Move! and other dance events in Chicago, tonight and later this month
By Tian Tian Cai
Even UChicago students without a background in dance can appreciate Move!, the Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago's fall program at the beautiful Harris Theater Music and Dance. The two-hour performance consists of six pieces, including three world premieres. The show kicks off with "A Ritual Dynamic," Jon Lehrer's high-energy work that sets the tone for the evening with a frenetic pace and many powerful displays of the human body's physical potential. The second piece, "commonthread" by Autumn Eckman, is set to a neo-folk composition from Dan Myers and John Ovnik. Myers' live electric violin performance of his original score takes the onstage movements to dazzling heights.
Tian Tian Cai is a fourth-year in the College and a Contributing Blogger to the Blog that Works
Photo by Cheryl Mann Photography, c/o the Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago gallery.
The first couple of pieces play with light and shadow, but this early exploration is overpowered by the later predominance of (very) brightly lit color backdrops that may require sunglasses to tolerate comfortably. Not all of the works are perfect and even a well-staged piece like Tony Powell's complex "Rapture" can drag, mostly because of its trance-inducing score. Luckily, intermission will give audience members a chance to perk up on $3.00 coffee and the second half begins with renewed vigor. In fact, the stunningly sensual "Give and Take" by Brock Clawson was my favorite of the night, guaranteed to open even the most tired of eyes. The night ends on a playful upbeat with "I Want You," a funky new street piece that highlights Philadelphia choreographer Rennie Harris's hip-hop sensibilities and sense of humor.
For those who have never attended a single dance performance and don't know the difference between jazz, ballet, and modern, this show is a compelling introduction. You can find out more about the dance company and its influential founder, jazz dance pioneer Gus Giordano, on their website. The second of the two-night run begins at 8pm tonight, Saturday, October 24. Tickets are still available for as little as $15. Check out the Harris Theater's other events, too, including the "Eat to the Beat" series of noontime dance performances (only $5, bring a lunch or buy one). Located in Millennium Park at 205 E. Randolph St., the Harris Theater is easily accessible by CTA; just take the 6 bus or the Metra to the Randolph stop.
Chicago is home to many renowned dance companies specializing in all kinds of dance. Some even offer special discounts: $10 student rush tickets at the Joffrey Ballet and limited $10 tickets through the occasional Harris Theater's Tix @ 6 promo. If you're interested in participating more actively, try the free beginner's classes offered by Hubbard Dance Street's Lou Conte Dance Studio (http://hubbardstreetdance.com/lcds_home.asp) during their open house at the beginning of each season.
Even UChicago students without a background in dance can appreciate Move!, the Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago's fall program at the beautiful Harris Theater Music and Dance. The two-hour performance consists of six pieces, including three world premieres. The show kicks off with "A Ritual Dynamic," Jon Lehrer's high-energy work that sets the tone for the evening with a frenetic pace and many powerful displays of the human body's physical potential. The second piece, "commonthread" by Autumn Eckman, is set to a neo-folk composition from Dan Myers and John Ovnik. Myers' live electric violin performance of his original score takes the onstage movements to dazzling heights.
Tian Tian Cai is a fourth-year in the College and a Contributing Blogger to the Blog that Works
Photo by Cheryl Mann Photography, c/o the Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago gallery.
The first couple of pieces play with light and shadow, but this early exploration is overpowered by the later predominance of (very) brightly lit color backdrops that may require sunglasses to tolerate comfortably. Not all of the works are perfect and even a well-staged piece like Tony Powell's complex "Rapture" can drag, mostly because of its trance-inducing score. Luckily, intermission will give audience members a chance to perk up on $3.00 coffee and the second half begins with renewed vigor. In fact, the stunningly sensual "Give and Take" by Brock Clawson was my favorite of the night, guaranteed to open even the most tired of eyes. The night ends on a playful upbeat with "I Want You," a funky new street piece that highlights Philadelphia choreographer Rennie Harris's hip-hop sensibilities and sense of humor.
For those who have never attended a single dance performance and don't know the difference between jazz, ballet, and modern, this show is a compelling introduction. You can find out more about the dance company and its influential founder, jazz dance pioneer Gus Giordano, on their website. The second of the two-night run begins at 8pm tonight, Saturday, October 24. Tickets are still available for as little as $15. Check out the Harris Theater's other events, too, including the "Eat to the Beat" series of noontime dance performances (only $5, bring a lunch or buy one). Located in Millennium Park at 205 E. Randolph St., the Harris Theater is easily accessible by CTA; just take the 6 bus or the Metra to the Randolph stop.
Chicago is home to many renowned dance companies specializing in all kinds of dance. Some even offer special discounts: $10 student rush tickets at the Joffrey Ballet and limited $10 tickets through the occasional Harris Theater's Tix @ 6 promo. If you're interested in participating more actively, try the free beginner's classes offered by Hubbard Dance Street's Lou Conte Dance Studio (http://hubbardstreetdance.com/lcds_home.asp) during their open house at the beginning of each season.
0 TrackBacks
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Move! and other dance events in Chicago, tonight and later this month.
TrackBack URL for this entry: https://blogs.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/193
Leave a comment