Nine Dance Companies in One Incredible Night at Ravinia Sept. 7
For over a century, Black dance has been a vital artistic force in Chicago. From traditional African dance to contemporary choreography, modern jazz to hip-hop ballet, Black dance in Chicago encapsulates a broad spectrum of artistic expression rooted in the Black experience.
The Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project celebrates the national impact of Black dance in the performing arts and addresses the historical inequities in arts funding by providing critical financial and operational support to local Black dance makers. This performance—as part of the Ruth Page Festival of Dance at Ravinia, with a nod to the elegance, artistry, and creative daring of its namesake—showcases original choreography from nine diverse dance companies.
In Metamorphosis, nine powerhouse companies come together in an evening celebrating change and innovation. Featuring varied dance forms—from Afro-fusion to jazz, from tap to Chicago’s own footwork and more—the show intertwines technology and movement steeped in Black tradition to tell a story of evolution and rebirth.
The companies performing include The Chicago Multicultural Dance Company, Deeply Rooted Dance, Forward Momentum Chicago, Joel Hall Dancers & Center, M.A.D.D. Rhythms, Move Me Soul, NAJWA Dance Corps, Praize Productions, and The Era Footwork Collective.
Photo acknowledgments:
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater for the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project; Photo taken at 150 Media Stream, artwork: Southside Sunday Morning by Bisa Butler, photo: Margaret Fox, courtesy The Art Institute of Chicago; © Matt Karas
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater for CBDLP; Photo: Matt Karas
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater; Photo: Philip Dembinski
