This month's column features a common thread of the intersection of music and movement. While not mutually exclusive to each other, both sound and dance complement and enhance one to the other. Taking a step back and examining the relationship between these two elements can be a road of discovery and new ideas for artists. Check out these performances that celebrate, challenge assumptions and invite conversation into the world of experimental relationships between two types of expressive art.
Founded in 1972, Muntu Dance Theater of Chicago preserves traditional African dance while creating new works that build on African, Caribbean and African-American cultural traditions. The word "Muntu" comes from the Bantu language and translates as "the essence of humanity."
Muntu performs authentic and progressive interpretations of contemporary and ancient African and African-American dance, music and folklore, blending together long-standing traditions of movement and music. According to the history found on the company's website, Muntu carefully researches the cultural and historical significance of the dances and the societies from which they originate. As a result, it is more than just a performing company; it also associates itself as a company of teachers—what it feels is an essential element to the perpetuation of any art form and results in an accurate transmittal of movement to audiences.
Muntu will present an evening of work at the Harris Theater that celebrates the resiliency of the human spirit. Entitled "This Far by Faith," the theme across the dances is one of personal and collective experiences, creating vignettes that express a common will to keep moving forward despite difficult circumstances. The concert will feature new pieces by guest choreographers featuring Reggie Wilson, founder and artistic director of Fist and Heel Performance Group in New York, and Theo Jamison, who is one of the original Katherine Dunham Dancers in East St. Louis and is now program director for Southern Illinois University/East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts.
Muntu Dance Theater will present "This Far by Faith" at The Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph, 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 16. Tickets ( $15-$175 ) or more information are available by visiting www.harristheaterchicago.org or calling 312-334-7777.
Thodos Dance Chicago will present its 11th annual New Dances series. Nine new works will be presented, creating a well-rounded show that explores a variety of topics through kinesthetic movements. Guest choreographer Rebecca Lemme's ensemble work expresses the idea of loss that creates a sense of vacancy. John Cartwright explores social media and the effects it has on connectedness and political movements, for better or for worse, and is set to music by Sufjan Stevens.
Brian Hare's work looks at the number three through a dark and highly athletic lens, set to music from Linkin Park and Clint Mansell. An intimate yet theatrical work from Josh Manculich portrays the craft of carrying while asking if carrying inhibits or asks for more. Michael McDonald presents a recollection of memories through movement, set to the music of Danish composer Peder. The work "Exurgency," choreographed by Mollie Mock and Jeremy Blair, explores the individual's choice of path and voice throughout the game of life. Jessica Miller-Tomlinson's choreographic work, "In Tongues," is inspired by and is set to music from the band Talking Heads and lead singer David Bryne. A classical flair comes from choreographer Wade Schaaf, as he brings a work to the stage inspired by a piano concerto. Jackie Stewart's work, entitled "The Art of Ice Cream," explores one's perception of a specific memory and dreams through vivid yet foggy moments.
Thodos Dance Chicago presents New Dances 2011 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N Dearborn, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, July 29-30, and 5 p.m. Sunday, July 31. Tickets ( $10-$35 ) or more information are available by visiting www.thodosdancechicago.org/ or calling 312-337-6543.
Produce, a four-part dance and music experiment, sets out to challenge aesthetic and begin dialogue between artists and the audience. Curated by Wisconsin musician Timothy Russell and Chicago-based dance artist Lauren Warnecke, this festival of sorts will feature work by Andrea Cerniglia/ Drop Shift Dance, Jenna Dillon, Sarah Rabbers, The Exponential, Fayth Caruso, ExistentialPilot, Sam Hertz and Sid Yiddish/ Candystore Henchmen.
Produce will be presented at The Fasseas Whitebox at The Drucker Center, 1535 N. Dayton, 8 p.m. July 8, 22 and 29, and 6 p.m. July 15. Tickets ( $8 a show or $30 series pass ) and more information are available at producedanceandmusic.tumblr.com or at the door.
