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:
It's not difficult to imagine that in ten years or so, a story about the HS Pro Studio Showing might begin with something about some of the great dance careers that began there. Yet as probable as it already seemed that the Hubbard Street Professional Program would be turning out great dance artists, that possibility seems even more likely after their first Studio Showing.
As a costume designer, Alex Gordon is increasingly in demand, and the insights he shares with us here about his work for Deeply Rooted Dance Theater show why. It may be just because he is a gifted designer, or it may have much to do with the depth of his perspective as choreographer and performer. In any case, his in-depth thoughts about of the art of costume design offer a rare look into one of the most important and least understood details of successful concert dance.