Cultural Diversity

From a punk rock music festival to the ballet to a museum exhibit about a starman, it's been quite a week.

First: RIOT FEST:
Kind of sucks. Would recommend. Appearing in Denver this weekend. Pictures to come.

Next: STORIES IN MOTION:
The Joffrey Ballet's current program. Hurry and go though because this one only lasts through the weekend. Stick around for the last piece, it's a doozy. I wrote about it for Chicagoist.

And Finally: DAVID BOWIE IS...
I got to attend the press preview at the Museum of Contemporary Art this morning. There were Aladdin Sane cookies. The exhibit opens next Tuesday aka David Bowie Day. Also recommend.

A chance to see Le Sacre du Printemps cause a riot.

I almost didn't go to opening night of the Joffrey Ballet's "Russian Masters" program, but I'm so glad that I did. It's a special addition to the regular season, so it's only running this weekend. The thing that really made me want to go though, is the inclusion of Stravinsky and Nijinsky's Le Sacre du Printemps, or Rite of Spring. This is the show that literally caused a riot in the audience on its opening night in Paris 100 years ago. You probably know Stravinsky's score which is generally attributed to causing the riot because of its percussion heavy avant garde nature, but it sounds like there were a lot of factors that led to the riot, not the least of which is Nijinsky's choreography (contorted movements and turned-in feet) and the piece's subject matter (oh ya know, virgin sacrifice).

I wrote a preview of the program for Chicagoist based on the press release and of course my previous experience seeing the company, but I get a much better perspective actually watching the pieces. Sometimes I'm invited to preview portions before the opening, which is amazing, but most of the time I write a review the day after the opening. This run however, is so short, and I was leaving town the day after it opened, so I didn't have time for a review, but again, I'm glad that I opted to go.

I should also mention that that there's another great piece on the program from modern day choreographer Possokhov called simply, Adagio. It's a pas de deux that he created for husband and wife team Victoria Jaiani and Temur Suluashvili and I swear, he just pushes to see what they are capable of. It's stunning, both in beauty and in breathtaking talent. Not just any dancer could take on this piece.

There are still two more chances to see "Russian Masters" today and tomorrow.

Like A Heat Wave

Summer is officially in full swing with a 100+ degree heat wave hanging over Chicago and most of the mid-west as we speak. As summer is swinging, I also find less and less time to sort through my thoughts and post! So, here's a little of what's been going on!

• Tankboy's 40th Birthday Bash at Darkroom on Saturday was a wild success (if I do say so myself as part of the planning committee). Memories were made from the inception of the plan (the guest of honor learning of the surprise show one day early!) to the night of the event (a sleeping Tankboy almost missing his own party!). Thanks again to everyone who helped, all the bands who played, and everyone who came out to make it a special night for Jim. Special thanks to Rudy, Kip, JB, Sam, Ivan, Pogo and Kenny. 

• Thanks to Debby for making our Disney vacation memorable for a different reason.  Instead of relaxing by the pool on vacation with my fam, we rode out a tropical storm that stalled over the state. Even though I didn't come back with a tan, we still managed to have fun once we put our expectations on a shelf, threw on ponchos, and ran to the parks to ride whatever rides we could!

• I made my inaugural visit to Milwaukee's Summerfest for Robyn with my girlfriends. #fembotsroadtrip

• I got to see the Paris Opera Ballet perform Giselle at the Harris. 

Here's a song to help get you through the heat wave. Take with Chicagoist's so hot playlist. Repeat as needed. 

At the Ballet

Rory Hohenstein in Incantantions

I got to go to the Joffrey again for their Spring program, and Chicagoist has my review. I've also included some more press pics below!

I also put together a weekend round up of dance events around Chicago this weekend. In related news, how did I never know of Karole Armitage?

Fabrice Calmels & Victoria Jaiani 

He actually caught her like that!

April Daly & Miguel Angel Blanco

The Joffrey Piece

I was totally geeked to be invited to a rehearsal at the Joffrey Ballet a couple of weeks ago. I've sort of turned into the default dance writer at Chicagoist which is just fine since I enjoy covering all arts, not just music. They have a new program, Winter Fire, beginning on Wednesday, so they reached out and of course I jumped at the chance. (Read my preview AND interview with the choreographer!) Getting to watch these dancers up close in a rehearsal atmosphere was such a treat. I was a competition dancer up until the time I turned 18, but I've still taken ballet classes here and there over the years. 16-year-old-me basically wanted to be these dancers, who am I kidding, today-me still dreams of dancing like that! It all just gives me a greater appreciation of the ability on display.

Here are some rehearsal photos sent to me by their publicist, and some from the Sun Times which are from the space I saw them in. Enjoy!