From page to stage; The Joffrey Ballet presents Liam Scarlett’s “Frankenstein” at the Lyric Opera

Oct 11, 2023 | By Tristan Bruns

 

Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking science fiction/horror/philosophic novel, “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus,” has been a tremendous hit ever since its publication in 1818. Despite Shelley’s young age—she was eighteen when she began the work, twenty when it was published.

Existentialism, humanism, isolation and betrayal are themes in the original novel that have led to countless reincarnations over the years.

Joffrey Ballet Builds Chicago's Field of Dreams

Oct 9, 2023 | By Lynn Colburn Shapiro

 

The Joffrey Ballet’s bold move from New York City to Chicago in 1995 both saved the company and transformed Chicago from a sleepy touring stop for national companies to a thriving national and international dance capitol. Joffrey built a new home for itself, and others followed, just like in the baseball movie “Field of Dreams.”

That story is poignantly told in Bob Hercules’ 2012 film, Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance, shown on Saturday, September 18th at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

SLAY!; “Queer Dance Freakout” brings mirthful movement to Elastic Arts

Oct 2, 2023 | By Tristan Bruns

 

WARNING: This review contains descriptions of sensuality, sexually explicit acts, profane language, shouting, screaming, loud music…

But enough teasing!

“Queer Dance Freakout,” presented by Gender Fucked Productions on Sept. 24 at the Elastic Arts Center, defies all expectations of a traditional dance performance. (And that’s a good thing!)

Giordano Dance Chicago Launches New Season with Bold Changes and Deepening Jazz Dance Roots

Sep 26, 2023 | By Lynn Colburn Shapiro

 

“Change” is this year’s theme as Giordano Dance Chicago dives into its 61st season, dubbed “Unlimited,” with changes in administration, artists, and board of directors. The company held a cocktail reception to introduce new Executive Director Erica Lynette Edwards, and new Board President Chris D'hondt, at the Whitehall Hotel on September 7th.

Edwards joins the Giordano team replacing Executive Director Michael McStraw, who transitions into the role of mentor to Edwards.

Screendance Club: "blk ark"

Join See Chicago Dance at the 21c Museum Hotel Chicago on October 18th for first ever in-person  Screendance Club, a radically casual watch-party and discussion of short dance films. Different from a typical talk-back, Screendance Club aims to create an environment of open conversation and exploration--with artists, filmmakers, and viewers on an equal footing. SCD writers curate and facilitate conversations on viewing and interpreting dance on screen.

Gerald Arpino Centennial Celebrates the Genius of Joffrey Ballet’s founding Co-director

Sep 22, 2023 | By Lynn Colburn Shapiro

 

“The Arpino Chicago Centennial Celebration” honors the legacy of Joffrey Ballet Co-Founder Gerald Arpino (1923-2008) with a three-day festival of events, featuring his innovative choreographic contribution to 20th-century dance.

Two performances at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre comprise the centerpiece of the festival with seven ballet companies performing some of Arpino’s best known works on Saturday, September 23 at 7:30 PM, and Sunday, September 24 at 1 PM. (Go to seechicagodance.com for program details)

Hubbard Street Creates Space for Patience With Aszure Barton Residency

Sep 13, 2023 | By Lynn Colburn Shapiro

 

A modest table of hors-d’oevres and an ample array of alcoholic beverages greeted me when I arrived at the Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) headquarters, tucked away on the 4th floor of Water Tower Place, for a reception to welcome choreographer Aszure Barton as the acclaimed Canadian/American dance artist begins a three-year artist’s residency with HSDC. The come-and-go residency will include creating new work and setting some of her established repertoire on the company.