Chicago is a city that prides itself on community. From its neighborhoods to its sports teams to its multi-faceted array of people, the city has a certain energy that can draw us all together. Some of that energy, especially during the summertime, emanates from Chicago’s rich culture of dance. Through this artistic medium, Trifecta Dance Collective presents an evening of dance that includes a community often forgotten – our senior citizens. TDC’s upcoming production Solstice features the premiere of “In.grained” – a special collaborative piece inspired by five senior women from the Glenview area. The tales of these women create the context for the choreographic vision of Co-Artistic Directors Krissie Odegard-Geye and Carrie Patterson, and includes the muses on stage as part of the performance. In addition, the performance features two other Chicago-based dance companies – Nomi Dance Chicago and Valerie Alpert Dance Company – truly making this an event that includes and invites a sense of community.
DancerMusic’s Kristi Licera caught up with TDC’s Co-Artistic Director Carrie Patterson to learn more about Solstice. Here’s what Carrie told us:
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Kristi: Can you tell us more about the works that Nomi Dance and Valerie Alpert Dance will be presenting?
Three companies [are] all directed by women with similar, yet distinctly different styles, and a similar mission to allow more access and community to contemporary dance in Chicago and beyond.
Carrie: Nomi Dance Company will be present a work entitled “A Gilligan Island’s Fantasy” choreographed by Nomi Rehearsal Director Stephanie Cihlar. The work features seven women and circles around the theme of how women are labeled in society. Nomi’s second work is “Bee’s” and is choreographed by former company dancer Lindsay Butler. This athletic work showcases strength and beauty in group dancing with the full company of 10 women are cast. VADCO will be presenting 3 works,”Out to Play”, “Skin Like Mine”, and “Sum of its Parts”, all beautifully composed contemporary small groups choreographed by Valerie Alpert.
We are very excited to have TDC present alongside Nomi Dance Company and Valerie Alpert Dance Company – three companies all directed by women with similar, yet distinctly different styles, and a similar mission to allow more access and community to contemporary dance in Chicago and beyond.
Kristi: What is it about “In.grained” that makes it a must see work?
The themes are clear and relatable and this creates a bond between the performers and the audience members.
Carrie: These women are incredible. Truly. Last week, we put together the whole show including the women speaking their narratives for the first time. No one left the room without tears in their eyes. “In.Grained” takes the world of dance, which often seems foreign, and brings it to the community; it is of the community, for the community. The themes are clear and relatable and this creates a bond between the performers and the audience members. It is an experience that we truly hope many people will be a part of.
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Trifecta Dance Collective presents Solstice with special guests Nomi Dance Company and Valerie Alpert Dance Company Friday, June 2 at 6pm at the Vittum Theater, 1012 N Noble St, Chicago, IL 60642. Tickets are available online or by calling the Vittum Theater box office at 773-342-4141.
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