Budding ballerinas, dedicated dancers and arts aficionados alike will be inspired by some of the amazing dance performances taking place in Chicago in the months ahead. Dance styles from all over the world will be in the spotlight, offering opportunities to both explore different cultures and to see that dance really can be a universal way of communicating.
If you love Irish dance, check out Trinity Irish Dance Company.
When: Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Auditorium Theatre, 50 Ida B. Wells Dr, Chicago
Get your Irish on with this exhilarating one-night-only performance by the Trinity Irish Dance Company, which includes five dancers from Chicago. Highlights of the performance include the world premiere of “An Sorcas”, which is Gaelic for “the circus” as well as “Push”, which the company describes as “an explosion of hard-driving percussive power that exemplifies the company’s consistent message of female empowerment.”
Fans of “So You Think You Can Dance” won’t want to miss Giordano Dance Chicago.
When: Feb. 2, 8 p.m.
Where: North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie
If your tweens and teens are into the television show “So You Think You Can Dance”, chances are that they are familiar with choreographer Ray Leeper. Leeper is presenting his new piece in honor of Chicago philanthropist Candace Jordan at this performance. The performance will also feature dances to music by Tina Turner, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Al Green, Wynton Marsalis and more. It will be a great way to warm up by getting your blood pumping and feet tapping after the polar vortex.
Dance devotees will appreciate the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
When: March 6-10, varying times
Where: Auditorium Theatre, 50 Ida B. Wells Dr, Chicago
This multicultural company is celebrating its 60th anniversary, proving that they have serious staying power thanks to their serious talent. They also aren’t afraid to tackle serious topics such as racial inequity, which is a theme in “Lazarus”, a ballet co-commissioned by the Auditorium, created by renowned hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris and inspired by company founder Alvin Ailey’s life. That doesn’t mean that the show isn’t fun—the performances are also infused with joy and breathtaking beauty. Having performed at the Auditorium Theatre for 50 years, the Chicago Tribune calls Ailey’s annual appearance “a Chicago dance tradition.” See the video trailer here.
Families (and those looking to pregame for spring recitals) will love “Whipped Cream” by the American Ballet Theatre.
When: April 11-14, varying times
Where: Auditorium Theatre, 50 Ida B. Wells Dr, Chicago
Lots of little ones and their families flock to “The Nutcracker” and The American Ballet Theatre (ABT, for those en pointe and in the know) wisely realized that can happen more than just once a year. ABT created a sweet, family-friendly spectacle titled “Whipped Cream”, which is described as “Nutcracker–for-the-springtime.” Set to music by Strauss, this story ballet follows the adventures of a young boy who overindulges in sweets. As a result, he falls into a sugar coma during which candy confections and fantastical animals come to life. This whimsical performance features amazing dancers, colorful costumes and large-scale puppets. You can see the trailer video here. There are two matinees each at 2 p.m., which are great options for those with earlier bedtimes.
Those who love exploring Latin culture and/or contemporary dance will want to get Ballet Hispánico on their calendars.
When: May 11, 7:30 p.m.
Where: MacAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Wheaton
With bold and exciting performances, Ballet Hispánico celebrates Latinx culture and also explores America’s evolving cultural landscape. This New York City-based dance company (founded in 1970) will perform at the College of DuPage MacAninch Arts Center in the Western suburbs. You can see a video here.
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