See Chicago Dance kicks off Chicago Dance Month with FREE public performances at Navy Pier and Palmisano Park (for dates, times and lineups, scroll down to “And More” for that and other news). Enjoy the outdoors with community performances by Marvels Dance Company and Identity Performing Arts and tickets are available to The Seldoms’ Superbloom at Chicago Botanic Gardens. There’s plenty happening indoors, with Chicago Tap Theatre, Synapse Arts and Bodies of Water presenting a plethora of world premieres by established and up and coming artists—check out the full calendar of events on seechicagodance.com. Whether you’re looking for fun in the sun or a night on the town, See Chicago Dance has you covered with this June’s Shows You Gotta See (And More…).
Shows You Gotta See (June)
Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre
1. For All We Know, Chicago Tap Theatre, June 5-8, The Edge Theater
From the company:
“Directed and choreographed by CTT Artistic Associate Sterling Harris, with original live music by Emma Blau, this one-of-a-kind performance reimagines tap dance as a bold act of connection and expression. Inspired by bell hooks’ transformative book all about love, the show explores how love can be a force for healing, joy, and justice. Whether you’re a lifelong tap fan or completely new to the form, this show was made for you.”
For tickets and showtimes, check out the event page here: For All We Know
To read a review of CTT’s last show by staff writer Isabel Campisteguy, click the link: CTT Live at the Den
“Concerts will include original dance and music performances by the company’s professional dance ensemble and jazz orchestra. Works by choreographers Wilfredo Rivera, Shannon Alvis and Michelle Manzanales and composers Joe Cerqua and James Sanders celebrate the Latinx diaspora, exploring the range of gender identity and the experience of metamorphosis, and reflecting the immigrant experience and our shared humanity.” The Spring 2025 Concert program includes: “LÁGRIMAS NEGRAS” by Wilfredo Rivera and Composition by Miguel Matamoros, “The Island” by Michelle Manzanales and James Sanders, “Metamorphosis” by Shannon Alvis (Hubbard Street Chicago) and Joe Cerqua, and more.
3. Fluid Expressions: Artist Festival, June 20-21, The Den Theatre
From the company:
“Fluid Expressions presents a two-night celebration of Chicago’s vibrant dance community, showcasing a dynamic lineup of emerging and established choreographers from across Chicago and beyond. Artists include Bodies of Water, Kevin Murdock Waters, Grace Ferrell & Taylor Tricroce, The Rooted Space Company, Alex Goodreau, Symbiosis Arts and more. Each piece offers a fresh perspective and a bold voice, making this festival a must-see for dance lovers and curious audiences alike.”
One of the best traditions of summer is the free entertainment—and dance is no exception. (Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring a chair!)
1. Marvelous Monday, June 2, Northcenter Town Square
Modern Marvels Dance Company presents Marvelous Mondays, a smorgasbord of works by Kimberly Baker, We Are Collective, Ava Faber, Dani Oblitas and more, at Northcenter Town Square on the northwest corner of Damen and Irving Park. The program features works by dancers of diverse backgrounds,body shapes and sizes and gender identities, a celebration of Chicago artists’ wide range of diversity and unique strengths in a beautiful outdoor setting.
The performance begins at 7pm. For more info, check out Modern Marvels’ Instagram here: MMDC Insta
2. New Works 2025, Synapse Arts, June 7, Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park W
Synapse Arts presents new dance projects by KIKI King, Amanda Maraist and Camila Rivero Pooley in a shared event that flows between outdoor and indoor spaces—all spaces are fully accessible.
From the company:
“New Works has developed extensively since its first version in 2010. Now the program is a biennial, 6-month long incubator for emerging and underrepresented artists. Up to three artists (or artist groups) are selected through a public request-for-proposals and panel review to receive commissions supported by rehearsal space, a dedicated mentor, professional development, fully produced performances and documentation. 23 works by women, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC makers have premiered to date, culminating in consistently sold-out performances of the new pieces developed by the supported artists.”
The performance begins at 1pm. For more info, check out the event page here: New Works 2025
3. SEEN/UNSEEN (Preview), June 8, Chicago Cultural Center
Ishti Collective shares an in-process showing of SEEN/UNSEEN (working title), a new dance work currently being developed during their residency at the Chicago Cultural Center. “We’ve been asking: What does it mean to care? To mother, to tend, to organize, to give and give?” says co-director Preeti Veerlapati. “What remains invisible in all of that? This work dives into the complex layers of nurturing—chosen or expected—and how it shows up in our bodies, our relationships, and our movements.” The event includes an artist talk and Q&A, and is family-friendly.
