Before we get into the frenzy of holiday madness and Sugar Plum Fairy overload, there is one last dance tradition of the season for us to enjoy. That tradition is Dance Chicago, the month-long dance festival that brings some of Chicago's most vibrant talent together on one stage. What started in 1995 as an audience development project for dance artists has blossomed to an institution unlike anything else in the nation. This year the Dance Chicago season kicks off on Nov. 2 and runs through Dec. 2 at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport. Audiences are offered 13 different programs of predominantly brand-new work, highlighting the richness and diversity of dance art in the Windy City.
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Pictured: Eugene Peabody, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago. Photo by Marc Hauser
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The opening weekend ( Nov. 2-4 ) and the grand finale ( Dec. 1-2 ) programs run the gamut on dance genres and include the créme de la créme of companies and artists, including River North Chicago, Deeply Rooted Productions, Giordano Jazz Dance, Istanbul Dance Theatre, Lucky Plush Productions, the Joffrey dancers and more. These programs are a great way to get a little sample of everything, ranging from jazz and modern to hip-hop, tap and Irish step-dancing.
New this year to Dance Chicago is the 'Anything Goes' program ( Nov. 29 ) , a tribute to the late dance critic Ann Barzel. This program includes dance, comedy and cabaret, focusing on the most humorous elements of stage performance. A panel of judges will award the best performance with a $1,000 prize, so performers will undoubtedly be stepping it up. For audiences hungry for side-splitting physical theater and off-the-charts entertainment value, this program is the one.
Also new this year and certainly not to be missed is the 'International Rhythms' program ( Nov. 10-11 ) . This unique line-up combines live music with a global combination of dance styles. Highlighting the program is Ulele, an independent Chicago band blending ska, salsa and rock-and-roll, led by Winston 'Stone' Damon. Also featured are an array of ethnic dance ensembles and live musicians that cover Latin, African, Turkish, Irish, Indian styles and more. The performance is arranged in one continuous flow, creating an evening of multicultural inspiration, high energy and non-stop entertainment.
Returning to the Dance Chicago menu this year is the always popular 'Jazz Fusion' program ( Nov. 23-25 ) , which exposes audiences to not only the best of the city's jazz dance ensembles—like River North, Giordano Jazz Dance and Jump Rhythm Jazz Project—but also includes artists specializing in tap, hip-hop, urban street dance and every contemporary mixture thereof.
The audiences more intrigued by modern dance will probably enjoy the 'New Moves' program ( Nov. 8, 9, 15 ) and the 'Best Moves' program ( Nov. 17, 30 ) . 'New Moves' grants exposure to Chicago's up-and-coming artists, the kind of talent most audiences haven't had the treat of seeing very much before. The 'Best Moves' events highlight more established companies or works from more seasoned choreographers. Either way, there will be plenty of enjoyable dancing to be seen.
What would Dance Chicago be without its signature program, 'Dance Slam'? 'Dance Slam Part 1' ( Nov. 13, 20, 27 ) works like American Idol for dance. This innovative and audience-interactive evening allows dancers, usually large ensembles that focus on precision work, to compete with pieces that are no more than five minutes long for the best audience reaction. 'Part 2' ( Nov. 28 ) brings five or six works from each of the three Part 1 programs together for the ultimate dance-off.
Dance Chicago once was a stationary dance festival. But now the organization hits the road with a repertory of only the best Dance Chicago works in 'Stars of Dance Chicago.' This program, which works like a touring pick-up company, includes choreography by some of the most inventive dancemakers working today, including Laurie Stallings, Eddy Ocampo, Melissa Thodos and more. ( Look for a feature on Ocampo in an upcoming issue of Windy City Times. ) Chicagoans get to see the program on Nov. 16 and 18 before it dazzles the residents of other cities.
That's hardly where the fun ends. Other programs include the family-friendly 'Dance for Kids, Too' ( Nov. 3, 10, 17 ) ; the 'Extended Views' program ( Nov. 7 for contemporary, Nov. 14 for hip-hop ) that features multiple works by different award-winning choreographers; and the 'Holiday Kids Show' ( Nov. 24, Dec. 1 ) , which includes excerpts of the most beloved holiday dances.
Dance Chicago is far from a run-of-the-mill dance showcase. Because every single night of its month-long run includes a different collection of artists ( including multiple nights of the same program ) , it's one of the best ways to gain insight into the talent and creativity of established and emerging artists, all in one spot. Dance Chicago has been a building block of our city's choreographers and a launching site for our brightest performers for thirteen years and there's no sign of slowing down.
Please visit www.dancechicago.com .
