The short weeks of February are filled to the brim with dance. Dance works happening around the city features choreography that causes us to take a different look at ourselves, our relationships and the world we live in. From multi disciplinary collaborations to varying styles of dance within one program, dance in Chicago this month celebrates coming together to share stories through movement. Check out some of the highlights of what is happening in dance this February:
The Joe Goode Performance Group is known for blending dance, theater, music and spoken word to illustrate the human experience. Creating pieces that touch on strong emotions and stories of overcoming life's obstacles, San Francisco-based choreographer Joe Goode will bring an evening of powerful dance to Chicago. On the program is Wonderboy, a collaboration with master puppeteer Basil Twist that tells the tale of a peculiar superhero isolated by his gift of super-sensitivity. The piece is presented in the style of Broadway hit Avenue Q, where the puppet operators are visible and play characters of their own. Wonderboy features music by Carla Kihlstdt ( Tin Hat Trio ) and Matthias Bossi. Also on the program Goode's legendary solo, 29 Effeminate Gestures, a 12-minute piece providing an insightful exploration into the paradox of gender language.
Joe Goode Performance Group will be presented at The Dance Center of Columbia College, 1306 S. Michigan, 8 p.m. Feb. 3-5; tickets ( $26-$30 ) or more information are available at www.colum.edu/dancecenter or 312-369-8330.
With a new name and new logo, River North Dance Chicago ( formally known as River North Chicago Dance Company ) , presents its annual Valentine's concert. The program features a piece by internationally recognized tango stars Sabrina and Ruben Veliz. Titled "Al Sur Del Sur," this work for 12 dancers brings a hot Latin feel to the company. Music for the work includes Duo De Amor, Eduardo y Juliana and Vuelvo Al Sur by acclaimed Argentine tango composer Ástor Piazzolla, as well as other selections, including Ma y Pa by Roberto Alvarez, A La Sombra Del Fueye by Victor Lavallen and Pavadita by A. Aieta. Also on the program is Duets, by Artistic Director Frank Chaves, a piece that compiles his celebrated duets The Mourning, Fixe, and At Last. Chaves will also present Love Will Follow ( 2001 ) , and Hidden Truth ( an excerpt from the larger work Forbidden Boundaries ) . Rounding out the evening is the full company work Evolution of a Dream ( 2009 ) , the solo Beat, and excerpts from the Robert Battle solo Train. A full evening of sensual, spicy and celebrated dance for the valentine holiday!
River North Chicago Dance Company will present their Valentine's Weekend Engagement at The Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph, 8 p.m. Feb 11-12, 3 p.m. Feb 13; tickets ( $30-$65 ) or more information are available at www.harristheaterchicago.org or 312-334-7777.
The Seldoms present Stupormarket, a new dance theater work choreographed and directed by Artistic Director Carrie Hanson about the economic blowout and the ongoing wobbly recovery. This culmination of a three-year long project about the economy, expands upon two previous short works—Thrift ( 2009 ) and Death of a ( Prada ) Salesman ( 2009 ) . Stupormarket also features sound design by Richard Woodbury and lighting design by Julie Ballard.
The Seldoms will present Stupormarket at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, 8 p.m. on Feb. 17-19, and 3 p.m. on Feb. 20; tickets ( $18 ) or more information are available by visiting www.theseldoms.org or by calling 773-327-5252.
Showcasing his new work that explores the complexities of identity, love and parentage in non-traditional families, Robert Moses' Kin comes to Chicago. Entitled "The Cinderella Principle: try these on, see if they fit," the work blends virtuosic dance technique with layered storytelling. A collaboration with award-winning playwright Anne Galjour, Moses' work centers on the process of identity formation within non-homogenous "constructed" families, and reflects on new ways of looking at and understanding self definition The piece originated from in-depth interviews with families throughout the San Francisco Bay area. Other collaborations for the piece include violinist/composer Todd Reynolds and DJ/ beat boxer Kid Beyond. Also on the program are two Chicago premieres: Approaching Thought and Towards September. Both works feature choreography and original sound scores by Moses.
Robert Moses' Kin will be presented at The Dance Center of Columbia College, 1306 S. Michigan, 8 p.m. Feb. 24-26; tickets ( $26-$30 ) or more information are available at www.colum.edu/dancecenter or 312-369-8330.
