The fall dance season in the Windy City is heating up with the addition of River North Dance Chicago's latest engagement.
The troupe opens its 2012-2013 season with performances today and Saturday at the Harris Theater in Chicago.
With this current engagement, River North's artistic director Frank Chaves is celebrating a monumental event. It's Chaves' 20th anniversary with the company, which was founded in 1989.
"It's very exciting and very fulfilling," Chaves said. He said the show this season will feature two world premieres.
"We always have a great variety in our repertoire," Chaves said. "It's very eclectic and a diverse program for our audience."
Among the new pieces brought to the stage for this engagement will be "I Close My Eyes Until The End" by choreographer Adam Barruch.
"He's a wonderful new voice," said Chaves, adding he's always looking to stay as unique as possible with works chosen and created.
River North Dance Chicago, he said, is focused on combining "artistry and entertainment."
Starring on the roster as the other world premiere is "Renatus" by Nejia Yatkin, which is a solo work for female dancer Jessica Wolfrum set to music from Puccini's "Tosca."
"It's stunningly beautiful," Chaves said.
Through his two decades at the helm of the company, Chaves has also created a variety of works. Among other dances on the program this weekend will be Chaves' "Forbidden Boundaries" and "The Good Goodbyes."
"'Forbidden Boundaries' is about dealing with your inner demons," he said. The dance features intricate partnering choreography.
Dance fans will also see the company perform "Three," choreographed by Robert Battle; "Beat" by Ashley Roland and "Ma y Pa" from Sabrina and Ruben Veliz.
River North Dance Chicago will perform at 8 p.m. today and Saturday at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago. Tickets are $30 to $75. FYI: (312) 334-7777.
Please Wait…