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River North Dance Chicago
River North Dance Chicago
Date Posted: April 04 2011
Written By: Chicago Jazz
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RIVER NORTH DANCE CHICAGO MAKES AUDITORIUM THEATRE OF ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY DEBUT WITH THE WORLD PREMIERE OF “SIMPLY MILES, SIMPLY US” SET TO ORIGINAL RECORDINGS BY MILES DAVIS
Four-Movement Piece Marks the First Time the Auditorium Theatre has Commissioned a New Work
Featuring Music Spanning Davis’s Career, Premiere to be Presented April 16 at the Auditorium Theatre as Part of On-Going Miles Davis Festival
CHICAGO — Frank Chaves, artistic director of River North Dance Chicago (RNDC) is creating a new work entitled “Simply Miles, Simply Us” set to original Miles Davis recordings,which will receive its world premiere Saturday, April 16 at 8 p.m. at The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (ATRU). Co-commissioned by The Auditoriumand the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts at Michigan State University (East Lansing, Mich.), the new piece is being presented as part of the Auditorium Theatre’s ongoing Miles Davis Festival, produced by ATRU and launched in January of this year with 19 performances city-wide in celebration of the 85th anniversary of Illinois native Miles Davis’ birth. Tickets are now on sale, available at www.ticketmaster.com/auditorium or by calling (800) 982-2787 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (800) 982-2787 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (800) 982-2787 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
“We are thrilled and proud that for The Auditorium Theatre’s first commission, we are able to combine the talents of world-class Illinois artists: River North Dance Chicago and the legendary Miles Davis. This blending of River North’s modern sensibility and Davis’s classic jazz will surely be a highlight of dance in 2011,” said Brett Batterson, executive director of The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. “Simultaneously supporting and honoring our local talents represents the best kind of collaboration that Chicago or, for that matter, any city, can bring to its arts community.”
“Simply Miles, Simply Us” is a four movement suite of dances choreographed to enhance visually the fluidity, technical brilliance and storytelling ability of Miles Davis’ body of work. The music includes some of Davies’ most groundbreaking pieces including “So What;”“Blue In Green”from the legendary 1959 album “Kind of Blue;” “Half Nelson”from the album “Workin' With The Miles Davis Quintet;”and an excerpt from “Bitches Brew,”the title track of the 1970 double album. The piece is conceived, directed and choreographed by RNDC Artistic Director Frank Chaves; company members Christian Denice and Ricky Ruiz serve as assistant choreographers. This work was also made possible by contributions to RNDC by William D. & Orli Staley/Bill & Orli Staley Foundation, Scott Hughes, and ReedSmith LLP.
“We are excited about this commission from our friends at The Auditorium and are thrilled to be making our debut on this legendary stage,” said Chaves. “By joining the other wonderful companies that are part of the Auditorium’s International Dance Series, we are hoping to continue to introduce our work to new audiences,” added Executive Director Gail Kalver.
Also on the program for RNDC’s one-night-only debut engagement at ATRU is “Evolution of a Dream” choreographed by Sherry Zunker; “Beat” by Ashley Roland; “Sentir em Nós (Even for Us)” by Chaves; “Train” choreographed by Robert Battle, who was recently named artistic director designate of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; “At Last” (excerpt from “Mission”) by Chaves; and “Habaneras, the Music of Cuba” by Chaves.
Founded in 1989 by four visionary dancers/choreographers River North Dance Chicago has established itself as one of Chicago’s leading dance companies, receiving critical acclaim both on a national and international level. Under the direction of Artistic Director Frank Chaves, the jazz-based contemporary company embodies a true flavor of “Americana” in its dynamic repertoire.
From Frank Chaves to the dancers whose artistry and talent have mesmerized a nation, River North Dance Chicago brings a bold standard of excellence to the cultural landscape of many communities. RNDC is recognized for its highly skilled and emotive dancers, stimulating music and bold and commanding choreography.
RNDC’s performance at ATRU is part of the Miles Davis Festival, an ambitious celebration from January – April 2011 that ATRU is producing in partnership with Chicagolandjazz clubs and cultural institutions. Other key festival events include “Sketches of Blue: An Orbert Davis Tribute to Miles” April 14 at 7:30 p.m. and “Vivid,” Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) free annual student concert, Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit milesdavisfest.org.
Single tickets for this special evening are now on sale and range in price from $30 - $69. They can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster (800) 982-2787 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (800) 982-2787 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, by visiting ticketmaster.com/auditorium or in person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office at 50 East Congress Parkway.
Festival Sponsors
The Miles Davis Festival is made possible through the generous support of The Chicago Community Trust, The Boeing Company, The Joyce Foundation and the Chicago Jazz Partnership.
About The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University
The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, located at 50 E. Congress Parkway, is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural and community programming to Chicago, and to the continued restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre. The Auditorium Theatre is generously supported by the Illinois Arts Council, CityArts, American Airlines and the Palmer House Hilton. For more information about programming, volunteer and donor opportunities or theater tours, call (312) 922-2110 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (312) 922-2110 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit auditoriumtheatre.org.
About River North Dance Chicago
River North Dance Chicago’s vision is dedicated to the creative advancement, presentation and preservation of jazz-based contemporary dance regionally, nationally and internationally.
It produces, promotes and presents dance; makes vital connections between dancers and audience; creates partnerships and collaborations; assists in the professional development of dancers, choreographers and dance professionals; participates in cultural programming and advocates dance and dance education.
Its tremendous growth in popularity has catapulted it from a local dance "group" to the status of one of the country's most dynamic, nationally recognized professional companies. Each season, the Company brings energetic, marvelously trained performers and a gutsy, entertaining repertoire to thousands of new fans.
The works demonstrate depth and sophistication, yet what remains constant is the commitment to creating an accessible, enriching experience for audiences comprised of seasoned dance patrons as well as those having their first encounter with concert dance.
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