Wanna Dance?
By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 10, 2008 8:46PM
We all know that Chicago has a little something for everybody. As far as dance classes go, there are bountiful opportunities throughout the city to try something new, develop a new skill, or just plain old embarrass yourself in front of your significant other. We went ahead and found some of the more interesting offerings in the way of dance classes:
Get in the action! AMEBA is an acrobatic and aerial dance troupe that also offers a wide range of classes, from kids to beginner-intermediate teens and adults to professionals. This type of dance requires mucho upper body strength, so beginner classes provide a very slow and focused approach.
Rather just watch? AMEBA’s upcoming show “On the Edge” is taking place on March 6, 2008 at Ruth Page Center for the Arts.
Get in the action! In the mood for doing something cultural? Check out Muntu Dance Theater, who performs work heavily based on African, Caribbean and African-American cultural traditions. Muntu also offers an African dance class specifically for adult beginners. You will definitely work up a sweat in this class; Muntu’s style of dance is the most energetic we have ever seen.
Rather just watch? Muntu Dance Theater is always up to something around the city. Performances can be seen on a consistent basis throughout the year.
Get in the action! The Lou Conte Dance Studio (LCDS) in the West Loop can give you a sampling of Modern, Tap or Hip-Hop. This studio caters especially to adult dancers, so there will be a class level that is comfortable for you, guaranteed. (LCDS also offers an African dance class, by the way).
Rather just watch? The Lou Conte parent company, Hubbard Street Dance, is teaming up with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in February. Or hold out for the Hubbard Street Spring Series from March 25 - April 5, which will give you a taste of what this contemporary, elite company is all about.
Get in the action! If you have a background in ballet AND can speak a little French, Alliance Francaise is currently offering an intermediate ballet class that will be dictated entirely in the art form’s native language (yes, that would be French). Classes will be taught by Fabrice Calmels, a principle with the Joffrey Ballet. You can get more info at info@af-chicago.org.
Rather just watch? Joffrey just completed their Christmas season of the Nutcracker, and is going on tour in January, but the ballet troupe will be returning home to Chicago in February, performing both classical and modern works.
Pictured: Lou Conte’s Olumuyiaw Ojo
Thanks, Amy!