Feel the rhythm of the first professional dance company dedicated to the tradition of stepping that has been hailed as “ingenious and intuitive” (The New York Times) in a one-of-a-kind performance that will have audiences on their feet! Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Under Mr. Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 60 countries across the globe and ranking as one of the top 10 African American Dance Companies in the US. Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.
Back by popular demand, be “blown-away” (WGN Radio) by the uplifting power of faith and hope with familiar favorites, standout soloists, and world-class musicians with a fresh twist in an unforgettable musical extravaganza one can only explain as “indescribable” (Journal of Gospel Music). Breaking the classical music sound barrier since 1993! Marin Alsop, with colleagues Bob Christianson and Gary Anderson reimagined Handel’s Messiah. Too Hot to Handel captures the essential core of Handel’s famous piece and reinterprets it with chords of R&B, jazz, and gospel. The end result is a dynamic and uplifting celebration that must be experienced to be appreciated. “Listeners hooted, whistled and shouted their approval after every number. The ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ was so ecstatically received, it was repeated as an encore.”—The New York Times
Celebrate Complexions 30th anniversary season with their newest work, For Crying Out Loud, set to the music of the internationally renowned band U2! Experience an adrenaline-fueled evening with “arabesques that sail to the sky” (Critical Dance) as the dancers take you on a journey that will leave you breathless. Complexions was founded in 1994 by Master Choreographer Dwight Rhoden and the legendary Desmond Richardson with a singular approach to reinventing dance through a groundbreaking mix of methods, styles and cultures. The company’s foremost innovation is that dance should be about removing boundaries, not reinforcing them. Whether it be the limiting traditions of a single style, period, venue, or culture, Complexions transcends them all, creating an open, continually evolving form of dance that reflects the movement of our world—and all its constituent cultures—as an interrelated whole. Together, Rhoden and Richardson have created in Complexions an institution that embodies its historical moment, a sanctuary where those passionate about dance can celebrate its past while simultaneously building its future.
Celebrate the stunning and visually opulent history, culture, music, and dance of Mexico with one of the most famous dance companies in the world featuring the renowned choreography of Amalia Hernández and be moved by the live music creating a “whirling, kaleidoscopic splendor” (Boston Globe). Founded in 1952 by dancer and choreographer Amalia Hernández, Ballet Folklórico brings together the music, dance and costume of Mexican folklore from pre-Colombian civilizations through the modern era. With its permanent home at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, one of Mexico City’s most historic venues, the company has developed choreography for 40 ballets, composed of 60 folk dancers and musicians who have performed extensively across Mexico and abroad.
Returning to their Chicago home, the illustrious 65-year strong company brings incredible show-stopping performances. Experience the latest premieres, contemporary favorites, and beloved masterpieces that are both “timely and timeless” (Chicago Tribune). On March 30, 1958, Alvin Ailey led a group of young African-American modern dancers in a now-fabled performance at the 92nd Street Y in New York City that forever changed the perception of American dance. Mr. Ailey was a pioneer in establishing a multi-racial repertory company that presented important works by both dance masters and emerging choreographers. Through the remarkable artistry of extraordinary dancers, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater continues to celebrate the African-American cultural experience and to preserve and enrich the American modern dance tradition. With a repertory of over 235 works by more than 90 choreographers and a permanent home at The Joan Weill Center for Dance in New York City—the largest building dedicated to dance in New York City, the dance capital of the world—the Ailey legacy flourishes, using the universal language of dance as a medium for honoring the past, celebrating the present and fearlessly reaching into the future.
Witness boundary-pushing artistry and life-affirming joy from this New York City based contemporary American dance company who is internationally renowned for their energized, athletic ensemble works making it “one of the great movers of modern dance” (The New York Times). Parsons Dance is a New York City based contemporary American dance company, internationally renowned for its energized, athletic ensemble work. The company performs works selected from the vast and varied repertory of more than 75 works created by David Parsons. The company commissions new dances from established choreographers like Trey McIntyre and Monica Bill Barnes and restages works from the American canon, including works by Robert Battle and Paul Taylor.
Be moved by an electric fusion of classical and contemporary dance showcasing the talents of the local dance company making waves through stunning collaborations by master choreographers and works that fearlessly embracing innovation and provide fresh perspective with “note-by-note precision” (Dance Magazine). SCDT is firmly rooted on Chicago’s south side. Several of the company’s collaborators have been a part of the fabric of the south side’s vibrant arts community since the early 1960’s. Thus, the SCDT is committed to maintaining its rich heritage through the embodiment of south Chicago influenced movement, music and history.
Explore the fiery fusion of classical pointe technique, Hip-Hop and other dance styles with a Chicago trailblazing company redefining ballet with “cutting-edge style” (The University Daily of Kansa) while being “joyfully inclusive” (Observer). The only company in the world to perform the signature trademark style, Hiplet Ballerinas of Chicago, Illinois fuse classical pointe technique with African, Latin, Hip-Hop and urban dance styles rooted in communities of color. Promoting inclusivity in both their cast and audience, Hiplet features true-toned tights, modern music, and dancers of all shapes, sizes and colors.
