Author Archives: Vicki

CDF Tix Info & New Blogger Initiative

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Richard Move as Martha Graham. Photo by Josef Astor.

The Chicago Dancing Festival (CDF) is taking it up a notch!  This year, celebrating its 5th anniversary, the fest not only expands to five days of free dance events, but they’ve added a blogger outreach program and Foursquare initiative (more info to come) to get the word out.  RB is proud and excited to be a part of this new blogger program!  Check out the CDF widget on the upper right side of this blog page.  This icon (click on it!) will take you directly to the CDF blog that talks about the new initiative and introduces you to the other bloggers involved.  (A big thanks to Rachel and Tom at Astek for all of their help with this!)

For my part, I will be focusing on the dance/performance angle with previews, interviews with dancers and choreographers, behind-the-scenes tidbits and rehearsal viewings.  I’m particularly excited to talk with Richard Move, a multi-talented artist who has won awards for his portrayal of Martha Graham.  Move will be hosting the MCA Moves program on Wednesday, August 24th.  “It’s quite a coup for us to have him this summer,” says CDF co-founder Jay Franke.  “Especially for us forging into this new territory for the festival with kind of more avant garde work, we thought it was really important  to have him because he’s kind of the glue that keeps it all together and will be able to narrate it for the audience.  He’s basically narrating the evening.  The way we’re setting it up is almost a vaudeville style.  The beginning he will be giving kind of a tutorial on the Graham technique, then the various performances he will introduce  and he finishes by doing his version of Lamentation.  He’s brilliant.”  I can’t wait to hear how his obsession with Martha began.

To see Move and the other artists performing throughout the festival, first, you have to get tickets.  Tickets for all venues are general admission and limited to two (2) tickets per order.  Yes, they are FREE!, but it will take fortitude and a bit of luck to get them.  Here’s how:

Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) tickets – this includes the MCA Moves (Aug 24) and Moderns program (Aug 26) – to be released (while available) at 10:00 am on Tuesday, July 19th.  You can get them in person at the MCA Box Office (220 E Chicago Ave), by calling 312.397.4010 or going to www.mcachicago.org.  You are limited to two tickers per order and any unclaimed tickets will be released 15 minutes before curtain time for the wait list, which begins one-hour before the performance.  (*You must be in line, in person.)  All tickets to be held at Will Call.

Harris Theater tickets for the Moderns programs (Aug 23 & 24) to be released on Wednesday, July 20 at noon at the theater box office (205 E. Randolph) or by phone at 312.334.7777.

Auditorium Theatre tickets  for the Masters program (Aug 25) will be released Thursday, July 21st at 11:00 am and will be available at the theater box office (50 E Congress), at 1.800.982.ARTS or by visiting this Ticketmaster web page.

Tickets for the Movies program (Aug 26) and the festival finale Celebration of Dance performance at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park are first-come, first-serve with no tickets required.  Past seasons have “sold out” extremely fast.  Good Luck!

Dreams?

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I dream of the day when I can write for a living and not need to have a “day job”…oh, and world peace.

What is your dream?

(hint:   comments encouraged!)

Dance/USA hits town this week!

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The national conference for Dance/USA hits Chicago this week with an opening night reception on Wednesday at the Harris Theater.  So, I asked some top dance folk what makes Chicago one of the top destinations for dance?

What’s not to love about dance in Chicago?  We are growing and developing a stronger international presence by the many versatile dance companies our community supports.  I have found that since I first moved to Chicago in 1999 to dance with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, the dance environment has changed so much with the addition of so many new voices.  It’s been exciting to watch this grow.  ~Jay Franke, co-founder Chicago Dancing Festival

I believe it is the presence and balance of presenting locations, studios and schools, performance opportunities and many genres of dance that take part.  ~Shirley Mordine, artistic director Mordine & Co Dance Theater

There’s a strong symbiosis between internal momentum and external recognition, especially in today’s connected age.  Chicagoans are increasingly aware of the riches available to them at dance performances, which in turn is increasing those performances’ reach, which in turn elevates Chicago on the global stage.  (Mayor) Rahm Emanuel hasn’t been shy about his advocacy for dance, during the election and since taking office on May 16.  The Chicago Dancing Festival, which marks its fifth annual just weeks after the conference concludes, has, as a cornerstone of its identity, the idea that dance is an art form that can reach all people, of all backgrounds and circumstances.  It plans in the years ahead to bring programming to Chicago’s neighborhoods, including those geographically and/or financially distant from dance’s traditional core demographics.  Issues of relevance and accessibility affect all dance artists today, and I think Chicago has, through these and other examples, shown leadership in finding new ways to expand dance’s reach.  ~Zachary Whittenburg, dance editor Time Out Chicago

