RECOMMENDED
Running five weeks and spanning twenty-six performances across ten programs and various genres including hip-hop, ballet, tap, contemporary, jazz and international styles, Dance Chicago is now in its twelfth season showcasing both new talent and established troupes—more than 2,500 artists in all—all seeking to spotlight innovative choreography. This opening weekend of this mammoth festival includes several premieres that will be performed on both programs featuring Cerqua/Rivera Dance Theatre, Chicago Dance Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago and Thodos Dance Chicago. Other troupes performing include Madd Rhythms, Culture Shock Chicago and Trinity Irish Dance Company. (Dennis Polkow)
Sat/8pm, Sun/3pm. Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport; (773)935-6860. $5-$30.