Categories: Chicago Dance
Chicago Dance: International Dance
Author: Sarah DiGiulio
Chicago is serving up dance from across the globe. See flamenco dance, Afro-Caribbean dance, Indian dance, Asian dance, Brazilian dance and much more. Many companies focus on keeping a culture alive through their art. That means exciting and unique performances, some traditional and some contemporary, but each with a flair of foreign influence.
Long, red-ruffled skirts, dark lighting and energetic flamenco dance highlights an Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater performance. The company resides at Northeastern Illinois University. Traditional flamenco, classical, and Spanish folk dance are their specialty. More than just dance, an Ensemble Espanol performance is about sharing the whole Spanish culture. In addition to its dancers, the company also performs with flamenco musicians, classical musicians, and orchestra ensembles.
The company performs at the American Spanish Dance Festival every summer in late June. They also perform at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago several times each year and other events locally. To forward their mission of sharing the traditional Spanish culture, the company performs many educational and collaborative events.
The less traditional Luna Negra Dance Theater blends the ballet and contemporary dance of Latino choreographers into performances that are heavy on Latino and Afro-Caribbean flavor. The company uses Latino composers, musicians, and visual designers to construct dance with lots of texture. The company performs a full concert each fall in Chicago, as well as smaller performances throughout the year. When they are not in the Windy City, the company is touring nationally and internationally.
Muntu Dance Theater of Chicago tells the story of African people, from ancient times to an era of enslavement to settlement in 19th century New Orleans. Muntu's dance promises lots of percussion, energy, and authentic costumes. The company preserves traditional African dance and music, but also creates new works by building on those traditions. The company holds a spring and fall concert as well as other local performances throughout the year. They have performed at Navy Pier, Ravinia Festival, and Millennium Park. Tours are held nationally and internationally; they hold community arts programs; and they teach classes for all levels.
Brightly colored costumes and precise hand gestures mark Kalapriya Dance, a company devoted to the ancient form of Asian Indian dance, Bharatanatyam. Complex footwork and lots of quick rhythms make this style of dance unique. Their mission is to preserve their cultural form of dance. They also participate in collaborative, culture-sharing events and are continually evolving. They perform at several local events and participates in community outreach events.
For more Indian-inspired dance, check out Natya Dance Theatre. Other companies performing African styles of dance include Najwa Dance Corps and DanceAfrica Chicago. Gingarte Capoeira Chicago specializes in Brazilian dance. And the Mexican Dance Ensemble keeps Mexican folk dancing alive.
Check out places of interest near Chicago Dance: International Dance:
Chicago Dance
415 W. Huron St.,
Chicago, IL 60654
This general purpose Chicago dance school takes beginners and turns them into competent foxtrotters, waltzers, etc. Classes are fun to take and instructors are open and easy.
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.
