Displaying items by tag: contemporary choreographers
Well This Is New: The Joffrey Ballet presents Contemporary Choreographers
Contemporary dance is an art form like any other. As a style of dance it is much more of a philosophy than a strict technique like, say, traditional ballet or modern. Rather, it draws inspiration from both techniques and creates an entirely different experience for the audience. Much like art, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Whether you are a fan of contemporary dance or not, you should take the time away from the bitter winter cold and venture into the Auditorium Theatre to experience The Joffrey Ballet’s presentation of Contemporary Choreographers.
Like many of the contemporary showcases performed by The Joffrey, Contemporary Choreographers is split into three productions: Crossing Ashland, Continuum, and Episode 31. Let’s quickly cover off on some highlights; Episode 31, the final performance in the series choreographed by Alexander Ekman, is actually quite fun. It can adequately be described as a dramatic playground, bringing a youthful approach to dance with a touch of humor; no seriously, people were laughing along to the performances.
The second performance in the series is Continuum, choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon. This was the least entertaining performance for me; I would equate the performance as a whole as looking a blank white canvas in an art museum with a title like “Block 39.” To many, they would draw a profound and ethereal message from the blank white canvas, while others might see just a white canvas, blank and without meaning. Many of those in the audience gave Continuum a standing ovation, but to me the performance lacked a story and with it a reason to enjoy and watch it. Then again, it followed one of the best contemporary pieces I would safely say is the most enjoyable contemporary performance I’ve ever seen, so I am slightest biased.
Throughout the opening piece called Crossing Ashland, choreographed by Brock Clawson, dancers in streets clothes created the vision of pedestrians passing each other on the street, walking briskly back and forth across the stage. These stoics in street clothes turned expressive when they stripped away their outer layers of clothing and exposed the vulnerability of their inner selves. Crossing, the dancers showed us what we look like; dancing, they showed us the enormity of what we feel. The performances’ emotions were palpable to the audience and after each dancer took the stage you begged them to say longer. The dancers themselves were drop-dead, makes-you-want-to-go-workout, idol-worthy specimens, each and every muscle working to show their emotions. In lament terms, they were hot.
So what makes Crossing Ashland special? It’s the fact that the dance is so relatable, so understandable to the audience; two people pass on the street, their hands touching slightly, longingly, but then they part. So much is said in those moments without saying a word, and when two dancers portraying their emotions take the stage and perform a deeply passionate interpretation of breaking-up and making-up, you are captivated. Crossing Ashland could easily be made into a full length production and take the stage for a full two hours and no one would be bored. And more importantly, it could introduce an entirely new generation to contemporary choreography that isn’t limited to what one sees on televised dance shows or in the movies.
So cross Wabash Avenue and make your way to the Auditorium Theatre to see Contemporary Choreographers. The show runs through February 23rd. It is a breath of fresh air to a modern style of dance that will hopefully leave you breathless.
The Real Crime Would Be To Miss This: Crime and Punishment at TUTA Theatre
11 May 2026 in Upcoming TheatreReal Chicagoans don’t gatekeep hidden gems. Whether it’s hidden bars behind laundromats, the best Billy Goat location (under Mag Mile),…
Satire With a Sword: City Lit’s Spirited New Musical 'Scaramouche'
11 May 2026 in Theatre in ReviewCity Lit Theatre is currently bringing the swordplay world of Scaramouche to vivid life, offering audiences a rare chance to…
Fallin’ to Pieces over “Always…Patsy Cline” at American Blues Theater
10 May 2026 in Theatre in ReviewOver the years, I’ve seen a lot of theater and a lot of musical performances. And because of that, people…
Paramount's Lush and Spectacular South Pacific Brings Island Love to Life!
