Untitled

!
“This is one sleek, confident, athletic, daring, versatile company.”
-Chicago Sun-Times
VISION
River North Dance Chicago is dedicated to the creative advancement, presentation and preservation of jazz-based
contemporary dance regionally, nationally and internationally.
MISSION
River North Dance Chicago produces, promotes and presents dance, makes vital connections between dancers
and the audience, creates partnerships and collaborations, assists in the professional development of dancers and
choreographers, participates in cultural programming and advocates for dance and dance education.
HISTORY
Celebrated for creating vital connections between dancer
and audience as well as presenting gutsy and entertaining
repertoire, River North Dance Chicago presents dynamic
works that combine athletic prowess and artistic
perspective with bold, theatrical flair. River North Dance
Chicago was founded in 1989 and has since grown to
become an internationally acclaimed company that
embodies a true flavor of "Americana" in its versatile
repertoire. Under the artistic direction of Frank Chaves,
River North Dance Chicago demonstrates depth and
sophistication with a commitment to creating an accessible,
enriching experience for audiences. Chaves aims for
audiences to feel the complete spectrum of human
emotions in a single evening, and leaves them feeling
joyful and exhilarated at the end of each program.
River North Dance Chicago boasts an eclectic, dynamic,
jazz-based contemporary repertoire. Core works by Artistic
Director Frank Chaves are augmented with an array of
pieces by nationally and internationally renowned
choreographers, including Adam Barruch, Robert Battle,
Lauri Stallings, Sidra Bell, Sabrina and Ruben Veliz, Daniel
Ezralow, Lynne Taylor-Corbett, Ashley Roland, Randy
Duncan, Julia Rhoads, Harrison McEldowney, Kevin Iega
Jeff, Nejla Yatkin and former Co-Artistic Director Sherry
Zunker, among others. The company continues to make a
name for themselves on the world stage traveling
throughout the country and internationally. RNDC
participated in the IV International Ballet Festival in Cali,
Columbia in 2010, the Busan International Dance Festival
in Korea in June 2011, and toured to Germany and
Switzerland on an 11-city tour as well as an 17-city tour
throughout Russia in the Spring of 2012. The company has
been the subject of three documentaries produced by HMS
Media for WTTW Chicago, each garnering an Emmy
Award, amongst numerous additional nominations.
COMPANY MEMBERS
Hanna Bricston!
Elgin, Illinois
Hanna Bricston grew up in Elgin, IL and began her extensive dance training in the
Chicagoland area. She studied at several institutions including the Lou Conte
Dance Studio, Ruth Page Center for the Arts, and the Gould Academy of Dance
Arts. Hanna has worked under the instruction of artists such as Laura Wade, Claire
Bataille, Harrison McEldaway, Jeremy Plumber, Birute Barodicaite, and Kelly
Tonge, whom she considers as some of the most influential people of her life.
Hanna has also been the recipient of many scholarships, including those from
Point Park University and Western Michigan University. In 2015, she premiered
her first work for River North, entitled Beast.
Levizadik Buckins
New Haven, Connecticut
Levizadik began his dance education at the Educational Center for the Arts. He is
a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina of the Arts under the direction
of Ethan Shedel, Brenda Daniels and Warren Conover. Levizadik has performed
professionally with the Winston-Salem Festival of Ballet in North Carolina, and
frequently teaches nationally. This is his fourth season with River North Dance
Chicago.
Kiri Chapman
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Entering her first season as a Company Member, Kiri began ballet at a young age.
She began her professional training at 13 with the Kirov Academy of Ballet. After
graduation from the Academy, she danced professionally with the Tulsa Ballet for
three seasons where she performed works by Tharp, Balanchine, Duato and many
others. She is receiving her BFA in modern dance from the University of Michigan
where she also studied entrepreneurship and is thrilled to join River North Dance
Chicago this season
Drew Fountain
Monument, Colorado
In his third season with River North Dance Chicago, Drew began his training at the
Colorado Jazz Dance Company in Colorado Springs and recently received his
B.F.A. in Dance from Marymount Manhattan College. There he performed works
by Larry Keigwin, Jessica Lang, Benoit-Swan Pouffer, Lar Lubovitch and Shen
Wei. Following graduation, Drew joined MOMIX Dance Theater and toured
internationally to Italy, France and Hong Kong. He has also attended summer
training programs with River North Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance
Chicago and Jacob's Pillow.
