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
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.
DancerMusic was at the Hamlin Park Field House Theater this past weekend for Project Bound Dance's premiere of 'Imprint'. Check out Kristi's RE-View and join her as we take another look at this collaborative evening of voice, dance, and theater.
Soul and soles. If you're wondering what those two things have to do with one another, just ask Project Bound Dance Co-Artistic Director, Ashley Deran. Well, we asked, and got some answers that made us want to ask a hundred more questions. In collaboration with vocalist Jazelle Morriss, Project Bound Dance will premiere 'Imprint' at Hamlin Park Field House Theater October 19 + 20. DancerMusic's Kristi Licera took some time with Ashley to find out more:
There's an old saying that goes a little something like this: "You never know a person until you walk a mile in their shoes". Try dancing a full evening length concert that includes 42 pairs of shoes - that is exactly what the artists at Project Bound Dance intend to do in their upcoming world premiere of 'Imprint'. DancerMusic's Kristi Licera caught up with Co-Artistic Director Ashley Deran to get a sneak peek at what will be hitting Chicago's Hamlin Park Field House Theater on October 19 + 20:
There are few things that put as much fear and anxiety in our hearts than knowing our loved ones are in need. For Chicago dancer Richard Peña, hearing news and watching coverage of Hurricane Maria did just that. Although unable to leave Chicago and make it to his loved ones, Richard is determined to help his family and his beloved Puerto Rico. DancerMusic's Kristi Licera caught up with Richard to learn more about how Hurricane Maria has affected him, and what steps he has already taken to help Puerto Rico now.
Visceral Dance Chicago kicked off their Fall Engagement series with a performance at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie this weekend, and DancerMusic's Kristi Licera was in the audience to capture what you missed:
The weekend is nearly upon us, which means many of Chicago's dance professionals are gearing up for Dance for Life 2017 - a one-night only dance benefit concert at The Auditorium Theater. One company taking the stage this Saturday night is none other than Visceral Dance Chicago, who will close the series of company performances with 'Ruff Celts', choreographed by Marguerite Donlon.
On a warm summer, Saturday evening each year, the Chicago dance community unites in spectacular form to support those with critical health issues. Dance for Life 2017 continues the 25+ year tradition, bringing the best of Chicago dance to the Auditorium Theater stage this coming August. This year, Dance for Life welcomes Jessica Miller Tomlinson of JMT Choreography to the stage with 'In Tongues': a joyous choreographic work set to the music of The Talking Heads. Tomlinson, a seasoned member of the former Thodos Dance Chicago ensemble and recent addition to Adjunct Faculty at Northern Illinois University, is no stranger to the Dance for Life stage as a performer, but is participating as a presenting choreographer for the first time. KLic Creative caught up with JMT to get the inside scoop on what Tomlinson is working on for this not-to-be-missed evening of dance. Read on for our five part Q&A with JMT: