Spring Dance: Another Go Around
By Justin Sondak in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 29, 2007 9:00PM
Dance’s big guns prance around Chicago each spring, so we won’t have to. That’s for the best, since a few too many evenings on the couch and bar stool have robbed us of our best stage leaps. At least these folks haven’t lost a step:
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the Auditorium Theater this weekend, bringing new work and a few of their gorgeous, athletic favorites. Influences range from traditional Indian and West African to Billie Holiday and classic jazz. If you need something more contemporary, The Golden Section, on the Saturday & Sunday matinee bill, is a shot of adrenaline fueled by David Byrne and Twyla Tharp (music and choreography, respectively).
At the Auditorium Theater, 50 E Congress Pkwy, through Sunday. Tickets: $29-79.
As we post this, Joe Goode Performance Group is warming up for their 3-night stand at Columbia College. We haven’t seen Mr. Goode’s work but his company is celebrating the big 2-0, so they must be doing something right. Collaborating with San Francisco Opera darling Michael Tilson Thomas doesn’t hurt either.
At the Dance Center of Columbia College, 1306 S Michigan, tonight through Sunday. Tickets: $22-26.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago flies home for their Spring Series, two programs brimming with new work from around the globe and the return of three audience favorites: Bardo (pictured), Strokes Through the Tail, and Petite Mort. Hubbard Street provides a stirring introduction to modern dance with a few excuses for your jaw to drop.
At the Harris Theater, 205 E Randolph, April 11-15 and 18-22. Tickets: $20-75.
Finally, the Joffrey Ballet concludes their ‘Golden’ Season with Light Rain, where dancers will soar over the crowd, push geometry to its outer limits (thanks Pilobolus!), and bring back that Joffrey/Arpino style (which never really left).
At the Auditorium Theater, 50 E Congress Pkwy, April 25 – May 6. Tickets: $25-130.
Photos by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; Todd Rosenberg, Hubbard Street;