River North heats up Valentine's Day

This Valentine’s Day weekend, I had the special pleasure of seeing River North Dance Chicago’s performance “Love Is…” at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance.

The red hot line-up featured two world premieres: “Contact-Me” by acclaimed Italian choreographer Mauro Astolfi in his first U.S. commission, and “The Good Goodbyes” by Frank Chaves.

“The Good Goodbyes” was memorable because it not only featured Chaves’ fluid choreography, but also it was set to original music written by Josephine Lee, artistic director of the Chicago Children’s Choir.

Three other works rounded out the program: “Sentir Em Nos,” a duet by Chaves; “Risoluta” by Sidra Bell; and “Ella,” a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald by Robert Battle.

After the show, we celebrated the opening with the River North board members, dancers, choreographers and staff at an after party that featured artisan desserts and drinks. I always love meeting artists and talking to them about what inspires their work, so it was a special treat to get to meet Mr. Astolfi at the post-show reception.

It is always a pleasure to watch River North’s expressive and sensual dancers, and I look forward to their next performance!