Shows You Gotta See... And More!

Do you need an excuse to get some fresh spring air? See Chicago Dance has got you covered with a list of stellar performances, fantastic festivals and returning fan favorites, the perfect excuse for getting out of the house. Check out some Shows You Gotta See below, and if you see one you like, poke around the See Chicago Dance website—there might be a “Hot Deal.” Wishing you a happy spring from all of us at See Chicago Dance.

Shows You Gotta See (May)

“SPRINGtwelve” by Visceral Dance Chicago, May 3-11, at the Museum of Contemporary Art

1. “SPRINGTWELVE” by Visceral Dance Chicago . May 3-11 . Museum of Contemporary Art

From the artists:

“Visceral returns to the Museum of Contemporary Art for a dynamic program featuring driving forces in contemporary dance, Spanish choreographer Mónica Cervantes Rodriguez, multi-faceted Cuban powerhouse, Marco Palomino, and Founder/Artistic Director, Nick Pupillo. Experience the growth and impressive coming-of-age of this dynamic Chicago company, one with ‘strong athleticism, a dense and inherent technical proficiency, and a lot of passion’ (LA Splash).”

For showtimes and tickets, view the event page here.

2. “STOMPING GROUNDS” . May 4 . Irish American Heritage Center

Chicago Human Rhythm Project presents the return of “STOMPING GROUNDS,” a free two-month citywide celebration of rhythmic dance, including American tap, Mexican, African, Indian, and Irish dance.

From the artists:

“[STOMPING GROUNDS] visits Chicago’s northwest side on Sunday, May 4th at the Irish American Heritage Center. This event will feature the Trinity Irish Dancers, the Collaborative Institute for Cultural Arts, CHRP’s Stone Soup Rhythms, and Najwa Dance Corps. Our events offer free seats for the entire family. Each STOMPING GROUNDS event features the performers and Artistic Directors of selected companies in a performance. And each event features a different lineup!”

For reservations and a list of locations and lineups, check out the event page here.

3. Hiplet Ballerinas . May 17 . Auditorium Theatre

From the artists:

“Explore the fiery fusion of classical pointe technique, Hip-Hop and other dance styles with a Chicago trailblazing company redefining ballet with “cutting-edge style” (The University Daily of Kansa) while being “joyfully inclusive” (Observer). The only company in the world to perform the signature trademark style, Hiplet Ballerinas of Chicago, Illinois fuse classical pointe technique with African, Latin, Hip-Hop and urban dance styles rooted in communities of color. Promoting inclusivity in both their cast and audience, Hiplet features true-toned tights, modern music, and dancers of all shapes, sizes and colors.”

For tickets, check out the event page here.

4. Trinity Irish Dance Company . May 18 . Museum of Contemporary Art

From the artists:

“Continuing TIDC’s longstanding history of pushing the boundaries of a cultural form, the Museum of Contemporary Art performances will include the world premiere of “The Sash,” choreographed by Trinity Founding Artistic Director Mark Howard, Associate Artistic Director and dancer Chelsea Hoy and guest contemporary choreographer Stephanie Martinez, founder and Artistic Director of Chicago’s PARA.MAR Dance Theatre. Completing the program will be a selection of TIDC’s diverse repertoire, including “Taking the Mick,” Howard’s “Push,” an explosion of hard-driving percussive power demonstrates the company’s consistent message of female empowerment; and Michelle Dorrance and Melinda Sullivan’s “American Traffic,” a hybrid of Irish step and American tap that plays at the intersection of rhythmic sensibilities and rebellious histories, amongst others.”

For show dates, times and tickets, check out the event page here.

5. LXIV (six.four) by Chicago Dance Crash . May 24 . Ann Barzel Theater

Chicago Dance Crash presents “LXIV (six.four),” a two-part world premiere concert featuring new works, ”Immortal Games” and “LXIV (six.four).”

From the artists:

““LXIV (six.four)” is an electrifying fusion of chess, dance, and live music that brings the game’s strategic brilliance to life. The performance unfolds in two dynamic halves, each exploring the intersections of movement, strategy, and human complexity. James Morrow’s “Immortal Games”… [dives] headfirst into the tactical brilliance of chess and the intensity of dance battles. Inspired by the legendary 1851 Immortal Chess Game, this piece blurs the lines between chess strategy and dance battle culture, showcasing raw athleticism, tactical precision, and real-time responsiveness. With a live score composed by Robert Flax and harnessing cutting-edge musical technology – including a custom-built midi-chessboard that generates a live sound score – this work pushes the boundaries of embodied game play.”

For showtime and tickets, check out the event page here.

And More…

1. Bob Eisen, Carol Bobrow and Charlie Vernon; Photo courtesy of Links Hall
3. 1. Historic venue and arts incubator Links Hall to close in June
4. Links Hall, the historic venue where near and dear to the hearts of Chicago dancers, will close this June amidst financial concerns. Founded in 1978 by choreographers Bob Eisen, Carol Bobrow and Charlie Vernon, Links Hall has supported the careers of countless dancers from diverse backgrounds. “This decision was made after several years of struggling to balance the cash needs to operate Links Hall and the funding reality after years of diminished foundation and government support,” wrote the Board and Staff in a public notice. “We are making this decision now so that we can close with integrity and dignity, connected in community, and with the ability to properly honor and ensure the archive of the almost-50 year legacy of this beloved organization.”
5. For more information, visit linkshall.org.
7. 2. The Trifecta Dance Festival offers unique communal experience, May 8 at Ruth Page Center
8. From the artists:
9. “The Trifecta Dance Festival, organized and presented by the Trifecta Dance Collective, is a dynamic and immersive celebration of dance that encompasses a diverse array of events and activities. The festival’s primary objective is to validate, uplift, and amplify the voices of emerging choreographers while supporting and showcasing fellow dance companies based in Chicago, all within a unified performance weekend. From captivating performances to enlightening master classes, engaging community events, collegiate audition opportunities, and showcases for emerging choreographers, this festival provides a comprehensive and enriching experience for participants and audiences alike.”
10. For more information, check out the event page here.
11. For more information, visit the event page here.

3. Synapse Arts announces new Co-Director, New Works 2025 and the Integrated Dance Training Series.

Synapse Arts, an arts incubator operating for over 20 years, welcomes new Co-Director Camila Rivero Pooley, who will present her work “MATADORA,” a dance-theatre work that erupts from the depths of Latinx femme rage, a part of Synapse Arts’ New Works 2025, a one-day performance featuring new work, including KIKI King’s “cooking something out” and Amanda Maraist’s “FOLK.” Synapse Arts has also announced the Full Radius Training Series, an in-person summer training on integrated dance for people with and without disabilities, led by renowned educator Douglas Scott (Atlanta, GA). The three offerings that make up the Training Series will be an exploration of Full Radius Dance technique as well as partnering for diverse bodies, improvisational skills and terminology.

For more information, visit synapsearts.com