James Gowan
Phoenix, Arizona
James Gowan began dancing at the age of 16 at Tempe Dance Academy.
Currently, James is a Senior at Point Park University. He will graduate with a BFA
in dance with a concentration in jazz in the fall. At Point Park he has worked under
teachers and choreographers such as, Jason Mcdole, Christopher Huggins, Kyle
Abraham, Emery LeCrone, Randy Duncan, Keisha Lalama and Garfield
Lemonious. He has also performed works by Robert Battle, Dwight Rhoden and
George Balanchine.
Ethan R. Kirschbaum
Oakland, California
Ethan began his dance training with Pamm Drake’s Dance/10 Performing Arts
Center, the San Francisco Ballet School, and Reginald Ray-Savage’s Savage Jazz
Dance Company where he was a performing apprentice. He continued his training
with scholarships to summer programs at Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet and the
Juilliard School. Ethan attended The Alvin Ailey School/Fordham University, while
simultaneously dancing and teaching with Hubbard Street 2. Upon graduating
Summa Cum Laude with departmental honors in Dance Performance, Ethan
moved to Saarbrücken, Germany to dance with Donlon Dance Company at the
Saarländisches Staatstheater under the direction of Marguerite Donlon. He has
performed with the Santa Fe Opera, worked with Nacho Duato, danced in the
Holland Dance Festival as well as at New York City Center and the Apollo Theater,
and been on faculty at The Ailey School and the Joffrey Academy. This season
marks his fifth with River North Dance Chicago.
Lauren Kias!!!
Greenwood, Indiana
Lauren began her training at the Dance Refinery in Indianapolis, IN. While
attending Center Grove High School, Lauren was invited to participate in Butler
University’s early admissions program for gifted and talented students. Upon
graduation from high school, she continued her education at the University of
Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music. After two years at CCM, Lauren
transferred to Butler University and joined Butler Ballet. Lauren has performed
soloist and corps de ballet roles in various productions, and was also featured in
the Indianapolis Opera’s production of Rigoletto. Upon moving to Chicago, Lauren
worked with companies such as the Civic Ballet of Chicago, Ballet Legere and
Inaside Chicago Dance. After two years as an apprentice with River North Dance
Chicago, Lauren is thrilled to be in her tenth season as a Company Member.
Hayley Meier
Rochester, New York
Hayley received her early training from the Draper Center for Dance Education in
upstate New York. In the summer of 2005, Hayley accepted an invitation to
partake in the 14th annual International Festival of Ballet in Peru. She then went
on to earn a B.F.A. in Dance at the University of Arizona on full scholarship where
she had the opportunity to work with many renowned teachers and
choreographers. Upon graduating in 2009, she joined the Rochester City Ballet for
two seasons under the direction of Jamey Leverett. During this time, she
performed numerous works including George Balanchine's Serenade, Gerald
Arpino's Valentine and Patrick Corbin's premiere work Shady III. This is Hayley's
fifth season with RNDC.
Olivia Rehrman
Dallas, Texas
In her fourth season as a Company Member, Olivia previously trained at the
Academy of Dance Arts, and the University of Arizona under the direction of
Melissa Lowe, James Clouser, Sam Watson, Michael Williams, and Susan Quinn.
In 2009, she was a featured dancer in the HBO series Masterclass with
choreographer Bill T. Jones. Olivia was the recipient of the prestigious National
Foundation for Advancement in the Arts Award for jazz and dance, and was Dance
Spirit Magazine’s March 2011 featured “Dancer to Watch.”
Julien Valme
Miami, Florida
Julien began his training in the metro Miami area, continuing his education at the
University of South Florida to attain his B.F.A.in Ballet Performance. At USF, he
had the opportunity to perform works by Alonzo King, Maurice Causey, Doug
Varone, and Jennifer Archibald. Julien also received additional training while
attending summer programs such as Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and
DanseMontreal Springboard, where he had the opportunity to work with renowned
companies Rubberbandance Group and MADboots Dance Co. This is Julien’s first
season with River North Dance Chicago and is excited to immerse himself in the
Chicago dance community.
