Editor's note: The Shows Ya Gotta see is a new monthly series highlighting "must-see" performances curated by See Chicago Dance critics.
In the mood for something zaney, eye-popping and boisterous?
Ya gotta see Chicago Dance Crash on Oct. 8
Crash’s satirical take on the classic dance battle returns to the Den Theatre for the first time since the pandemic began. Part hip-hop exhibition, part WWE Smack Down with the occasional fouetté turn thrown in for good measure, Crash’s merry band goes head-to-head in a reliably hilarious dance-off for the dance world’s most illustrious prize: a faux gold wrestling belt and the title “Keeper of the Floor.” Host with the most Mattrick Swayze plays master of ceremonies in this late-night bonanza where anything goes—except the smile from your face. Oct. 8 at The Den, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave. Tickets are $25, available on the event page below.
Read Lauren Warnecke's review of Crash's most recent production, "The Final $tage"
In need of some thoughtful, generous, expansive dance?
Ya gotta see Ayako Kato/Art Union Humanscape on Oct. 11
“Inception: ETHOS Episode II,” the second iteration of Ayako Kato/Art Union Humanscape’s ETHOS trilogy, focuses on humanity’s ancient and ancestral relationships to nature and our current relationships to land. The nature-walk-style outdoor dance and music installation invites viewers to connect with their senses, reflect, breathe and consider present day from the perspective of the past. “Inception” premiers on Indigenous People’s Day (Monday, October 11, 2021) with morning and afternoon performances throughout the expansive 65-acre lakefront park surrounding South Shore Cultural Center. Oct. 11 at South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr. Tickets are free with advanced registration. For more information, visit the event page below.
Read Sophie Allen's review of "Inception: ETHOS Episode II
Are you up for something bold, urgent and transformative?
Ya gotta see The Seldoms on Oct. 14-16
Carrie Hanson’s newest dance theater piece is rooted in both the natural and social ecosystems of two types of grass: cannabis and turf. “Grass” takes on the intersectional tensions between how these plants are enjoyed, governed, moralized and weaponized, offering a dynamic link between the company’s previous explorations on the environment, power and body. Oct. 14-16 at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, 1306 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets are $30 available on the event page below.
Read Vicki Crain's preview of "Grass"
Looking for a feel-good, energetic and fun evening?
Ya gotta see Giordano Dance Chicago on Oct. 22 and 23
If you like to feel good, don't miss Giordano Dance Chicago’s season opener. The company launches season 59 with their trademark energetic style featuring the company premiere of dancer Adam Houston's "All For You," a reworked "Take A Gambol" incorporating the full company by operations manager Joshua Blake Carter (previewed at Dance For Life), and celebrating dancer Zachary Heller as he takes his final bow after 14 seasons. Oct. 22 and 23 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St. Tickets are $20-$90 available on the event page below.
Read Vicki Crain's preview of GDC's Season 59 opener, "Illuminate"
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Contributors to this month’s Shows Ya Gotta See: Sophie Allen, Vicki Crain and Lauren Warnecke
