I've been spending my "free time" lately on anything and everything dance.

Last week I went with my husband and a friend to see Hubbard Street's spring series. Four amazing dances, all joined together by a theme of gliding, whether because the dancers were wearing socks or because they were suspended from harnesses and literally flying and swinging through space. Jiri Kylian's piece 27'52" was unbelievable. It's so amazing to watch the dancers completely transform, and to see gestures and movements and ideas that you haven't seen before.
Watching this company is always inspirational--they are one of the first reasons I wanted to come to Chicago. Hubbard Street was my first exposure to Chicago as an arena for concert dance.
As I researched more into what the city had to offer, I discovered Chicago Tap Theatre. At the time, while I was living in Florida, I had just happened upon an adjunct tap instructor position at FloArts, or St. Johns River Community College's fine arts department. I hadn't really tapped in four or five years because tap wasn't offered at my college. I became completely invested in tap dance and consumed as much history, terminology, obscure references, and movies featuring tap as I could. For my piece in that semester's show, I created an a capella tap story. So if you are familiar with CTT, then you would understand why this company was such an important discovery for me. They are constantly finding new ways to present tap dance, and it usually means through story telling.
When I talk to people about tap, and they are not a fan, it seems to be based on a belief that tap is not dance, that it's not art. "It's just noise!"--I have a co-worker who reminds me that from time to time. CTT shows that tap is more than just the metal on the bottom of their shoes. They create complicated rhythms to complement music, or even to create music. Not all of their tapping is heavy hoofing: they show that tap can also be graceful and soft. The dancers use their entire bodies to create and develop characters.
My first Chicago Tap Theatre show was last year's "Little Dead Riding Hood." I've seen other CTT shows since then, but none have topped the fantastic journey of Little Dead. Brilliant tapping, excellent costumes, sets, and music. The spectacle was not all that made it spectacular--the show was also somewhat interactive! At intermission, the audience voted on who they thought killed Little Dead. My husband got it right--we won tickets to see their next show, and were hooked.
Last night, we went to see their latest, "Love Taps." A sweet idea, but the storyline was a bit complex. Basically, the we meet the entire cast of characters who represent all walks of life--office workers, bartenders, a fashion designer, a doorman...who are all single and looking for love. After the "introduction" in act one, the audience got to vote on different pairings during intermission to be acted out in act two. Truly interactive--plus, imagine all the different duets they had to prepare. Act two was definitely the high point of the show, possibly because the audience voted for the most entertaining characters. All in all, it may not have been my favorite CTT show ever, but I thoroughly enjoyed the concept, some awesome dancing, and fresh new faces in the group.

I have to wrap my post here--off to my first rehearsal with Matter Dance Company tonight.

Until later.