April arrives with a bang! Chicago dance fans have a full plate this month. On the menu: Twyla Tharp is making an appearance at the Harris Theater with Third Coast Percussion as part of her 60th anniversary as a choreographer, a rare opportunity to see a living legend. Giordano Dance Chicago and Red Clay Dance Company both present new and exciting programs. A range of styles—aerial, Butoh, praise dance and more—highlight the benefits of living in a big city, with something to whet the whistle of all tastes. Take advantage of the spring weather and go out to… See Chicago Dance!
From the artists:
“Revel in the magic of this visionary art form at the feature presentation of Aerial Dance Chicago's 25th Anniversary Season. This concert celebrates the rich creative history of Aerial Dance Chicago with a special collection of dance works in-flight, selected from our expansive company repertoire of over 300 works.”
For more information, check out the event page here.
To read more about Aerial Dance Chicago, check out a review of “Mirror” (2024) here.
Butoh is a Japanese dance style that emphasizes the expression of feelings and awareness. It's known for its slow movements, white body paint, and grotesque imagery… and for being a lot of fun! Presented by Butoh Curious Chi, The NexGen Butoh Lovers Showcase is a a three-day gathering of performances and workshops exploring the evolving language of Butoh. Supported by 3Arts Project, this event brings together artists pushing the boundaries of movement and expression.
From the artists:
“Butoh Curious Chi started as a passionate attempt to make something more collectively and experientially gathering, with specific regard and respect for the tradition of Butoh. This persistence to train in the modality and to raise awareness of the art and philosophy of Butoh created a space for Butoh Chicago to begin a works-in-progress arts organization. We have now entered our eleventh year of programming, all with Sensei (Master) led workshops and performance exchange at the root. We attempt to renegotiate terms of exchange not based on hierarchies or normative behavior, but with tenable respect for a culture of inclusivity, of all nations, creeds, and gender. We accept our flawed attempt as honorable, and continue to learn and we grow.”
For more information, check out the event page here.
To learn more about Butoh Curious Chi, visit their website here.
From the artists:
“Award-winning Praize Productions, Inc. debuts its world premiere, 'Complexions.' This multidisciplinary production explores the necessity of rest and pause as Black women unlearn their need to associate their worth with their work and begin to stand in their inherent power and beauty. Audience members will be fully engrossed in this immersive experience that will appeal to the senses while speaking truth and emotional freedom into the soul.”
For more information, check out the event page here.
To read more about Praize Productions, Inc., check out a review of “Black Love Reigns Supreme” (2024) here.
From the artists:
“INSTINCT is a four-part program, focusing on varied human emotions through each dance work. Each offers a different expression of reaction, discovery and even resilience. The program features the return of 'River Squalor,' capturing unwavering optimism. Premiering in this program, the newest piece, 'Instinct,' presents options for solutions, driven by our innate capacities, and how we respond to the consequences of alternative choices. 'Muted,' described by See Chicago Dance as 'electrifying,' is paired with 'Voices,' a choreographic work about meaningful connections.”
For more information, check out the event page here.
To read more about Identity Performing Arts, check out a review of “Lights/9” (2024) here.
From the artists:
“Fifth City Revisited tells the story of a radical community movement from the 1960s-1990s on the Westside of Chicago. Part memoir, part history lesson, and part urban planning critique, Fifth City Revisited explores how we create healthy communities while also considering the scale at which we must do this work in order to grow and sustain it. The work uses dance, story, and media to consider the impact of Fifth City's community power against the backdrop of city planning systems that have all but erased its work. What lessons does the Fifth City movement have to teach us in our current and cautiously hopeful era of grassroots change where a renewed commitment to neighborhood investment is bubbling up across Chicago’s West and South sides. The screening will be followed by a talkback with lead artist Meida McNeal, led by Mario LaMothe, Assistant Professor in Black Studies and Anthropology at UIC. “
For more information visit the event website here.
Chicago Human Rhythm Project celebrates 35 years with the return of the Rhythm World tap dance festival this Summer—the longest running tap fest in the world! CHRP has also received an $800,000 grant from the Chicago Department of Planning and Development to expand the historic Mayfair Arts Center, located in Calumet Heights, which hosts a diverse list of classes, workshops and events. Also, keep an eye out for CHRP’s annual "STOMPING GROUNDS" festival at various locations, May 4 – June 1.
For more information, check out the company page here.
From the artists:
“The Chicago Symphony Orchestra welcomes The Joffrey Ballet for its third artistic collaboration since 2019 to premiere two newly-commissioned ballets. Joffrey Ballet’s Winning Works choreographer Amy Hall Garner sets her new ballet, Second Nature to Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson’s 'Sinfonietta No. 1,' while Joffrey choreographer Nicolas Blanc sets his new ballet, 'Les Bœufoons,' to Darius Milhaud’s boisterous work 'Le Bœuf sur le toit (The Ox on the Roof).'"
For more information, visit the event page here.
From the artists:
“Mandala South Asian Performing Arts celebrates 10 years of connecting audiences and students with the vibrancy, flavors, and colors of the performing arts traditions of South Asia with “Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” an immersive evening for the five senses, on Thursday, April 10 at 6 p.m. at PRIMITIVE gallery and showroom, 130 North Jefferson Street, Chicago.
‘I am proud of the evolution of Mandala and all we have accomplished,' said Founder and Artistic Director Pranita Nayar. 'Our performances and education programs continue to celebrate classical South Asian dance and music while incorporating more contemporary elements as we welcome the next generation. I'm grateful to our audiences, patrons, and community for helping to make our growth and success possible. We look forward to our next 10 years of uniting culture, community, and creativity.’
The evening will honor tradition and innovation in South Asian performing arts that strive to unite culture, community, and creativity. Performances will take place throughout the venue, with appetizers and drinks available as guests make their way through the event space. The evening will showcase dance that combines jazz, hip-hop, and Bharatanatyam, as well as live folk and classical music. Performers will include past collaborators—including Ashwaty Chennat, Shalaka Kulkarni, and Kinnari Vora—and artists new to Mandala, including this spring’s artist-in-residence, multi-genre dancer-choreographer Amber Mehta, who grew up and studied dance in the Chicago area.”
For more information, visit the company page here.
To read more about Mandala South Asian Performing Arts, check out a review of "With Rumi" (2020) here.
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