June marks the return of Chicago Dance Month, presented by See Chicago Dance, featuring a packed lineup of dance artists and companies at venues spaced across the city (for a full schedule of FREE events, click HERE).
Interacting with attendees at Chicago Dance Month events allows my colleagues at See Chicago Dance to gather real-time feedback. The positive responses we’ve received over the years—as well as the constructive criticism–help guide our path for the following year’s program. Each year we make refinements, like how we take care of dancers’ needs, expand coverage to more neighborhoods, and include as many dance genres as possible. We want to hear from you—so feel free to head over to the See Chicago Dance table to meet and speak to our staff before, after, or during a break in any of the thirteen Dance Month performances this month.
I look forward to Chicago Dance Month every year, because, as a dancer myself of distinguished years, I get to see many of my friends and favorite performers again. Aristotle notes in his Ethics how, as people grow older, they tend to grow apart as they explore separate and disparate paths. Chicago Dance Month is one of the few times where some of those paths cross, a reunion I can set my watch by and for which I am perennially grateful. I’m certain that the smiles on the dancers’ faces are from the honest-to-goodness pleasure of being reunited with their “dance fam” and of sharing what they’ve all been working on year round with peers, friends, and fresh faces.
Cheers to the 2026 Chicago Dance Month, this summer’s most convenient and communal way to See Chicago Dance.
-Managing Editor, Tristan Bruns
DANCE COLONY+Artists present “sacred ordinary,” June 7, Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble
“[‘sacred ordinary’] offers audiences an immersive dance experience that blurs the line between ritual and lived human experience. DC+A’s movement style is described as an ‘unflinchingly human and compelling fusion of athleticism and emotion.’ Authentic and raw, their work is created to provide meaningful performance, rooted in intention and artistic depth. This presentation includes classic company repertoire by Nederlands Dans Theater’s Luca Tessarini, and two premieres; one by world renowned choreographer, Talia Favia, and one by the directors of DC+A, Seth Robinson and Jeff Wolfe.”
Get to know DANCE COLONY+Artists through their Instagram by clicking HERE.
For more information on “sacred ordinary,” check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Chicago Tap Theatre presents “Saturn Returns,” June 11-14, The Edge Theatre
“Directed by Molly Smith, “Saturn Returns” tells the universally human story of getting older through tap dance and live music. Based on the Saturn return process in astrology, this show, the ultimate in CTT’s ’25-’26 season, is a heartwarming snapshot of our individual pasts, presents, and futures. Featuring new choreography by Molly Smith and the dancers of Chicago Tap Theatre, Saturn Returns is a show you won’t want to miss.”
Read a review of Chicago Tap Theatre’s “CTT LIVE” (2025) by staff writer, Isabel Campisteguy by clicking HERE.
For more information on “Saturn Returns,” check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theatre presents their “50th Anniversary Celebration,” June 13, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie
“Ensemble Español celebrates its golden anniversary season, with a special one night only concert honoring Dame Libby Komaiko, founder of the Ensemble Español and Dame Libby Komaiko Legacy Artistic Director Irma Suarez Ruiz. The program highlights include modern masterpieces, beloved classics, and world premier company work: ‘Amangue’ (2023), ‘Escenas Villanescas’ (World Premiere), ‘Pasion Oculta’ (2019), ‘Antecesores/Ancestors’ (2025), [and] the revival of Dame Libby Komaiko’s full company iconic “Bolero” (1993) to the music of Maurice Ravel […] This work has graced some of the greatest landmark theaters and dance festivals in the world to well over one million audience members and [has] been featured in two documentaries.”
Learn more about Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theatre in an interview from NBC 5 with executive director, Jorge Perez, by clicking HERE.
For more information on “Ensemble Español: 50th Anniversary Celebration,” check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Synapse Arts presents “New Works 2026,” June 25-28, Berger Park Cultural Center
“Synapse Arts and the “New Works 2026″ artists Aurora Tabar, Christine Shallenberg, and Qū Jié 曲洁 invite you to our culminating performances! The annual New Works program provides rehearsal space, mentorship, career building, and stipends to support underrepresented dance artists as they try new things. All events take place at Berger Park Cultural Center, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd in Chicago.”
Performances differ depending on the day: Thursday, 6/25 – “preview” night for both projects; Friday, 6/26 – Qū Jié 曲洁 ONLY; Saturday, 6/27 – Christine Shallenberg/Aurora Tabar ONLY; Sunday, 6/28 – both projects, *ASL provided.
