Fall Dance Events in Chicago Offer Diverse Performances and Premieres

The Dilemma of Choosing Between Joffrey Ballet and Trisha Brown

On September 17, Chicago offers two remarkable dance events. The opening night of Joffrey Ballet’s Liliom, a ballet inspired by the French play leading to the musical Carousel, takes place at the Lyric Opera House. Simultaneously, the Harris Theater hosts Dancing with Bob, featuring performances by Trisha Brown’s troupe, with choreography by Brown and Merce Cunningham.

Bob Eisen and the 3320 Dance Series

In the fall, Bob Eisen, co-founder of the experimental dance incubator Links Hall, participates in the 3320 Dance Series. On the cusp of his 80th birthday, Eisen performs a duet exploring the aging body, contributing to Chicago’s rich dance offerings.

Brendan Fernandes’ ‘In the Round’ at Murphy Auditorium

Dance returns to the Murphy Auditorium, part of the Driehaus Museum’s holdings, with Brendan Fernandes’ In the Round. The dance and visual art installation is inspired by New York’s Judson Dance Theater. Open rehearsals, workshops, and performances run September 16 to November 14.

The Inspiration Behind ‘Liliom’

John Neumeier’s Liliom, set in a Depression-era amusement park, is performed by the Joffrey Ballet. The ballet draws from Ferenc Molnar’s 1909 play, inspiring the musical Carousel.

The Revival of Iconic Collaborations in ‘Dancing with Bob’

Celebrating collaborations with visual artist Bob Rauschenberg, Dancing with Bob highlights Brown’s 1983 Set and Reset and Cunningham’s 1977 Travelogue, featuring music by John Cage.

Exploring Technology in ‘Protected by Invisible Fence’

Ginger Krebs explores the impact of technology on human actions in Protected by Invisible Fence. The performance, taking place at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, delves into the relationship between humans and technology.

M.A.D.D. Rhythms Celebrates 25 Years

The Chicago Tap Summit marks M.A.D.D. Rhythms’ anniversary, showcasing workshops and premieres by co-founders Bril Barrett and Martin “Tre” Dumas III. The event emphasizes tap dance’s legacy and innovation.

Ballet Hispanico’s Midwest Tour Featuring ‘Carmen.maquia’

Gustavo Ramirez Sansano’s modern interpretation of Carmen.maquia returns with Ballet Hispanico’s tour, reviving a work once belonging to Chicago’s Luna Negra Dance Theater.

Auditorium Theatre Welcomes Dance Theatre of Harlem and Ballets Jazz Montréal

The Auditorium’s celebration of North American dance assembles iconic performances, including Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Firebird and Ballets Jazz Montréal’s Leonard Cohen-inspired evening.

Giordano Dance Chicago Presents a Sizzling Season Opener

Giordano Dance Chicago revisits works from the previous year, including Al Blackstone’s sailor-themed piece. The tour celebrates a host of jazz dance performances.

Fernando Magadan’s New Work with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

Fernando Magadan, after leaving Netherlands Dans Theatre, crafts a new piece for Hubbard Street, joined by Linda Haberman and Aszure Barton for multiple premieres at Steppenwolf Theatre Company.