Categories: Chicago Dance
Chicago Dance: Jazz
Author: Sarah DiGiulio
With its high energy and strong rhythms, jazz dance keeps everyone entertained. Chicago jazz dancers are pushing the limits on this type of dance; it's becoming increasingly contemporary. These companies are looking forward, but traditional jazz dance is their specialty.
Fifteen years ago, naming a handful of traditional jazz companies in Chicago may have been easy. But, today, jazz dance all over Chicago is more and more contemporary. In their effort to move forward and stay interesting, Chicago jazz companies are pushing the limits of jazz dance into contemporary territory, according to dancers across the city.
As companies experiment with the new and the fresh, they blur the lines between jazz and contemporary dance, says Frank Chaves, artistic director of River North Chicago Dance Company. The company began under the designation of a jazz company in 1989, but today even Chaves has difficulty calling the company's style one or the other.
Of all the styles of dance, jazz is user-friendly for all ages and experience levels. Jazz brings the audience on stage to feel what the dancers are feeling, Chaves says.
But, if an audience wants to see jazz dance, a River North concert will have it, Chaves assures. He calls the company's repertoire eclectic. He wants to explore new types of dance to keep the mix new, but he is careful to never let the company stray from its jazz roots. "What we've still kept from jazz is that entertainment value," he says. "You don't just see it, you feel it."
River North concerts includes several short pieces to allow lots of variety. Audiences will feel the complete spectrum of human emotions in a single evening--but don't worry, he likes to end on a happy note. The shows should leave people feeling joyful and exhilirated--between the quality of dance, costumes, and lighting, it's about the whole package, Chaves says. He tries to use familiar music that people like. "And if you don't know it, you're bound to love it," he says. By the end people want to get up and dance.
Another mainstay of jazz dance in Chicago is Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago. True to its original mission of preserving the art of jazz dance, Gus Giordano keeps the traditional style alive and kicking. For more than 45 years the company has brought the energy of jazz dance to Chicago stages. Claiming the title of Chicago's original jazz company and entertaining audiences around the world year after year, Giordano constantly pushes the boundaries of jazz dance.
Expect traditional high-energy jazz dance and lots of new movement. Gus Giordano performs in the Chicago-land area, nationally and internationally. Look for lots of concerts throughout the fall, winter, and spring. The company's school of dance, located just outside of Chicago in Evanston, offers classes at recreational and professional levels for all ages over 13.
For a different kind of jazz, the Jump Rhythm Jazz Project is the company that lets the rhythm speak. Dancers sing and dance to the strong beats of syncopated music to perform a show that is all energy. The company hosts full performances in the fall and spring on tour. And the best way to get to know the company in Chicago is to take a class. The company hosts a summer intensive for dancers with experience and one-day workshops for beginners.
Check out places of interest near Chicago Dance: Jazz:
Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater
5500 N. St. Louis Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60625
Get ready for some Spanish flair in Chicago. From folk dancing to flamenco, Ensemble Espanol presents traditional Spanish dance.
Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago
614 Davis Street,
Evanston, IL 60201
Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago is one of Chicago's first jazz companies. Performances include the newest in jazz dance.
Luna Negra Dance Theater
1016 N Dearborn Pkwy.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Chicago's Luna Negra Dance Theater creates, performs and teaches contemporary dancy by Latino choreographers.
Mordine & Company Dance Theater
1016 N. Dearborn St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Mordine & Company Dance Theater is one of Chicago's oldest contemporary dance companies--they have been on the Chicago dance scene for almost 40 years. But, their dance is fresh and moving forward.
Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago
7127 South Ellis Avenue, Suite 2,
Chicago, IL 60619
For all types of African dance, see Chicago's Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago. From ancient tribal dance to new interpretations of African classics, this company is both cultural and energetic.
River North Chicago Dance Company
1016 N. Dearborn,
Chicago, IL 60610
River North Chicago Dance Company is Chicago jazz dance. It's fresh, but still has the energy and entertainment that defines jazz dance.
Thodos Dance Chicago
811 West Evergreen, Suite 301,
Chicago, IL 60622
This contemporary Chicago dance company promises bold movement with every performance. Their style is exciting and unique.