Chicago has a rich variety of dance companies, offering many different dance styles, showcasing specific cultures, performing in so many different types of venues.  On any given weekend you can see at least three or four different performances throughout the city.  ~Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, artistic director Luna Negra Dance Theater

When the Joffrey came to Chicago in 1995, it found a community with an appetite for ballet and the foundations of a vibrant dance scene.  We have participated in and benefited from the growth of dance awareness in the Midwest.  If you consider, also, the excellent work of the Chicago Dancing Festival, Hubbard Street, River North, Luna Negra, Giordano, to name a few, you have a network that nurtures a growing interest in the art form.  ~Ashley Wheater, artistic director Joffrey Ballet

What’s Happening?

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First, tomorrow is the last day you can register for the Dance/USA conference held here next week July 13 – 16. 5-6-7-8! Register here.

Second, Time Out Chicago‘s Zac Whittenburg has a great update on the Joffrey lock out with comments from the union rep!  Good stuff.

So far, none of the Joffrey dancers I’ve reached out to are speaking publicly, but I have it on good authority that they are diligently trying to work it out.  Fingers and toes are crossed that they get things worked out quickly and the dancers can get back to work on July 23rd.

Joffrey Lock Out?

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Say it ain’t so.  The Sun-Times‘ Hedy Weiss reported earlier this week that the Joffrey Ballet dancers had received a letter telling them to clean out their lockers and turn their keys in by this Thursday (tomorrow) and that the beginning of the 2011-2012 season may be cancelled.    Say what?

Here is a Trib update, one from WBEZ and another from  Zac Whittenburg at Time Out Chicago.   So here’s what I do/don’t know…

There isn’t a contract for the new season.  Joffrey says the union (AGMA) has been unresponsive, so it went ahead with a “lock out”.  AGMA says a lock out is illegal and unproductive since the dancers aren’t actively working now.  At question is a bump up in rehearsal hours from 25 to 30 hours a week, but with a minimal salary increase (2 – 3%).  Joffrey took aggressive action to get the union to respond and to freak out the dancers, so they would be willing to negotiate quickly.  Point(e) taken.  The union has responded and the dancers, currently on a “relaxing” hiatus are freaking out.

I think they will come to an agreement and will not cancel any part of the season.  Why would they?  The dancer want to dance and the company does not want to refund ticket holders and deal with the monumental press issues involved with canceling programming.  A few earlier performances could be canceled without much effort like the Blossom Festival and appearances at Dance/USA, Dance for Life and Chicago Dancing Festival, but with the rest of Chicago’s top companies being represented, it really isn’t in the company’s best interest to be the missing link.

Obviously we don’t know all of the details, but personally, I lean to the side of the dancers.  Give them what they want.  If you don’t have them, you don’t have a company.  Increase the rehearsal time, but compensate them appropriately and in line with other top-tier national ballet companies.  Some have likened this to the NFL and NBA lock outs, but those organizations are for-profit and are negotiating with athletes that make millions per season.  Once a principal dancer starts flaunting their pimped out cribs and 60-foot yachts, then we might need to consider a reduced salary increase.  The only thing similar about the Joffrey lock out and the NFL lock out is that I will be extremely bummed if I can’t watch ballet or football this fall.

Let’s get a deal done!

Chicago Dance Luminaries Talk Dance/USA

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Prominent members of Chicago’s dance scene are excited about Dance/USA‘s national conference (more here) coming in July!

What does it mean for Chicago to be hosting the national conference this summer?

Any national attention the city’s dance scene gets can only be beneficial.  I think Chicago has its own style of concert work and deserves a national presence.  Plus, Chicago is great in the summer time.  The conference can share in the major transition the city is experiencing as our new Mayor Rahm Emanuel takes over.  The man calls himself a former dancer — great timing!  ~Venetia Stifler, Artistic Director Concert Dance Inc, Executive/Artistic Director Ruth Page Foundation

Having the Dance/USA national conference in Chicago brings visibility to the city’s dance scene.  Chicago’s dance community continues to grow and flourish and that activity has been recognized.  People not ordinarily predisposed to watching dance, or even having knowledge about the enormous amount of dance activity in Chicago will hopefully become more aware.  ~Michelle Kranicke, Artistic Director Zephyr Dance