Cole Vernon
Windsor, California
Cole graduated from the University of Arizona with his B.F.A. in Dance. While
training mostly in his small hometown, nestled in the beauty of Sonoma County's
wine country, he spent every summer participating in various dance projects. With
full scholarships to Long Beach Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, The Rock School
of Dance, and San Francisco Ballet's summer programs, he enjoyed the variety of
dance education that would prepare him for a future in dance, his passion. With an
eagerness to expand his artistic expression, Cole worked with the Springboard
Danse Montreal project, toured throughout China as a dance ambassador with the
Long Beach Ballet, as well as Europe and Canada. After an apprenticeship with
River North Dance Chicago and a season with DanceWorks Chicago, Cole begins
his first season as a Company Member with River North.
Jessica Wolfrum
Buffalo, New York
Jessica is celebrating her 14th season with River North Dance Chicago. She
received her early training from the David DeMarie Dance Studio, the Royal
Academy of Ballet and the Buffalo Inner City Ballet School. Jessica was a May
2002 graduate of the University at Buffalo with a joint B.A. degree in Dance and
Psychology. While at the University at Buffalo, she was a member of the Zodiaque
Dance Company. She was also a principal dancer with the Buffalo City Ballet
Company for six years and choreographed their premiere of Dracula. While in
Chicago, Jessica has been a guest artist in Chicagoland performances of The
Nutcracker Ballet, as well as in Wisconsin, New York and Iowa. She has appeared
in national commercials for The Producers and The Wedding Singer national tour.
Jessica is also on faculty at the Lou Conte Dance Studio teaching various levels of
ballet and jazz.
!
CURRENT REPERTOIRE
Beast by Hanna Brictson
Company Member + Rehearsal Assistant Hanna Brictson‘s choreographic debut with
River North Dance Chicago, featuring all six female dancers of the Company. A Princess
Grace Award nominee and featured performer with River North since 2004, Brictson’s
Beast speaks to female empowerment, the thrill of perseverance and the exhilarating
sensation of overcoming the impossible. Says Brictson, “The piece is truly inspired by the
growth and ownership I have as a women. I want the audience to connect deep within
themselves to their own moments where they grew an inch taller, dug a foot deeper, and
challenged what they thought was their limit, both emotionally and physically. I want
everyone to feel touched by the dancers’ beauty and vulnerability.”
Contact-Me by Mauro Astolfi
With Italian choreographer Mauro Astolfi’s intimate and nuanced hand, RNDC’s dancers
explore a different approach to movement: an experiment with separation and
attachment, featuring intricate sequences of bodies crawling through bodies and
alternating moments of rage, desire and compassion, set to an eclectic mix of
instrumental and electronic music.
Dawn by Kevin Iega Jeff
Kevin Iega Jeff of Chicago's Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre returns to RNDC create his
fourth work for the company. Dawn is an epic, driving full company work set to the
iconic "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana and Kronos Quartet's interpretation of Icelandic
post-rock band Sigur Ros, selected for the juxtaposition of ritualistic ancient sounds to
contemporary strings as a bridge from darkness into light. Jeff explains his inspiration as
"the slow awakening of humanity to what is going on with [the world]... It's about a
growing consciousness, and the need to pay closer attention."
Eva by Frank Chaves
Chaves’ hauntingly bittersweet work is inspired by, and set to the music of, Eva
Cassidy—an American songbird known for her luscious interpretations of jazz, blues, folk
and gospel favorites. Sadly, her unique voice was silenced all too soon when she
tragically died of cancer in 1996 at the age of 33. Chaves evokes the intricate nuances of
a chanteuse who deftly straddled genres, defied categorization and mastered the
melding of different musical styles with her seemingly limitless range and imaginative
phrasing: "Whether she beckons a soothing timbre for seductively restrained passages or
shakes the rafters by unleashing her formidable power, Cassidy always fuse[s] her purity
of tone with a purity of emotion."
Flesh by Iván Pérez
“’Flesh’ is a revelation….a piece of pure poetry.” -Chicago Sun-Times
Originally created for Nederlands Dans Theatre 2 and set for eight dancers, this highly
emotive and elegant work dedicated to Pérez’s parents after their death is inspired by
Keith Douglas’s poem, “The Knife.” “In the poem, Douglas reveals the mystery of living in
memory, the reminiscence of a past love and the permanence beyond flesh,” said Pérez.
!
Habaneras, The Music of Cuba by Frank Chaves
Artistic Director Frank Chaves presents a tribute to his native Cuba. Inspired by, and
dedicated to, Chaves’ father, Habaneras, is a vibrant full-company piece in seven
sections that celebrates Cuba's most popular composers, including Ernesto Lecuona,
Carlos Puebla, and Silvio Rodríguez — music that has been a part of Chaves’ life since
he was a child.