The performance begins at 2pm. For more info, check out their website at ishticollective.org/
4. Elpis Dance Festival, June 14, Visceral Dance Center
Identity Performing Arts presents the return of the annual Elpis Dance Festival, featuring works by Elijah Richardson, Emma Barnhart, Chicago Movement Collective, Hot Crowd and many more. Founder Ginny Ching-Yin Lo has been passionate about emphasizing interconnectedness within the dance community, and Elpis is a fantastic opportunity to unite, create and affirm through the power of dance.
The performance begins at 3pm. For more info, check out Identity Performing Arts’ Instagram here: IPA Insta
And More…
1. See Chicago Dance’s Chicago Dance Month Is Back!
This month-long showcase of Chicago’s vibrant dance communities continues throughout June with FREE performances and classes at both the scenic Navy Pier and Palmisano Park.
Pier Dance at Navy Pier
Enjoy free dance lessons on Navy Pier’s Wave Wall Platform every Wednesday in June: June 4, Bollywood & Culture Groove; June 11, Traffic Jam Swing; June 18, Christopher “Mad Dog” Thomas; and June 25 (be a part of a flash mob), Movement Revolution Dance Crew. 6:30–8:00pm at Navy Pier’s Wave Wall Platform, 600 E Grand Ave.
Wave Wall Moves at Navy Pier
Two groups share one stage in one jam-packed hour of dance! This year, enjoy hip hop, kathak, flamenco, liturgical/praise, tap, and more, all against the scenic backdrop of Navy Pier’s iconic Ferris wheel! Dates and featured artists: June 7, Phillip “Phree” Wood and Dilshad Khan Kathak; June 14, Niko8 and Clinard Dance’s Flamenco Project; June 21, Yielded Vessels and Chicago Tap Theatre; June 28 (Navy Pier Pride Celebration), Queer Dance Freakout and Fever Dream Dance Collective. 4:00–5:00pm at Navy Pier’s Wave Wall Platform, 600 E Grand Ave.
On The Move at Palmisano Park
Enjoy the wanderlust of discovery as you navigate pockets of site-specific outdoor dance performances at the Chicago Park District’s Palmisano Park in the beautiful Bridgeport community! June 17: Aerial Dance Chicago, BYNC Ballet Folklorico, Chibuck Movement, Raks Inferno, Shubukai, Silambam Houston and Yin He Dance. June 24: Anniela Huidobro Castro, Bodies of Water, Chicago Flying Fairies Culture & Arts Center, Michelle Haskell, Sildance/Acrodanza, Symbiosis Arts and Winifred Haun & Dancers. 5:30–7:00pm at Palmisano Park, 2700 S Halsted St.
For more info, check out the Chicago Dance Month event page here: Chicago Dance Month
2. Links Hall Announces DUSK Closing Day Celebration, June 28
Links Hall culminates its legacy with DUSK, a daylong event that is equal parts performance and remembrance. After a marathon of back-to-back 10-minute performances, a “Sunset Ceremony” hosts speakers from Links Hall’s 47-year history. At 7pm, Jacinda Bullie and Jaquanda Saulter-Villegas perform FILLINZ, Put Some Respect on It! Followed by a late-night dance party.
For more information, read this article by Stephi Wild on broadwayworld.com
3. Stomping Grounds on June 1 Canceled After NEA Grant Termination
Chicago Human Rhythm Project is another in a long list of artists and organizations who have had to adapt following cuts to funding for the arts by the Trump administration. The June 1 Stomping Grounds free community event is cancelled to avoid noncompliance with the NEA’s decision. CHRP vows to appeal the grant termination. “We’re disappointed, of course,” says Lane Alexander, Founding Director of CHRP, “but remain determined to present our rhythm-based performance and education programs that look and sound like Chicago. The artists, and venues have been very supportive as has our community of patrons. Our bigger challenge is to fill the new funding gap for this summer’s 35th Anniversary tap festival – Rhythm World – July 9 – 20.”
For more information, visit CHRP’s website at chicagotap.org