10 May 2026 in Theatre in ReviewRogers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific has long been one of my favorite musicals, not just for its sweeping romance and…
A Night of Honesty and Humor: Isabel Klee Talks Dogs, Boys, and Growing Up
10 May 2026 in BCS SpotlightSuccessful storytelling – the kind that makes you laugh, cry, feel empathy, and, most importantly, inspires you to get involved…
Chicago Danztheatre's Architecture of Memory Turns Personal Reflection Into Collective Catharsis
09 May 2026 in Dance in ReviewAt first glance, the performance space for Architecture of Memory feels less like a theater and more like a living…
32C This Weekend: Three Wildly Different Shows, All Worth the Trip
07 May 2026 in Now PlayingA strong Chicago theatre weekend starts with choosing your flavor, and this one offers a full flight. Whether you’re in…
Citadel Theatre announces a mix of classics and 21st Century works for its 2026–27 mainstage season
07 May 2026 in Upcoming TheatreLake Forest's Citadel Theatre has announced its 2026-27 mainstage season, which will include two favorites and two acclaimed recent pieces…
Promethean Theatre Ensemble to stage modern dress adaptation of Anouilh's ANTIGONE at The Den, May 31 – June 28
06 May 2026 in Upcoming TheatrePromethean Theatre Ensemble has announced it will perform the Lewis Galantiere adaptation of Jean Anouilh's ANTIGONE, from May 31 through…
CHICAGO TAP THEATRE PRESENTS SATURN RETURNS, JUNE 11 - 14 AT THE EDGE THEATER
06 May 2026 in Upcoming DanceChicago Tap Theatre (CTT) presents Saturn Returns, directed by Molly Smith and music directed by Anaiet Soul, June 11-14 at The Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway Ave.…
Chicago's Favorite Kids Show Returns This Summer The Second City's No Grown-Ups Allowed Starts June 6
04 May 2026 in Upcoming TheatreYour favorite kids show is back! The Second City is excited to welcome the return of its wildly popular summer…
Asgard Amplified: Loki’s Rock Revolution at Lifeline
04 May 2026 in Theatre in ReviewGet ready for a cosmic comedy of gods, monsters, and mayhem that refuses to play by the old rules. That’s…
Rom‑Com Spark and ’80s Verve Light Up Metropolis’ Wedding Singer
03 May 2026 in Theatre in ReviewThe Wedding Singer is currently onstage at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights, offering a faithful and upbeat interpretation…
E. Faye Butler directs stellar Chicago cast in comedy Nunsense this summer at Drury Lane
01 May 2026 in Upcoming TheatreDrury Lane Theatre continues its 2026/2027 season with the divine extravaganza Nunsense, featuring book, music and lyrics by David Goggin, directed by E. Faye…
Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces North American Premiere production of Brokeback Mountain
01 May 2026 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces the cast and creative team for Brokeback Mountain, the North American premiere production of Ashley Robinson's adaptation of the…
THE NOTEBOOK WILL PLAY BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S JAMES M. NEDERLANDER THEATRE AUGUST 4 - 16
30 April 2026 in Upcoming TheatreProducers Kevin McCollum and Kurt Deutsch, along with Broadway In Chicago are thrilled to announce that single tickets for THE NOTEBOOK,…
YI Love Jewish and Arts Judaica Announce Chicago Premiere of A PEOPLE at Theater Wit June 18 – July 5
30 April 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThe South Florida based YI Love Jewish and Chicago-based Arts Judaica proudly join forces to present a limited engagement of the Chicago…
BTE marks 40 years with new season: 'Little Women," "Dial M for Murder" and “One Man, Two Guvnors”
30 April 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBuffalo Theatre Ensemble (BTE), the professional Equity theater company in residence at the McAninch Arts Center (MAC), announced it will…
Eclectic Full Contact Theatre's The Red Lion - Bramble Arts Loft - Through May 16th
29 April 2026 in Now PlayingEclectic Full Contact Theatre is proud to announce the cast and crew for their final show of season 14, THE…
Free Metra rides for all Broadway In Chicago Shows all summer
29 April 2026 in Theatre BuzzBroadway In Chicago and Metra are pleased to announce a new promotion featuring nine shows coming to Chicago this summer: CHICAGO THE MUSICAL, LES MISÉRABLES, SPAMALOT, KINKY…
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater 50th Anniversary Celebration
29 April 2026 in Upcoming DanceThe world‑renowned Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, in residence at Northeastern Illinois University, brings the passionate, expressive rhythms of Spain…
Alone Together: Three Guys Fishing for Love in Stellar 'Eelpout!'
