This month, in recognition of Black History Month, we are sharing a range of events—workshops, conversations, and community events–that celebrate Black Dance in Chicago. The city has always been an incubator for dance stemming from the Black American and African traditions, and contributions by homegrown artists continue to be a prodigious and magnanimous catalyst to the evolution of dance worldwide. Below is a list of events to help you connect with some of Chicago’s prolific Black dance artists, companies and movement educators, the heirs of a remarkable history.
From the organization:
“Our 2026 Black History Month Celebration: Rooted in Resilience event ushers in our 5th year of Ch(ART)wells: The Connection Between Food, Art, & Culture!
Join us at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts on February 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM (CST) for a night filled with culture, history, and community. Let’s come together to honor and celebrate Black History Month with a screening that features two Southside staples, as they share their stories of community impact, growth, and resilience.”
Tickets are FREE. For more information, click the event page HERE.
2. Praize Productions presents “Intimate Conversations (Docuseries Preview),” 6pm, Feb. 4 at Newberry Library, and 6pm, Feb. 25 at Reva and David Logan Center
From the organization:
“An evening of reflection, storytelling, and dialogue, Intimate Conversations offers an exclusive preview of Praize Productions, Inc.’s upcoming docuseries. As an award-winning arts organization known for fusing dance, film, and storytelling that centers the Black experience, PPI has spent 15 years shaping Chicago’s cultural landscape through transformative productions, innovative leadership, and youth development rooted in excellence.
In collaboration with the Newberry Library, one of Chicago’s most cherished institutions for history, culture, and archival storytelling, and the Reva and David Logan Center, PPI’s longstanding community partner and pillar for the arts, this event highlights why documenting this journey matters. Intimate Conversations pulls back the curtain on the triumphs, challenges, and vision behind building and sustaining a Black-led dance company on Chicago’s South Side. Featuring award-winning filmmaker Brandon Calhoun (Walder awardee), PPI Executive Director Ennerèssa LaNette, and key PPI stakeholders, the evening invites audiences to witness the brilliance of a professional company composed primarily of powerhouse Black women and the young artists rising in their footsteps.”
Tickets to both events are FREE. For more information, click on the link to the event page HERE.
3. Broadway in Bronzeville presents “The Quiet Parts Out Loud: A Day in the Life of A.G. Gaston,” Feb. 5-8, Harold Washington Cultural Center
From the organization:
“‘The Quiet Parts Out Loud: A Day in the Life of A.G. Gaston’ takes audiences on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, on May 19, 1970, where the vibrant spirit of the Black community intertwines with the dramatic events surrounding the legendary A.G. Gaston. This dynamic musical celebrates his legacy as a pioneering entrepreneur, capturing the struggles, triumphs, and indomitable spirit that shaped a community poised for greatness. Set against the backdrop of a pivotal moment in history, this production ignites with powerful music and exhilarating dance, painting a rich tapestry of resilience and hope as it highlights the unsung heroes who forged America’s legacy. As tensions mount and the shadows of conflict loom, the story unfolds with passion, drawing audiences into a world of ambition and unity. Experience the musical that captures the challenges and triumphs of a visionary leader. Starring: Arthur Barnes Jr. and Blair Logan; choreographed by Ian Stormy Archer; directed, written, and Produced by Jimalita Tillman.”
For more information, click the event link HERE.
4. House of the Lorde presents “BIPOC Contact Improvisation,” Feb. 14, The Space at Mana Contemporary
From the organization:
The Class
“We will improvise movement (and sound) to play together and seek out creative moments of connection with yourself and others. Contact improvisation (CI) offers experiential techniques and methods for improvising dance and responding to shared movement, weight, and gravity together with other bodies. This space is for people of color of all genders, levels of experience, abilities*, and differing comfort levels with touch.”