I Close My Eyes Until the End by Adam Barruch
As part of the company’s mission to nurture young choreographers and bring them to the
international stage, RNDC will team up with the young choreographic talent Adam
Barruch. Raised on the Broadway stage, Barruch’s work is bold yet thoughtful, clear yet
nuanced and subtle, with influences ranging from Fosse to hip-hop.
In the End by Frank Chaves
“Bold, impassioned .a heartbreaking jewel…danced with so much raw power.” -Chicago
Tribune. According to Chaves: “I have had an all-male piece ruminating within me for a
while. It is now revealing itself to be a celebration of strength and beauty. Using
relationships among men (non-romantic) and the various expressions of masculinity as a
vehicle to explore a journey which we all face: our entry to this world begins in a raw and
vulnerable state, only to be constricted by societal expectations placed upon us by
politics, religion, family, etc. Ultimately, we can move beyond these constraints to stay
true to ourselves; we are not defined by what society has in store for us.
Renatus by Nejla Yatkin
Nejla Yatkin is a 2011 National Performance Network Creation Fund recipient, a 2008
Princess Grace Choreography Fellow and is Artist in Residence at the University of Notre
Dame. Her choreography explores the beauty and complexity of memory, migration,
transformation, identity and multiculturalism through movement. Yatkin achieves this by
drawing upon extensive diverse traditions of dance, cultures and medium as well as
utilizing subjects that are at once universal and timeless.
The Good Goodbyes by Frank Chaves
Artistic Director Frank Chaves’ newest work, The Good Goodbyes, is an homage to the
relationships forged and nurtured within the dance community. Set to an original piano
suite by Josephine Lee, Artistic Director of the acclaimed Chicago Children’s Choir, this
wistful and bittersweet work for seven dancers suggests “the beautiful memories and the
wonderful relationships I’ve forged with dancers over the years. I want to celebrate the
incredibly intimate, intense, fulfilling and—because of the nature of our profession—often
short-lived connections we’ve made, and have bid goodbye along the way,” says Chaves.
!
The Mourning by Frank Chaves
The Russian folk song “Nie Kantshaietsa” performed by Bielka Nemirovski, provides the
emotive score to Frank Chaves’ dramatic and passionate duet, The Mourning. This work
intensely explores the bittersweet emotions of finding love, yet having to let it go.
The Worst Pies in London by Adam Barruch
A knockout solo piece, Barruch’s The Worst Pies in London is inspired by Angela
Lansbury’s opening number in Stephen Sondheim’s musical thriller Sweeney Todd, The
Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Adam describes his approach: “Upon
examining Sondheim’s complex score for that number, I noticed that the character’s
staging—the rolling and kneading of dough and swatting flies—are completely written into
the score by the use of rests and percussive beats. As I watched her performance, I
thought how wonderful it would be to do the same number without props, and rely purely
on movement and gesture to convey not only the story, but to accentuate the brilliant
dynamics of the score.”
PRESS QUOTES
“…this is one sleek, confident, athletic, daring, versatile company.” Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times
“…it was clear that River North is solidly established, operating at the top of its eclectic, audience-friendly game.” Wynn
Delacoma, MusicalAmerica.com
“ River North Dance Chicago pulled out all the pyrotechnic stops. The performance left an indelible montage of highoctane body percussion, lush lines and evocative curves.” Sid Smith, SeeChicagoDance.com
”There is no other way to say it but this: River North Dance Chicago was on fire….” Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times
“This company is hotter than hot” Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times
“Imagine thirteen cannonballs shot onto the stage…and you will have some approximation of what it was like to watch the
dancers of River North Dance Chicago” Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times
“RNDC takes risks….nothing in this work is beyond their skill – little is.” Zac Whittenburg, Time Out Chicago
“The River North Chicago dancers are astonishingly strong…but on Saturday in the Capitol Theater, playfulness peaked
through the almost gymnastic quality of the movement” Lindsay Christians, The Capitol Times
“Young, dynamic and eager to experiment – all these qualities are united in River North Dance Chicago. …(they) opened
the ballet and dance season in the theater with a performance of pure zest for life. Jazz dance has not been this sexy for
a long time.” Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung
“In a stylistically wide-ranging program, the company kept the energy high while allowing for engagingly creative shifts in
mood and atmosphere.” Calvin Wilson, The St. Louis Post Dispatch
“…in a nutshell, that’s an accurate description of River North Chicago’s style: classic and sophisticated, but with a playful,
modern twist.” Nancy Stetson, Naples Daily News
“From high drama to low comedy, from torch songs to lyrical love duets, and from abstract modernism to jazzy ballroom
style--River North…is a contemporary company that can do it all, and do it with technical splendor, to boot.”
Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times
“Sexy, daring, and fluid, they lit up the stage…” Margaret Putnam, The Dallas Morning News
“…a lush panorama of choreography…” Lucia Mauro, Chicago Tribune
“ River North Dance Chicago was poetry in motion…in a program that was engaging, colorful, and exhilarating.”
Terry Rindfleisch, LaCrosse Tribune
“Alcohol isn’t the only intoxicant. Try River North Dance Chicago. The Chicago troupe worked its way into the
bloodstream…in about four seconds flat and kept the buzz…going for a full 95 minutes.”
Margaret Putnam, The Dallas Morning News
“..sizzled like ice droplets on a hot skillet.” Merilyn Jackson, The Arizona Republic
“Jazz dance never looked so…funny, mystical, poignant, inexplicable, sexy.” The Arizona Republic
REPERTOIRE HISTORY
PIECE
CHOREOGRAPHER
MUSIC
Beast
Hanna Brictson
Evguine Galperine, Kanding Ray, Iva Bittova, and
Locust
The Frost That Binds
Adam Barruch
Original Composition by Roarke Menzes
In the End
Frank Chaves
Zoe Keating; Secret Garden; Anibel Arias y Osvaldo
Montes; Olafur Arnalds; Ezio Bosso
Flesh
Iván Pérez
Eric Whitacre, Arvo Pärt
2013
The Worst Pies in London
Adam Barruch
Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; performed by Angela
Lansbury
Dawn
Kevin Iega Jeff
Carl Orff, Sigur Ros, John Powell
Get Out the Ghost
Ashley Roland
Thomas Newman, Edgar Meyer, Claude Debussy
I Close My Eyes Until the End
Adam Barruch
Olafur Arnalds
Renatus
Nejla Yatkin
Giacomo Puccini
Eva
Frank Chaves
Eva Cassidy
Havana Blue
Frank Chaves
Original Composition by Orbert Davis
2012
SUPER STRAIGHT is coming
down…
Daniel Ezralow
Original Score by Todd Willems
The Good Goodbyes
Frank Chaves
Original Composition by Josephine Lee
Contact-Me
Mauro Astolfi;
Assistant Choreographers: Beatrice
Bodini, Maria Cossu
Vessels, Searchlight, and Insides by Jon Hopkins; Hell I by
Giovanni Sollima
Sabrina & Ruben Veliz
Astor Piazzolla; Roberto Alvarez; Victor Lavellen; Alfredo
D’Angelis
Conceived, directed and
choreographed by Frank Chaves;
Assistant Choreographers: Christian
Denice & Ricky Ruiz
Miles Davis
Robert Battle
Eleventh Hour; Art of Noise; Taiko Drums; Les Tambours du
Bronx
2015
2014
2011
Al Sur Del Sur
Simply Miles, Simply Us
2010
Three
Ella
Robert Battle
Ella Fitzgerald
Suppose
Lauri Stallings
Deadbeat; Gustavo Santoalalla; additional soundscape by
John Menella/id Music
Risoluta
Sidra Bell
Original Score by Dennis Bell
2009
Tuscan Rift
Frank Chaves
Rene Aubry; Andrew Bird
Sentir em Nos
(Even for Us)