We have such a vibrant dance community in Chicago.  There are  a number of larger companies plus the many, many smaller companies and individual artists that are putting forth interesting work along with community outreach and educational programming.  I don’t think people realize how much is going on.  And, with our new Mayor being an arts advocate with a history in dance, it’s serendipitous that the conference is in Chicago this year.  It’s time for everyone to see what a world-class dance destination we are.  ~Glenn Edgerton, Artistic Director Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

It is a recognition of Chicago’s contribution and importance to the art form as seen through the level of activity and practice found here and the quality of work being performed.  ~Shirley Mordine, Artistic Director Mordine & Co, Founder Dance Center at Columbia College

Chicago is very lucky to have this opportunity to host Dance/USA.  It will bring even more national attention to our thriving dance scene.  ~Jay Franke, Co-Founder Chicago Dancing Festival

I think the Chicago dance community has been growing for the last ten years.  We’ve really become a destination for dance, dance audiences, choreographers and dancers.  Dance/USA conference proves how much of a dance city we’ve become.  It’s proof of how fabulous we are and it will give us another push in that direction.  I feel like we are the second city of dance in the U.S.  We’re not as big as New York, but we’re definitely second in terms of number of people producing work and number of dancers living here.  ~Winifred Haun, Artistic Director Winifred Haun & Dancers

Chicago’s dance community is very strong and receives enthusiastic support from audiences all over the city.  It is an important opportunity to showcase the professional companies in Chicago and bring light to this thriving dance community.  ~Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, Artistic Director Luna Negra Dance Theater

For many years, the Dance/USA national conference has been held on the East Coast.  Bringing Dance/USA to Chicago this year is a recognition of the fact that significant dance companies are now found across the country and that Chicago has become a vibrant center for dance in America.  ~Ashley Wheater, Artistic Director Joffrey Ballet

Anyone who’s read me recently can attest to my excitement about Dance/USA’s annual conference being held in Chicago this year.  It comes on the heels of a spring season which saw companies of all sizes taking risks and reaching out to new audiences, and seeing those initiatives pay off.  Recently announced plans for the 2011-2012 season put Dance/USA’s Chicago conference at the head of a banner year for dance in the city.  Attendees from around the country will see firsthand where those performances will take place and meet many of the people who have brought them to fruition.  ~Zachary Whittenburg, Dance Editor Time Out Chicago

Dance/USA Honors Lubovitch

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Lar Lubovitch, founder and artistic director of Lar Lubovitch Dance Company and co-founder of Chicago Dancing Festival will receive Dance/USA‘s Honor Award at the annual conference this July:

Considering past recipients of the Dance/USA Honor Award is both an inspiring and humbling reminder to cherish the standards that have been set by my predecessors. Being acknowledged by an association of individuals who have committed themselves to the impossible task of maintaining a place for dance in the world means being honored by the true believers which imbues this moment with a special depth. ~Lar Lubovitch

Short & Sweet Thoughts on HSDC Inside/Out

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1. They showed works-in-progress, so can’t critique.
2. The HSDC and HS2 dancers show just as much talent as choreographers as they do as dancers.
3. It was lovely to see Benjamin Wardell dancing. I previously wrote that the Summer Series was his last performance. Whoops!
4. Taryn Kaschock Russell – girl, you still got it!
5. It was the farewell performance for Laura Halm who is leaving to go to law school. Beautiful dancer!
6. Congrats to Glenn & Co…again.

Dance/USA is Coming to Chicago!

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In case you haven’t heard, Dance/USA (the national service organization for professional dance) is holding its annual conference in Chicago July 13th through 16th.  This 2011 convening is anticipated to be the orgs biggest gathering yet of artistic directors, presenters, executive directors, company managers, artists, choreographers, marketing gurus, development divas and (thanks to a one-day scholarship – thank you!) even a little blogger like me.  The jam-packed schedule — here — includes receptions, roundtable discussions, plenary speakers, multiple break out sessions (management, artistry, audience engagement and technology), city tours and a number of performances at some of the city’s best dance venues.

Design it.  Dance it.  Be the Architect of your future.  With so many choices during the conference, you can design your own conference experience and attend those sessions that speak most to you.  I’m excited about the Technology – Next Generation Video Production:  Myths, Challenges, Opportunities session with TenduTV‘s Marc Kircschner, HMS Media‘s Scott Silberstein and TimeOut Chicago‘s dance editor Zac Whittenburg among others.  And of course the performances!  There are way too many outstanding artists performing to mention, so check out the line ups here.  Check out the e-journal for interesting essays by a diverse range of writers and speakers.

This is a perfect opportunity to gather with like-minded artistic folk and mingle, learn, engage and network!  Let’s show what a great dance city Chicago is by having a large community presence at the conference.

UPDATE:  Registration ends July 8th!