Historical Context of CI for Bodies of Color
“From its very inception, Black dancers specifically have made space for people at the margins to make contact improvisation their own (i.e. ‘Wrong” Contact Manifesto’ (1983), Fred Holland and Ishmael Houston-Jones), as have other dancers of color that paved the way for BIPOC affinity spaces to bloom amongst this dance form, i.e., IWB = Improvising While Black (2016), mayfield brooks, My Story About People of Color’s Contact Improvisation (POC CI) Jams and Parcon Resilience (2019), and Andrew Suseno.
That is to say, there is space here for many lineages of dance, movement, and somatics that you bring into the room.”
To RSVP, click HERE.
5. Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin hosts “Traditional Tap Combinations From The Legendary “Copasetic” Repertoire, 12:30pm, Feb. 22, Old Town School of Folk Music
From the organization:
“This workshop, open to all, explores foundational tap combinations rooted in the golden age of tap dance. Participants learn essential rhythmic patterns and footwork combinations that form the building blocks of tap technique, including shuffles, flaps, cramp rolls, paddle and rolls, and time steps. The focus is on developing clean technique, musicality, and understanding how these combinations connect to jazz rhythms and improvisation.
The Copasetics were a legendary social club founded in 1949 to honor Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, featuring tap masters like Charles “Honi” Coles, James “Buster” Brown, and others.”
For more information, click the link to the event page HERE.
This February, check out these exciting performances by local favorites—Trinity Irish Dancers, Winifred Haun & Dancers, Project Bound, The Joffrey Ballet, Noumenon Dance Ensemble—and visiting artists, Algerian-born, Paris-based choreographer Nacera Belaza at the MCA, and NYC-based GALLIM at the Harris Theatre.
“Founded in 2007 by groundbreaking choreographer Andrea Miller, New York–based dance company GALLIM stimulates the imagination of worldwide audiences through performance, education, and innovation in dance. GALLIM’s critically acclaimed performance history includes interdisciplinary dance-theater, site-specific works, and collaborations in film, theater, fashion, music, and brands. Miller is known for her exploration of the essential elements of human behavior and the alchemy of movement and performance.”
For tickets and more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
2. Noumenon Dance Ensemble presents “All That We Need,” Feb. 6, The Edge Theater
From the organization:
“‘All That We Need” is an evening length performance told through nine works which ask one powerful question: What truly sustains us? Moving through moments of tenderness, tension, exuberance, and release, the dancers navigate the universal human needs that shape our lives. Each work reveals a different way we care for ourselves and one another, unfolding themes of connection, rest, purpose, resilience, joy, and the courage to be seen as we are. By the end of the journey, the evening uncovers a simple but transformative truth: when we allow ourselves to lean into one another, we find not only what we lack, but also what we have to give.”
For tickets and more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
3. The Joffrey Ballet presents “American Icons,” Feb. 19 – Mar. 1, Lyric Opera House
From the organization:
“Witness the daring and enduring spirit that defines the Joffrey’s maverick legacy.
American Icons celebrates a program of dynamic works by four trailblazing artists of the 20th century: The Joffrey Ballet co-founders Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, Joffrey alum Glen Tetley, and prolific dance pioneer Martha Graham.”
For tickets and more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
4. Project Bound Dance presents “Smoking Meat,” Feb. 20-22, Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre
From the organization:
“Under the direction of Ashley Deran and Emily Loar, Project Bound Dance is a Chicago-based modern dance group rooted in the practice of collaboration. Interweaving partnering and choreography inspired by epic fantasy worldbuilding, Smoking Meat deliciously questions what we give up of ourselves in the pursuit of physical and social safety.”
For tickets and more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
5. Nacera Belaza’s “La Nuée,” Feb. 27-Mar. 1, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
From the MCA:
“In La Nuée, Algerian-born, Paris-based choreographer Nacera Belaza shares a meditation on collective ritual, communion, and ecstatic repetition. Drawing inspiration from dances of First Nation Dakota tribes, where circularity, stamina, and shared presences form the basis of community, a cast of seven dancers move in rhythmic and hypnotic waves to create a shifting tableaux in near complete darkness. Like a charcoal drawing, the work unfolds with bodies appearing and dissolving in precise bursts of light. With an immersive sound design, the dance bridges ancestral rhythms and contemporary movement, drawing attention to the invisible threads that bind communal bodies across time, space, and culture.”
