By Guest Blogger Eloise Marie Valadez
Inspiring and energetic dance works are in the spotlight at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art.
The 15th annual “Winning Works” program presented by The Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet runs through March 23 at the museum’s Edlis Neeson Theater. The program showcases the dances of artists who submitted their works in the annual choreographic competition which spotlights ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab and Native American) artists.
Five world premieres star on the program which features dancers from the Joffrey Studio Company, Joffrey Ballet Conservatory and trainees. The works presented are surely standouts. All five are creative, innovative and are performed by skilled young artists.
The works that star on the show roster are “Lusi” by Alejandro Perez; “Jive Five” by Shota Miyoshi; “Bereshit” by Karley Childress; “Soulcry” by Roderick George; and “Seachange” by Keelan Whitmore. Each work is choreographed to special musical pieces by composers who worked specifically with the choreographers.
Prior to each work being performed, video clips of interviews with each choreographer and dancers who perform the works provide a good background for understanding each dance. This show definitely proves there are a great number of up-and-coming choreographers emerging on the scene today.
FYI: “Winning Works” runs through March 23 at The Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. Visit joffrey.org.
