Preview: In This Place/Elements Contemporary Ballet

RECOMMENDED

Watching willowy stems en pointe in Chicago usually means a journey downtown, into the cavernous golden belly of the Auditorium Theatre and the attendant pomp associated with classical dance (including a sizeable ticket price for the sweet seats). Among the few exceptions are performances by Elements Contemporary Ballet, the young Evanston-based company that presents new dance works in the classical vein with impressive technicality and grace. For the next two weekends, the eleven-member company presents an evening-length program in the intimate Ruth Page Center, including a new work by artistic director Mike Gosney and a company premiere by guest choreographer James Gregg from the innovative and sexy BJM Danse Montreal. (Sharon Hoyer)

At the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn (312)337-6543. April 9-10 and 16-17 at 8pm. $20-25.

Complementary Opposites: A Preview of "Serenade" and "Of Mice and Men" by the Joffrey Ballet “Both [ballets] are trying to deal with a particular time: One by healing with the beauty of dance, the other by trying to create empathy for beaten-down humanity. Right now, we’re facing some of the same issues, such as huge migrations from the workplace. Steinbeck shone a light on his time, and I hope we’re able to do the same.”
Ballet Out of the Box: A Preview of "TEN: Celebrating ten years of CRB" at the Athenaeum Chicago Repertory Ballet celebrates their anniversary with some traditional ballet mixed with a contemporary ballet aesthetic.
The Mind is its Own Place: A Review of “Hand to God” at the Paramount Theatre “Hand to God” is a deeply funny, foul-mouthed play about grief and the necessity of devils.
Telling Truthful Stories: Ballet 5:8 Turns Ten The program, choreographed by artistic director Julianna Rubio Slager, is heavily inspired by figures in literature and art.
What Do Your Ghosts Want? A Review of “The Magnolia Ballet” at About Face Theatre Rarely do you get such rich storytelling in just over ninety minutes.
Whole and Connected: The Joffrey Ballet presents Justin Peck's "The Times Are Racing" Youth culture is at the heart of Peck’s ballet, which is danced in sneakers and streetwear to the second half of electronic musician Dan Deacon’s “America” album.

Related Stories