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Best Upcoming Dance Performances In Chicago

If you're trying to add some culture to your life, consider taking in a dance performance. Whether it's a festival or a performance, Chicago has a number of venues that showcase the best in dance in the area. From the traditional to new interpretive dance, there is something for everyone. The events also take place throughout summer and into early fall, ensuring you can catch a number of performances. Check out the following list to get started in finding the best dance performances in Chicago.

bully.punk.riot.'s Maria Macsay. Photo by Carl Wiedemann 2013.
(Credit: breakbone.com)

'Bully.Punk.Riot' by BONEdanse
Links Hall
3111 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 281-0824
www.breakbone.com

Dates: June 20-30, 2013

Are you looking for something off the beaten path? Then consider seeing a performance of "bully.punk.riot" by BONEdanse, an experimental dance company. The show is performed by seven dancers and challenges the audience's preconceived notions of herding. It is choreographed by Atalee Judy, BONEdanse's founder and director, Melissa Ganser and Megan Klein. For a sneak peek at the show, check out the trailer online. Established in 1997, BONEdanse also offers classes and workshops. The performances take place at Links Hall, which is a facility that encourages and promotes new works and is located in Chicago's Roscoe Village neighborhood.

American Spanish Dance & Music Festival
Center Theatre of North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie
9501 Skokie Blvd.
Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 673-6300
www.northshorecenter.org
Date: June 21-23, 2013

For Spanish dance fans, the American Spanish Dance & Music Festival is a must-see show this summer. Presented by Ensemble Español Center for Spanish Dance & Music in residence at Northeastern Illinois University, the festival is held at the Center Theatre of the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts and will include the twentieth anniversary performance of "Bolero," a full company ballet. The center was founded in 1976 by Dame Libby Komaiko and features an eclectic mix of traditional, dramatic and contemporary dance styles. The festival also includes singers and musicians. The performance features an international cast and includes dancers from Madrid, Ecuador, Miami and Cordoba. With more than 850 seats, the Center Theatre also features seating that is handicap-accessible.

Chicago Regional Dance
(Credit: harristheaterchicago.org)

Chicago Regional Dance Festival
Harris Theater
205 E. Randolph Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 334-7777
www.harristheaterchicago.org

Date: June 23, 2013

If you want to see ballet, tap, contemporary and more dance styles under one roof during one show, then head to Harris Theater for the Chicago Regional Dance Festival. The family-friendly event features performances from both students and professionals and showcases a wide variety of dance styles. If you're pressed for time, you can still see the festival by arriving at 6 p.m. for the second half of the show. Located on the north end of Millennium Park, Harris Theater is accessible by public transportation; if you're driving, you can also park in the Millennium Park Garage.

Related: Best Directors In The Local Theater Scene In Chicago

'A Few Great Men' By Nomi Dance Company
The Athenaeum Theatre
2936 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 935-6875
www.athenaeumtheatre.org

Date: July 13, 2013

With Nomi Dance Company's "A Few Great Men," be prepared to see the best in dance. The show features an all-male choreography show and features choreography by Robert Priore, Paul Christiano, Brandon DiCriscio, Ahmad Simmons and Alex Arteaga. The show is for one night only and will feature both older favorites and new works. The event takes place at the Main Stage at Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood and is easily accessible by public transportation.

Kraft Great Kids Concert: Ruth Page Civic Ballet
Bennett Gordon Hall at Ravinia Festival Grounds
200 Ravinia Park Road
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 266-5100
www.ravinia.org

Date: Sept. 7, 2013

Got kids? If so, consider heading to the North Shore for a performance by Ruth Page Civic Ballet at the Ravinia Festival. Whether your child enjoys ballet dancing or just wants to see a new form of dance, this performance is a great way to bring in fall. The performance is part of the Kraft Great Kids Concert series and features the youth training company, which is the in-residence company of The Ruth Page Center for the Arts. The performance is scheduled to take place at Ravinia Festival's Bennett Gordon Hall, an indoor performance space that has 450 seats.

Related: Best Chicago Neighborhood Theatres

Megan Horst-Hatch is a mother, runner, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She loves nothing more than a great cupcake, and writes at I'm a Trader Joe's Fan. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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