SpinOff 2014 Celebrates Contemporary Dance
Last night, November 15, I attended The Sun King, a one-act contemporary ballet performed by Elements Contemporary Ballet, featuring live music by Baroque Band, a period-instrument orchestra. The setting for The Sun King is 17th century France, the court of Louis XIV. I traveled to France a few years ago and visited the palace and gardens of Versailles, the home of Louis XIV and Marie-Antoinette. For me, this performance provided depth to a previous experience and brought back some pleasant memories.
The Sun King took place on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage. Being November, the glass doors were closed and served as a backdrop with attendees sitting where the chorus sits when performing with an orchestra. This was a completely new perspective compared to attending concerts in the summertime. Before it became dark outside, I could see the seating bowl, the lawn behind it, and even the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago. The skyline featuring all the lit buildings was beautiful and exciting! How amazing it is to be in Chicago and have the opportunity to attend these types of performances in such a beautiful setting!
For anyone attending a performance inside the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, it is important to note that even with winter coat, hat, and gloves removed, it was hot! I’m sure the dancers appreciated the warmth, but I could have used a fan and a glass of cold water! Stepping outside after the performance, the cool air and light snow flurries felt so good!
The Sun King was part of SpinOff 2014, presented by Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. In its second year, SpinOff celebrates contemporary dance, presenting the work of emerging and mid-career choreographers and dance companies from the Midwest. This year, SpinOff runs from Friday, November 7, through Saturday, November 22, with performances, work-in-progress showings, and a symposium taking place at the Chicago Cultural Center Dance Studio, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Storefront Theater, and Columbia College Chicago.
All events are free. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early. I recommend arriving 45 to 60 minutes prior to performances. Some venues start seating 30 minutes before the start time, which means attendees will arrive and wait in line before seating begins.
SpinOff 2014 continues Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 22. Two work-in-progress showings will be presented at the Chicago Cultural Center Dance Studio (78 East Washington Street). The Bitch Tracks, featuring Darrell Jones, takes place at 1 p.m. on Friday and You’re So Stubborn, directed by Rachel Damon of Synapse Arts, is at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The Storefront Theater (66 East Randolph Street) hosts Morgan Thorson’s You at 7:30 p.m. both Friday and Saturday.
Go online to find out more about SpinOff and all the performances.
The Sun King took place on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage. Being November, the glass doors were closed and served as a backdrop with attendees sitting where the chorus sits when performing with an orchestra. This was a completely new perspective compared to attending concerts in the summertime. Before it became dark outside, I could see the seating bowl, the lawn behind it, and even the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago. The skyline featuring all the lit buildings was beautiful and exciting! How amazing it is to be in Chicago and have the opportunity to attend these types of performances in such a beautiful setting!
For anyone attending a performance inside the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, it is important to note that even with winter coat, hat, and gloves removed, it was hot! I’m sure the dancers appreciated the warmth, but I could have used a fan and a glass of cold water! Stepping outside after the performance, the cool air and light snow flurries felt so good!
The Sun King was part of SpinOff 2014, presented by Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. In its second year, SpinOff celebrates contemporary dance, presenting the work of emerging and mid-career choreographers and dance companies from the Midwest. This year, SpinOff runs from Friday, November 7, through Saturday, November 22, with performances, work-in-progress showings, and a symposium taking place at the Chicago Cultural Center Dance Studio, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Storefront Theater, and Columbia College Chicago.
All events are free. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early. I recommend arriving 45 to 60 minutes prior to performances. Some venues start seating 30 minutes before the start time, which means attendees will arrive and wait in line before seating begins.
SpinOff 2014 continues Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 22. Two work-in-progress showings will be presented at the Chicago Cultural Center Dance Studio (78 East Washington Street). The Bitch Tracks, featuring Darrell Jones, takes place at 1 p.m. on Friday and You’re So Stubborn, directed by Rachel Damon of Synapse Arts, is at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The Storefront Theater (66 East Randolph Street) hosts Morgan Thorson’s You at 7:30 p.m. both Friday and Saturday.
Go online to find out more about SpinOff and all the performances.