For tickets and more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
6. Winifred Haun & Dancers present “FIRST DRAFT,” Feb. 28-Mar. 1, Ann Barzel Theatre
From the organization:
“The purpose of FIRST DRAFT is to give local choreographers and dancers the opportunity to see and present their latest works in a professionally produced context. The public presentation of a nearly completed dance work is an essential step for dancemakers as they develop high quality, new work. FIRST DRAFT also gives audiences the chance to experience new work, discover new dance artists, and witness the creation of new dances.”
For tickets and more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
7. Trinity Irish Dance Company, Feb. 28, The Auditorium
From the organization:
“The evening will celebrate the Chicago premiere of a new work by MacArthur Genius Grant recipient and renowned tap choreographer Michelle Dorrance, as well as a world premiere by returning guest choreographers Jamey Hampton and Ashley Roland of BodyVox. TIDC’s mixed program will be rounded out by works that showcase the range of the company’s genre-defying repertoire, celebrating their critically-acclaimed vision of pushing the boundaries of a cultural form while maintaining a strong reverence for its traditions. The evening will feature original live music performed by TIDC’s band, fronted by Killarney-native, New York-based Brenoshea.”
For tickets and more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
“The Chicago National Landmark formerly known as The Auditorium Theatre, unveils a new identity as The Auditorium. The Auditorium also released their 2025-2026 dance season Celebrating Women Leaders in Dance. This season will showcase Five Female-led companies breaking barriers and paving the way for future dance generations. Featuring Tyler Peck and Friends, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Martha Grahm Dance Company, Trinity Irish Dance Company and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.
The Auditorium Board Chair Thomas Baryl notes, “As we continue to broaden the scope of cultural offerings on our stage, we will always value our role as one of Chicago’s primary dance presenters. The Auditorium is proud and privileged to celebrate women leaders in dance during our 2025/2026 season. These women have each broken barriers and paved the way for future generations of dancers, choreographers, and company leaders. Celebrating these leaders not only honors their achievements but also highlights the ongoing importance of diversity and inclusion in the arts, an integral part of The Auditorium’s mission.”
For more details, visit The Auditorium’s website by clicking HERE.
2. Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre announces audition date for the “Summer Dance Intensive.”
Auditions take place at 5pm on Feb. 22 at Ballet Chicago, 17 N. State St, 19th floor.
From the organization:
“Deeply Rooted’s Summer Dance Intensive offers technical training and artistic development within the discipline of dance. Participants experience a rigorous curriculum fostering learning and personal growth, along with opportunities to learn the company’s repertory through workshops and performances. The curriculum includes classes based in Horton, Graham, ballet, and contemporary movement. The curriculum also features The Continuum, a series of guided, conversations on self-awareness and personal growth informed by each participant’s creativity and artistic process.”
For more information, visit the event page by clicking HERE.
3. Dance City Festival opens Call For Artists for 2026 season.
From the organization:
“The Dance City Festival (DCF) is an annual community-building event designed to cultivate, promote, and celebrate the art of dance in its various forms and disciplines. Originally held within the great city of Detroit, DCF has now expanded to Chicago and New York, drawing participants from an ever-expanding local, national, and international community. DCF strives to educate diverse audiences about the impact of dance, provide opportunities for artists to share their work, and create an artistic network linking the greater US and the world. DCF is spearheaded by ArtLab J, a non-profit organization founded in 2012 with the aim of building a stronger and more connected dance community, encouraging unity between the metro area’s companies, studios, and performing artists by providing opportunities for artists to present their work and contribute to the cultivation of the arts in Detroit.”
For more information, visit the event page by clicking HERE.
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