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Be A Part Of Chicago Dancing Festival

By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 12, 2012 3:20PM

2012_7_11_cdf logo.jpg If you’ve ever wanted to perform on the Pritzker Pavilion or Harris Theatre stage, here’s your chance. Chicago Dancing Festival is holding what they’re calling an “open casting call” for Boléro Chicago, their first ever community-based work. Take note: these are not auditions, and you don’t need to have any previous dance experience to participate.

Up to 100 community members will share the stage with three trained dancers in choreographer Larry Keigwin’s interpretation of the iconic ballet, set to the original Maurice Ravel score. The aim is to capture the inherent movement of Chicago’s diverse population. It’s a great opportunity to be part of the inner workings of a major dance production, from residency to dress rehearsal to stage. The only hook is that you will need to be available for rehearsals and (obviously) for the two performances that will take place at the festival’s opening program at Harris Theater on Aug. 20, and the grand finale program at Pritzker Pavilion on Aug. 25. Community meetings where you can learn more about requirements and sign up will be held this weekend across the city (details below). Attendees are encouraged to RSVP at info@chicagodancingfestival.com (and will also be entered to win two VIP tickets to a CDF performance).

For those more comfortable as spectators, don’t forget that tickets for certain indoor Chicago Dancing Festival events (including the opening program), although still free, become available next Tuesday, July 17. Only three performances require tickets, but they tend to “sell out” fast, so act quickly. Tickets will be released in a staggered format, so check CDF’s website for details on what day each becomes available.


Boléro Chicago community meetings:


  • Friday, July 13, 4:30 pm at The Dance Center of Columbia College, 1306 S. Michigan Avenue

  • Saturday, July 14, 11 am at the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th Street

  • Saturday, July 14, 2 pm at PINT, 1547 N. Milwaukee Avenue

  • Sunday, July 15, 2 pm at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 N. 111th Street