Your Dose of Dance

By Amy Mikel in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 11, 2008 8:10PM

Next week, there are some great opportunities to watch free dance performances, ranging from international superstars in dance and choreography to some of Chicago’s emerging local talent.

20th Century Masters
August 18th, 7:30 p.m., Harris Theater for Music and Dance, free

Part of the 2008 Chicago Dancing Festival, this program showcases works from five renowned contemporary choreographers, including Balanchine and Martha Graham. Although tickets were snapped up immediately as soon as the show was announced, we were told to call Harris Theater today in order to get on the waiting list.

Dancing in the Park
August 18 and 20th, 4:00-6:00 p.m., throughout Millennium Park, free

Here is a chance to catch several of Chicago’s smaller dance companies, all clustered in one location. The short program allows for each of six unique troupes to perform for a fifteen minute segment, and is an excellent way to compare and contrast how each approaches the art of movement within the realm of contemporary, hip hop, flamenco, and aerial dance.

A Celebration of American Dance
August 20th, 7:30 p.m., Pritzker Pavilion, free

A repeat of last year’s Chicago Dancing Festival at Pritzker, where an audience of 8,500 people were treated to a performance of some of the country’s most esteemed dance companies. Open to anyone and everyone, so arrive early if you want to get even a remotely good seat. Watch a video about last year's event after the jump.

Image via Chicago Dancing Festival