Frank Chaves
Andrea Bocelli & Dulce Pontes
Uhuru
Monique Haley
Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble
Evolution of a Dream
Sherry Zunker
Dave Stewart & His Rock Fabulous Orchestra
Forbidden Boundaries
Frank Chaves
Original Score by Evan Solot; Michael Cusson, Ryuichi
Sakamoto; Gustavo Santoalalla; edited by John Menella/id
Music
2008
Train
Robert Battle
Les Tambours du Bronx
Between Three
Julia Rhoads
Alarm Will Sound; Amiina
2007
Underground Movements
Frank Chaves
Original score by Evan Solot; featuring vocals by Chicago
Children’s Choir
2006
ahimsa
Lauri Stallings
Steve Reich; Mark Isham; editing by John Menella/id Music
BLOWN AWAY: Images of the
Dust Bowl
Lynne Taylor-Corbett
Tin Hat Trio
Sky
Kevin Iega Jeff
Steve Reich; Sigur Ros
2005
Grace
Sherry Zunker
Lisa Gerrard and Pieter Bourke; Alan Silvestri; John Newton –
Amazing Grace performed by Ani DiFranco
Habaneras, the Music of Cuba
Frank Chaves
Ernesto Lecuona, Carlos Puebla, Silvio Rodriguez, L. Wolfe
Gilbert, Marion Sunshine, Moises Simons; performed by
Morton Gould and his Orchestra, Omara Portuondo, Percy
Faith
Red Light
James Gregg
Gotan Project
Take a Seat
Frank Chaves
Rene Aubry; John Powell
2004
Unveiling the Curve
Margo Sappington
John Hassel, Arvo Part
2003
5 Easy Lessons
Harrison McEldowney
D. Raye, G. DePaul; D. Miles, M. Discant; J. Stern, J. Flint; D.
Miles, M. Discant; O. Peterson. Performed by Sarah Vaugan.
Balada para un loco
Paul Christiano
Astor Piazzola; performed by Dulce Pontes
The Mourning
Frank Chaves
David Visan and Julien Leca; performed by Bielka Nemirovski
The Sweetest Sounds – A
Tribute to Richard Rodgers
Frank Chaves & Sherry Zunker
Richard Rodgers; lyrics by Lorenz Hart; performed by Sarah
Vaughan, Big Muff, Tuck & Patti, Patti LaBelle & Frank Sinatra
2002
In the Oasis
Julia Rhoads
Maurice Ravel; performed by Pink Martini
Naeemah’s Room
Kevin Iega Jeff
Bjork; David Bowie; Phillip Glass; Ennio Morricone; Dionne
Warwick
Ginger Farley, Kevin Iega Jeff, &
Sherry Zunker
Paul Anka and Frank Sinatra; performed by The Gipsy Kings
Beat
Ashley Roland
Composed by Evan Solot
Love Will Follow
Frank Chaves
Kenny Loggins
2000
The Two Sides of Tes –
And Then Some
Frank Chaves
Prince
Pulse
Daniel Ezralow
Original music by David Lang; electronic sounds produced by
Michael Lowenster
1999
Mission
Frank Chaves & Sherry Zunker
Benoit Jutras, Sandberg & N. Hayes, Shane O’Madden, Harry
Warren, Mack Gordon, Forbes – Lauderdale, Joe Galdo
1998
Captain Tenacity
(Company Premiere)
Ashley Roland
Theater of the Blood, Richard Wagner
Temporal Trance
Frank Chaves
Peter Gabriel, Vangelis, Gabrielle Roth & the Mirrors
Vent
Sherry Zunker
Buddy Johnson, performed by Natalie Cole & Reba McEntire
k.d. lang; Gary Revel; Annie Lennox; The Neville Brothers
Badum Boom
Sherry Zunker, Harrison
McEldowney,
Jeffrey Hancock, Frank Chaves
Sam Watson
Turning Tides
Randy Duncan
Sam Harris
1996
Change Partners
Harrison McEldowney
Performed by Barbara Cook
Grusin Suite
Frank Chaves
The Firm Soundtrack, Dave Grusin
ZIB WOHS
Sherry Zunker
Allen/Bayer Sager, arranged by John Menella, performed by
Louise Cloutier; Green/Brown/Homer, arranged by Esquirel; J.
Cox, performed by Nina Simone; Rodgers and Hart, performed
by Natalie Cole (Voices: Jim Corti and Louise Cloutier); John
Menella/Sherry Zunker, performed by Susan Johnson
1995
Charanga
Frank Chaves
Yello
Eye of a Needle,
Head of a Pin
Ginger Farley
Arranged by Scott Silberstein
Lean On Me
Randy Duncan
Bill Withers; performed by Michael Bolton
1994
Fixè
Frank Chaves
Cirque de Soleil, Nouvelle Experience
Glimpse
Sherry Zunker
V. Tormis, performed by the Women’s Choir of the Gori Music
School; Enigma; Herman/Ingraham; performed by Longhouse
Grandma’s Hands
Frank Chaves
Bill Withers; performed by Simply Red
Schism
Ginger Farley
Anonymous 4, Radiohead, Nirvana, Gyorgy Ligeti
2001
A Mi Manera
1997
An Affair with Cole
(Cole Porter Suite, restaged)
R. Campbell & H. Coon
1993
Passion
Frank Chaves
Graeme Revell; Jeff Selbar; Warren Hill
Perfidia
Harrison McEldowney
Alberto Dominguez, performed by Linda Ronstadt
Swing Partners
Tony Savino
Benny Goodman; Colin James, Woody Herman
Thief
Frank Chaves
Lil’ Louis & The World
1992
A House is Not a Home
Derrick Evans
Luther Vandross
Reality of a Dreamer
Sherry Zunker
Eurythmics; Douglas Johnson
Space Witch
Ginger Farley
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Sweet Dreams –
Roy Orbison Suite
Ginger Farley
Roy Orbison
Woman Trouble
1991
Cole Porter Suite
Harrison McEldowney
Irving Berlin
Sherry Zunker & Frank Chaves
Cole Porter; Erasure; k.d. lang; The Neville Brothers
Crowded Room
Ginger Farley
The Gipsy Kings
M.O.N.E.Y.