28 April 2026 in Theatre in ReviewShattered Globe’s world premiere of the delightful comedy “Eelpout!” delivers its punches with deceivingly understated skillfulness. Written by Paul W.…
Steppenwolf Theatre Announces LookOut Series' 10th Anniversary Season
28 April 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf's LookOut Series is proud to unveil its lineup for Summer 2026, marking ten years of steadfast dedication to Chicago performing artists…
Marriott Theatre to present LET'S HANG ON: A ROCK 'N SOUL PARTY June 1 and 2
28 April 2026 in Upcoming TheatreFour favorite singers of past Marriott Theatre concerts will unite on Monday, June 1 and Tuesday, June 2 for LET'S…
Review: The Movement You Need: An Evening with Brendan Hunt at Steppenwolf Theatre
28 April 2026 in Theatre in ReviewA show somewhere between a play, standup act, memoir, and PowerPoint presentation. A show so chaotic you think it could…
GEE'S BEND, playing May 23 – June 7 at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in the Noyes Cultural Arts Center
27 April 2026 in Upcoming TheatreFleetwood-Jourdain Theatre today announced full casting and production team for its season-opening production of GEE'S BEND, the 2008 play by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder, to…
BrightSide Theatre presents THE PRODUCERS, June 12 – 28, 2026
27 April 2026 in Upcoming TheatreConcluding BrightSide's 14th season will be THE PRODUCERS, the longest running Broadway musical comedy ever and the winner of 12 Tony…
Joffrey Ballet presents Chicago Premiere of Yuri Possokhov's EUGENE ONEGIN, June 4th-14th
27 April 2026 in Upcoming DanceThe Joffrey Ballet concludes its 2025-26 season with the highly anticipated Chicago Premiere of Yuri Possokhov’s Eugene Onegin, a richly layered and deeply human…
A Final Bow: Chicago Theatre Mourns Matt DeCaro
25 April 2026 in Theatre BuzzThe Chicago theater community is grappling with the sudden loss of Matt DeCaro, whose death early Saturday came as a…
Latest Articles
-
The Real Crime Would Be To Miss This: Crime and Punishment at TUTA Theatre
Written by Kendall RoyzenReal Chicagoans don’t gatekeep hidden gems. Whether it’s hidden bars behind laundromats, the best Billy Goat location (under Mag Mile), the best desserts or street tacos, the best place to catch a local game (insert season + sport), or a… -
Satire With a Sword: City Lit’s Spirited New Musical 'Scaramouche'
Written by Ken PayneCity Lit Theatre is currently bringing the swordplay world of Scaramouche to vivid life, offering audiences a rare chance to experience this spirited tale of wit, rebellion, and theatrical daring onstage. With its blend of political intrigue, romance, and commedia‑dell’arte… -
Chicago Danztheatre's Architecture of Memory Turns Personal Reflection Into Collective Catharsis
Written by Wesley DavidAt first glance, the performance space for Architecture of Memory feels less like a theater and more like a living museum of human experience. Before a single performer moves, the audience is invited into an art installation featuring the work… -
Paramount's Lush and Spectacular South Pacific Brings Island Love to Life!
Written by Kimberly KatzRogers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific has long been one of my favorite musicals, not just for its sweeping romance and unforgettable score, but for the way it tackles big ideas with such touching honesty. Set on a remote island during…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.