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:
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.
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
You might recognize the face above from your television. That's right -- Chantelle Mrowka most recently graced screens across America as part of the dance company, Diavolo - finalists on this past season America's Got Talent. In the midst of Chantelle's jam packed touring and performance schedule, DancerMusic's Kristi Licera got a chance to ask her about moving across the country, Diavolo, her advice on bouncing back from injuries, and more. Check out what Chantelle had to say, and keep your eye out for her on stages across the US!
We recently published 4PHOTOS Part 1 for EDE's Viewpoint, featuring four of the eight young choreographers soon to be showing the fruits of their choreographic labor this coming weekend at Studio5 at Dance Center Evanston. Now in its fourth season of production, The Young Choreographers Project gives the teens in Evanston Dance Ensemble to create and produce an original choreographic work. Each of the eight young choreographers is paired with a local professional mentor. DancerMusic's Kristi Licera now brings you Part 2, featuring the remaining four young choreographers.
If you had a chance to read our PRE-View for Ballet 5:8's Compass, then you know that Artistic Director Julianna Slager and her company of expressive dancers have committed their season thus far to spreading compassion in every community they touch. This past Friday, Ballet 5:8 took the stage at the Athenaeum Theater in Chicago and delivered an evening of inspired choreography and thought-provoking performance. DancerMusic's Kristi Licera was in the audience for this one-night only performance, and invites you to join her as she RE-Views Ballet 5:8.