imaginative diversion

Mar 13, 2020 | By Emma Elsmo

“Expect the unexpected” is an understatement when describing the multi-talented, merry band of artists who make up Chicago’s Cabinet of Curiosity. Known for their playful contentedness and ability to crosspollinate artistic mediums, the quintet of performers knows how to fill a space with passion and thought-provoking ideas. “The Farewell Fables” is no deviation from their norm, as Cabinet introduces the audience to a world in which God-like figures are abandoning Earth.

In time-bending 'Spirit Child,' Chicago debut leans into choreographer Qudus Onikeku's Yoruba culture

Mar 9, 2020 | By Lynn Colburn Shapiro
Editor's note: The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago is postponing this presentation due to difficulty obtaining visas for artists traveling from Lagos, Nigeria. Those who have already purchased tickets can call the box office at 312-369-8330 for a refund, if desired. As of March 10, performances of Abby Z and the New Utility on April 9-11 shall move forward as scheduled. The Dance Center will present Qudus Onikeku in the fall as part of its 2020–21 season, announced May 1.
 

A story for the ages: Evanston Dance Ensemble brings back 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'

Mar 9, 2020 | By Lynn Colburn Shapiro
Evanston Dance Ensemble co-artistic director Bea Rashid was looking for an alternative to "The Nutcracker" for her youth dance company. “There were so many 'Nutcrackers' out there," she said. "I wanted something else.”
 
That “something else” became “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” a collaborative tour de force for Rashid and her composer husband, Steve Rashid. First produced in 2005, the production is coming back for a sixth run March 12-15 in the Josephine Louis Theatre at Northwestern University.
 

Moody 'Trisagion' the latest addition to Chicago Phil and Visceral Dance's developing friendship

Mar 4, 2020 | By Lauren Warnecke

If you’re a fan of the Joffrey Ballet, you know Scott Speck. As music director of Chicago’s leading ballet company since 2010, balletgoers see him often poking his head out of the pit at the Auditorium Theatre. That’s all about to change, with Joffrey moving to the Lyric Opera this fall. Speck will remain as music director, but the Lyric Opera Orchestra will replace the Chicago Philharmonic Society in the pit for performances that have live music.