Leslie Unger
Lyle Lovett
Muzak
Sam Watson
The Serendipity Singers; Lerner and Lowe; Stephen
Sondheim; Herb Alpert
Round
Sherry Zunker
New Order
The Man That Got Away
Sherry Zunker
Harold Arlen, Ira Gershwin
1989
Moments in Love
Mark Dow & Julie Burman
Art of Noise
Tied Up
Mark Dow
Yello
1988
Wired
Sam Watson & Kenny Comstock
Original Score by Sam Watson & Kenny Comstock
OUTREACH + RESIDENCY
Street Beat: Dance Through the Decades
River North Dance Chicago hand-jives and hustles through history with its lively and informative program Street
Beat: Dance Through the Decades. Street Beat teaches students about the historical and social conditions of the
20th century and how they influenced dance. Each decade, from the Roaring 20’s to the Groovy 70’s to the HipHoppin’ 90’s, is introduced with a narrative that comments on major events, historical figures, popular music, and
fashion. The dancers bring each decade to life with dance performances in true-to-times fashions—flapper dresses,
poodle skirts, polyester and all:
The 1920’s
The 1930’s
The 1940’s
The 1950’s
The 1960’s
The 1970’s
The 1980’s
The 1990’s
The Charleston
Ballroom
Jitterbug, Swing, Lindy Hop
Hand Jive
The Frug
The Hustle and the Bump
MTV/Street Dancing
Hip-Hop
Street Beat concludes with the dancers engaging the audience in a question and answer session about history,
dance and the dancers themselves.
Street Beat is appropriate for grade school, high school, and family audiences and can be performed in a single
class period. A comprehensive study guide is included and is available for three grade levels, K–4, 5–8, and 9–12.
The study guides include suggested activities, a glossary of dance terminology, games, and a bibliography of
reference materials.
“The whole school was really charged after this
terrific performance. It’s exciting to see the students
get so into a performance that they continued to
imitate some of the dance numbers for days.”
—Eileen, Conway Elementary School, St. Louis, MO
“The moves and costumes were awesome. You
made us dance and laugh.”
—Maria, Blaine Elementary, Chicago, IL
“I loved Street Beat. It was great, exciting and cool
but still educational...All of the kids that did not go on
this field trip were sorry because they heard us
talking about how great it was.”
—Kim, student, Gentry, AR
Master Classes
River North Dance Chicago is pleased to offer Master Classes taught by the artistic directors or company members.
Classes are typically 1 ½ –2 hours and include warm-up, instruction on technique, and combinations. Classes can
be customized to various levels of ability in jazz, ballet, modern, and partnering.
Dance for Non-Dancers
River North Dance Chicago offers Dance for NonDancers, movement workshops specifically tailored for
those who don’t have a dance background but would
like to experience a dance class.
Classroom Residencies
In a unique in-classroom interactive format, River
North Dance Chicago dancers share with students
their experiences as professional dancers. Students
watch a video introduction to the Company and attend
a company rehearsal. In addition, the dancers talk
about life as a dancer, how they got there, how dance
affects their health, and life on the road when they are
touring.
Open Rehearsals
Special arrangements can be made to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of concert dance. This could
include a chance to meet and speak with the artistic director, dancers, or technical staff.
Curtain Talks
Immediately following the performance, audience members have an opportunity to talk with the River North Dance
Chicago artistic director in a casual question and answer format. Other “Meet the Artists” opportunities are
also available.