Deeply Rooted Dance Theater’s Deeply Free performances will include works from two of the artists most closely associated with Deeply Rooted’s accomplishments. Nicole Clarke-Springer is Deeply Rooted’s Dance Education Director, and after seeing her work Femme, Lynn Colburn Shapiro wrote for SeeChicagoDance “There is magic at work here, both in the choreography and the story it tells.” Gary Abbott is Deeply Rooted’s Co-founder and Associate Artistic Director, and his work Desire is a richly intricate study of attraction. Here are four closer looks at moments from each of these pieces, with thoughts from the choreographers —
Femme
Choreography by Nicole Clarke-Springer
“In a time when the empowerment of the female voice is of the utmost importance, Femme celebrates the allure, strength, courage and beauty of womanhood. The ballet pays homage to those incredible women on whose shoulders we stand.”
— Nicole Clarke-Springer
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Desire
Choreography by Gary Abbott
“The yearning of the human spirit for connection to each other is unstoppable. We at Deeply Rooted feel it and yearn to be a part of that connection.”
— Gary Abbott
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Femme
Choreography by Nicole Clarke-Springer
“I am beyond excited this season! It’s been a true honor being a part of the Deeply Rooted legacy as an artist and director. Celebrating our 20th Anniversary finale with these tremendously talented and beautiful artists has been a joy. Their dedication to telling stories of the human condition, from a spirit of truth and humility, with such technical prowess is simply breathtaking. Happy anniversary, Deeply Rooted! Here’s to twenty more successful years!”
— Nicole Clarke-Springer
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Desire
Choreography by Gary Abbott
“For me, the warmth, beauty, and love that the dance Desire speaks to, is indicative of the passion, humanity and mission that is Deeply Rooted Dance Theater. I am proud to be a member of the family.”
— Gary Abbott
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Deeply Rooted Dance Theater presents Deeply Free on Friday, December 8th at 7:30pm, featuring an evening length presentation of Fana Tshabalala’s INDUMBA, and on Saturday, December 9th at 7:30pm and Sunday, December 10th at 2pm, featuring works by Kevin Iega Jeff, Gary Abbott and Nicole Clarke-Springer. Performances are in the Performance Hall at Chicago’s Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E 60th St
Chicago, IL United States. For ticket information, email tickets@deeplyrootedproductions.org, call 312-795-9777, or visit Deeply Rooted Dance Theater online.
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