In just a few days, Giordano Dance Chicago will be holding its annual audition in Chicago, and we thought this was the perfect opportunity to sit down with Linnea Stureson-Tolbert, who recently was promoted into the main company. Linnea worked her way through the ranks in GDC's second company, Giordano II, and this historic 55th season at GDC will be her first as a Company Dancer. DancerMusic's Kristi Licera asked Linnea all about her journey, from audition all the way through her experience thus far. If you've ever wondered what it takes to be a Giordano dancer, here's your chance to find out:
You need not look far for inspiration, especially in a city like Chicago where it can be found at every turn. Whether the artwork is visual or is a live performance, each creation is connected by its ability to reflect life. Still Inspired(?): Connections is an evening of dance that explores this connection between 'still' and 'live' art. Four choreographers each select a piece of art from a Chicago based visual artist to serve as the inspiration for a new choreographic work. Now in its fourth season of production, Still Inspired(?): Connections presents an evening of dance exploring the work
Choreographer and Artistic Director of Ballet 5:8, Julianna Slager, has spent years meticulously researching and fine-tuning her choreography in preparation for 'Scarlet' to return to the stage this February at the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin, IL. DancerMusic's Kristi Licera sat down with Julianna to learn more about her research, creative process, and the importance of taking time to edit an artistic work:
Choreographer Jessica Miller Tomlinson of JMT Choreography, is resetting her work 'Berseluk-Beluk', which originally premiered in July 2017 at Thodos Dance Chicago's final installment of 'New Dances'. DancerMusic's Kristi Licera caught up with Jessica as she prepares to present a re-staged version of this work this coming March. Read on to learn more about the origins of her work, and what it's like to reset with a different cast of dancers:
While freelancing may not provide the stability that a full-time company can, it has a world of benefits all its own that many professional dancers will experience at some point in their career. For dance artist Brandon Coleman, the transition from full-time company dancer to freelance artist also came with a change of environment - a move from Chicago to New York City. Read on to learn more about Brandon's journey and how some big changes have ignited a new chapter in his career:
There is a connection between still and live art, and Still Inspired: Connections is an evening of dance that explores that connection. Four choreographers each select a piece of art from a Chicago based visual artist to serve as the inspiration for a new choreographic work. Now in its fourth season of production, Still Inspired: Connections presents an evening of dance exploring the work of Sergio Gomez. For co-producer and presenting choreographer, Laura Thurston, the visual impact of Gomez's work led her on a choreographic journey that led to reflections on her life and those of her cast of dancers. Join DancerMusic's Kristi Licera as we PRE-View the premiere of Laura's upcoming work, Debate:
Esoteric Dance Project recently celebrated the culmination of their seventh season at Hamlin Park Field House Theater in their evening length production, TEN. The program included three premieres by choreographer spouses and co-Artistic Directors Brenna Pierson-Tucker and Christopher Tucker. If you missed your chance to see the show, join DancerMusic's Kristi Licera as she looks back in this RE-View:
There’s nothing like a good get-together with friends, especially around the holidays. You never know what can happen at these gatherings, and we are certainly curious to know what will happen when the dance artists known as The Cambrians present Chicago Dances, a special gathering of their own running December 14-18 at Hairpin Studios. DancerMusic’s Kristi Licera recently ran into Noelle Kayser, and could not help but get the inside scoop on this collaborative evening of original works:
If we had to choose one word to describe Monte Rezell.... well, honestly, we couldn't. Monte is a man of many talents: dancer, emcee, DJ, lyricist, producer, teacher - the list goes on and on. But what stands out most about this hip hop artist is the warmth and passion of his spirit. Within moments of meeting Monte, it is clear that his heart belongs to hip hop. DancerMusic's Kristi Licera got a chance to catch up with Monte before he hits the stage with his company, Movement Revolution Dance Crew for Off the Wall: The MJ Remix Experience this Sunday, December 10 at Links Hall in Chicago. Here's what Monte had to share:
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater celebrates the end of this monumental season with three performances of Deeply Free: 20th Anniversary Finale - December 8-10 at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts in Chicago. The program features company classics such as Church of Nations, Desire, Surrender, as well as the premiere of INDUMBA, choreographed by South African guest artist Fana Tshabalala. I am blessed to be in this space. They are not just dancers, they are human. This week, DancerMusic's Kristi Licera got a chance to talk to Fana about INDUMBA and his experience with Deeply Rooted. He started off by