Dance Chicago “Dances from the Heart”

By Wes Hessel with Beth Tomas

Dance Chicago presented a early Valentine’s referential theme in “Dances from the Heart” at the Athenaeum Center Saturday, January 24th. Multiple groups of youth-based ensembles presented numerous forms of movement, from an excellent solo tap (the one older adult performer in the lineup) to Irish, ballet, jazz, (more) tap, and other interpretive forms of dance.

So many talented participants, with some particular standouts – an ensemble performance to Talking Heads’ “Once In a Lifetime” was well done, from the multi-layered choreography down to the water-representing blue costumes. A beautiful interpretive segment opened the second act, with two women demonstrating a deep love for each other, dancing to ethereal music. Another group performed very well to “Ave Maria” – this use of music unexpected for the type of movement was interesting.

The Irish troupe performed three times – the second selection was performed to “old-timey” country music, and the third was done with music from Celtic Thunder, in a style reminiscent of “Riverdance”. Dance Chicago is known for their embracing and encouraging a wide range of movement forms – to learn more, please see their website www.dancechicago.com; for upcoming dance and other great cultural programs, go to www.AthenaeumCenter.org. 

Category: Uncategorized