Dance Crash Goes Back To Basics Before Taking A Break

By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 19, 2015 7:40PM

Photo by Emily Coughlin.

Chicago Dance Crash harkens back to their urban roots for their last formal show until December. Before the break though, they’ve brought in several choreographers and friends with styles as fresh as their own for a solid repertory send off.

Making a much anticipated return is Paul Christiano who dazzled us with 2010’s “Immediate Gratification.” He’s teamed up with funk/hip-hop choreographer Richard Ashworth for a dark, spiritual new piece called “Savior Self.” Also premiering a new work is Chicago native James Morrow with “Stakes Is High.” Morrow, who is now a professor at Salem State University, was also the creative inspiration for Crash more than a decade ago. Rounding out the program is Brooklyn choreographer Nicholas Leichter’s “Undertow” and classic work from Lizzie MacKenzie Pontarelli and Crash Artistic Director Jessica Deahr.

While this may be their last big program for almost a year, you’ll still be able to see these poppers and lockers battle it out at their regular KTF dance battles throughout the year. Their next competition will be March 6 at Mayne Stage.

CDC’s new repertory show times are 8 p.m. tonight through Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Columbia College Dance Center (1306 S. Michigan Ave). There’s also a “Family Dance” workshop and matinee on Saturday afternoon, and stick around after tonight's show for a discussion on the performance. Tickets are $30.