Get hip to Synapse Arts by watching a video of the duet, “Strata,” by artistic director, Rachel Damon, published by Arts For Illinois, by clicking HERE.
For more information about “New Works 2026,” check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Identity Performing Arts presents “Elpis Dance Festival 2026,” June 13, Visceral Dance Center
“Elpis presents a free summer afternoon dance concert to the public, uniting professional companies and independent artists on stage to celebrate the vibrant Chicago dance community.”
Artists included in the event: 3rd Coast Contemporary Dance Program, Alluvion Dance, Ardent Dance Company, Ariana Sugay and Nick Kearns, Bodies of Water, Chicago Movement Collective, Mark Gonzalez, Olivia Lemmenes and more…
Read a review of Identity Performing Arts’ “Muted” (2024) by staff writer, Sydney Valdez, by clicking HERE.
For more information about “Elpis Dance Festival 2026,” check out the event page by clicking HERE.
M.A.D.D. Rhythms presents “Juneteenth: The Celebration,” June 13, Harold Washington Cultural Center
“M.A.D.D. Rhythms returns with the arts partners of the Harold Washington Cultural Center and Bronzeville businesses for its annual Juneteenth/Father’s Day celebration. This afternoon celebration includes live dance, music, food, workshops, raffles, art and children’s activities.”
Featuring: Broadway In Bronzeville, M.A.D.D. Rhythms, Dorothy Jeanius S.T.E.A.M. Institute, Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre, Move Me Soul, Creation Chicago Footwork, Chibuck Movement, The Golden Knights Drill Team and more…
Read a review of M.A.D.D. Rhythms’ “Wonder” (2025) by staff writer, Rachel Benzing, by clicking HERE.
For more information about “Juneteenth: The Celebration,” check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Aerial Dance Chicago presents “Live At Lunch,” June 17, The Green at 320
“Aerial Dance Chicago is a contemporary dance company, created in 1999 and guided by the original creative vision of Founder & Artistic Director Chloe Jensen. Characterized by extraordinary physicality and originality, the company’s work has been shared across the United States at theaters, museums, schools, universities and festivals, touching people of all walks of life with the transformative power of aerial dance.”
“Join us as we share the art of aerial dance in the open air at The Green at 320, a magnificent 10,000 square foot park in downtown Chicago! Free and open to the public.”
Keep up with Aerial Dance Chicago on Instagram by clicking HERE.
For more information about “Live At Lunch,” check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Physical Theater Festival Chicago brings virtuosic live performances from around the world, June 1-7
“Launched in 2014 by Alice da Cunha and Marc Frost, the festival was founded to introduce a more progressive, physical approach to theater-making in Chicago. Now in its 13th year, the festival showcases award-winning, ensemble-created works spanning traditions such as clown, mime, improv, puppetry, object theater, circus, dance, and street performance, while also highlighting outstanding artists and companies from Chicago.”
For more information on Physical Theater Festival Chicago, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Dance in the Prairie with House of DOV’s “Circle of Apathy,” June 20-21, Ragdale Foundation, Lake Forrest
“The 2026 Ragdale Ring Summer Performance Series kicks off Saturday June 20-21 with the world premiere of Circle of Apathy, the new dance project from House of DOV with live music from Family Junket.”
“Both dates include a full outdoor performance of Circle of Apathy using Front of House as performance stage and audience seating. Sunday, June 21 is Ragdale Family Day with additional activities and a special presentation by the theater duo Well-Balanced Dads.”
“We invite attendees to arrive early with their own blankets, folding chairs and food and enjoy a picnic along the prairie. There will be a limited number of additional chairs provided by Ragdale.”
For more information about “Circle of Apathy,” check out the event page by clicking HERE.
History on display at “The Power of PRAIZE: An Immersive Experience,” June 25-28, Connect Gallery
“This powerful and immersive experience marks the grand finale of our 15th anniversary season. In partnership with the Chicago Dance History Project, this one-of-a-kind event invites audiences to step inside the dream (Catalyst) and flow through the vision (Cascade), taking a journey through the history, vibrant present, and lasting legacy of PPI. Featuring live art that captivates both the senses and the soul, it’s an evening you won’t forget.”
For more information about “The Power of PRAIZE: An Immersive Experience,” check out the event page by clicking HERE.
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