With this we bid a bitter farewell to Chicago Dance Month (every June) and this year’s See Chicago Dance’s series of FREE events lived up to the hype; seeing dance forms of various ethnicity along the path at Palmisano Park was a highlight—in particular, BYNC Ballet Folklórico’s robust company of dancers, wearing bright red-and-white traditional costumes, stamping and scuffing their shoes along a catwalk made of metal grating suspended above a small pond and surrounded by lush green foliage, a novel sound and sight not to be found anywhere else. But good news, July is here, and with it comes new performances, festivals, and FREE events. Just because it’s hot outside doesn’t mean the dance world cools down, so scroll to the bottom for some current news and take advantage of the season to get out and… See Chicago Dance!
Dance In The Parks continues its annual tradition of bringing some of the city’s premier dancers to parks across Chicago. The kickoff performance is July 7 at 6:30 pm in Rutherford Sayer Park, 6871 W Belden. All performances are FREE to the public.
From the organization:
2. Sarah Savelli’s “Fly Me to the Moon,” July 18, 7 pm, Studebaker Theatre
Part of the 35th annual Rhythm World tap dance festival presented by Chicago Human Rhythm Project, tap dance titan Sarah Savelli presents the premiere of “Fly Me to the Moon,” a one-act tribute to the great Oscar Peterson. Savelli, member-emeritus of the prolific tap dance company Rhythms ISS, gives Chicagoans a rare opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a new work by one of tap dance’s top talents. Following the work will be a cavalcade of soloists, some of the best tap dancers in the world—Christina Carminucci, Derick Grant, Anthony Morigerato, Karissa Royster, Jumaane Taylor, Sam Weber, and Cartier Williams—backed by the Eric Hockberg Trio.
For information on “Fly Me to the Moon” and the complete lineup of Rhythm World’s performances, classe,s and events, visit the website here: chicagotap.org/rhythm-world
3. Irene Hsiao’s “Guardians of Earth and Sky,” July 19, 2 pm, Garden of the Phoenix, FREE
Dancer, writer, and multidisciplinary artist Irene Hsiao creates performances in conversation with visual art in museums, galleries, and public spaces; “Guardians of the Earth and Sky” is the latest, surrounded by the serene Japanese garden and outdoor art gallery in the Garden of the Phoenix at Jackson Park.
From the artist:
“Come on an adventure with the Four Celestial Guardians: the White Tiger of the West, the Black Tortoise of the North, the Azure Dragon of the East, and the Vermilion Bird of the South! Explore seasons, elements, colors, and constellations through storytelling, music, and dance in this interactive performance by Irene Hsiao and a multicultural cast.”
For more information, check out the event page here: Guardians of the Earth and Sky
4. Ballet 5:8’s “The Future Is Now,” July 25, 7 pm, Lincoln Way East High School Performing Arts Center, 201 Colorado Ave, Frankfort
From the artists:
“Join us for ‘The Future is Now,’ a vibrant, family-friendly performance that brings together Ballet 5:8’s professional artists and the rising stars of our 2025 Summer Intensive. This dynamic showcase features powerful new works by emerging choreographers, offering fresh perspectives and bold storytelling through dance. Audiences of all ages will be inspired by the passion and creativity of the next generation of artists as they perform side by side with Ballet 5:8’s seasoned professionals. From poignant contemporary pieces to energizing ensemble works, The Future is Now is an unforgettable evening that celebrates courage, growth, and the beauty of what’s to come. Bring the whole family and witness the future of dance take flight.”
For more information, check out the event page here: “The Future Is Now”
Visceral Dance Chicago under the direction of Nick Pupillo has established themselves as one of the city’s most exciting dance companies—now, dancers ages 18-25 are encouraged to audition in-person and via video for the Visceral Trainee Program and “experience first-hand a professional environment that challenges you daily in a supportive structure where your artistic voice is encouraged.”
Dancers with “distinct ability and individuality” will have the opportunity to train with the company in weekly classes, learn Visceral’s diverse and dynamic repertoire, gain exposure to the company’s guest choreographers and creative processes, receive personalized attention from artistic leaders and company members and to originate new works with guest artists, participate in dedicated trainee performances and possibly to perform with the company.
For more information, visit Visceral’s website by clicking here: Visceral Trainee Program
2. Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater Launches Official Search for New Artistic Director
From the company:
“Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, America’s premier institution dedicated to the preservation, presentation, and advancement of Spanish dance, music, and culture, announces the launch of its search for a new full-time Artistic Director… The incoming Artistic Director will continue to shape Ensemble into the next 50 years by providing artistic vision while preserving the rich cultural heritage of Spanish dance. This role will encompass the curation and choreography of both traditional and contemporary works within the Spanish dance spectrum—including flamenco, classical Spanish dance, escuela bolera, and regional folk traditions. ‘This is more than a position—it is an opportunity to shape a living legacy,’ said Executive Director Jorge Pérez. ‘The next Artistic Director will join us at an exciting time of strategic growth and renewed commitment to our roots in Spanish dance and cultural exchange.'” In the meantime, current Artistic Director Irma Suarez Ruiz assumes the newly created position of Legacy Artistic Director, established after the passing of the company’s founder, Dame Libby Kamaiko, in 2019.
Do you have what it takes? To find out more, click the contact here: R. Kimberly Grigsby, Esq.
Copyright 2025, See Chicago Dance, All Rights Reserved
