Salsa, rumba, or waltz your way into spring during the seventh annual Chicago Dance Month. Through the entire month of April, an array of cultural organizations will host an eclectic schedule of performances, workshops, and discussions all over the city. The month-long celebration will include over 70 events, including free and discounted options. Here’s a preview of a few can’t-miss upcoming events:
Chicago Dance Month kick-off celebration
Start the month off at the official Chicago Dance Month Kick-off Celebration at the Chicago Cultural Center. Enjoy a free showcase of seven different dance troupes including Vershawn Sander Ward of Red Clay Dance, Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, Dancing Petals, Duncan Dance Chicago, Joel Hall Dancers, and South Chicago Dance Theatre. April 1, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., free
Afro-Brazilian Samba with Dill Costa
Learn the dramatic choreography of Brazilian Samba during this interactive workshopat Old Town School. Dill Costa will teach samba footwork, body placement, and rhythmic movement to students with previous dance experience. April 5, 10:30 a.m., Old Town School, 4545 N. Lincoln Ave., $25
Stomping Grounds
This thrilling series celebrates rhythmic dance companies representing an assortment of cultures, including African, Indian, Mexican, and Irish. The featured companies will perform free, weekly shows at a variety of venues across Chicago neighborhoods, including Garfield Park Conservatory, Beverly Arts Center, National Museum of Mexican Art, DuSable Museum of African American History, and more. April 3, April 13, April 27, various locations, free or $5 for reserved seats
History In The Making: An Archival Collaboration Between Chicago Dance History Project and Joel Hall Dancers & Center
What does it take to create a living dance archive? Thisfascinating discussion between leaders of the Chicago Dance History Project and Joel Hall Dancers & Center will explore their joint efforts to curate and digitize Joel Hall Dancers Legacy Archive. Learn about their creative process and see some of the archive’s artifacts. April 20, 6 p.m., Joel Hall Dancers & Center, 5965 N. Clark, free
American Ballet Theatre — Whipped Cream
Dance, theater, and visual arts come together for the Chicago premiere of Alexei Ratmanky’s whimsical Whipped Cream. The tale of a boy who enjoys too many sweets topped with whipped cream at a candy shop, comes to life as marzipan archers, gingerbread men, and sugar plums transform into their own sweet world. With a rarely heard 1924 score by Richard Strauss, Whipped Cream is a must-see performance by the American Ballet Theatre at the Auditorium Theater. April 11 – 14, Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, tickets from $44
Chicago Dance Month 2019 scavenger hunt
Head to the scenic Chicago Riverwalk to hunt for free dance performances that progress along the waterfront. The event will feature performances by Culture Shock Chicago, Ballet 5:8, J. Lindsay Brown Dance, Winifred Haun & Dancers, Movement Revolution Dance Crew, Mordine & Company, and Praize Productions to wrap up Chicago Dance Month. April 30, 4:30 – 6 p.m., Chicago Riverwalk, 11 W. Riverwalk, free
