Deeply Rooted Dance Theater Commences 2024 with Performances, Auditions, and Master Classes

Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, acclaimed for “setting the bar for modern dance in Chicago” by the Chicago Tribune’s Best Dance in Chicago for 2023, enters 2024 with a dynamic lineup of local and regional performances, a national audition tour for its Summer Dance Intensive, and the continuation of its Dance Education Master Class Series.

Nicole Clarke-Springer, the Artistic Director, expresses enthusiasm for the new year, highlighting the organization’s successful conclusion of 2023 with performances at the Auditorium Theatre and community classes. Clarke-Springer looks forward to providing diverse opportunities for audiences to engage with the company through performances, master classes, and the Summer Dance Intensive audition tour.

Upcoming Performances:

1. January 27: Deeply Rooted participates in the 34th Annual International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance in Memphis, Tennessee, presenting “Madonna Anno Domini” by Artistic Director Nicole Clarke-Springer. The piece made its world premiere at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago.
2. February 3: Teaming up with Chicago’s Muntu Dance Theatre, Deeply Rooted will showcase authentic interpretations of contemporary and ancient African and African-American dance at Governors State University in Illinois. The program includes works by Clarke-Springer, Gary Abbott, and Kevin Iega Jeff.
3. February 24: Deeply Rooted features in the Black Movement Festival, performing Gary Abbott’s “Bach’d” and Joshua L. Ishmon’s “When Men… ” at the Dairy Arts Center.
4. April 4: An evening-length performance at The Lincoln Theatre in Columbus, Ohio, includes works by Ulysses Dove, Keith Lee, Nicole Clarke-Springer, Gary Abbott, and Kevin Iega Jeff.

Dance Education Initiatives:

1. January–April: Auditions are ongoing across the country for Deeply Rooted’s Summer Dance Intensive, offering technical training, artistic development, and opportunities to learn the company’s repertory. The intensive takes place in Chicago in June and July.
2. Ongoing: The 2023–24 Master Class Series continues, catering to youth aged 12–18 at Ballet Chicago and offering sessions for Mature H.O.T. Women and Men Moving at the Mayfair Arts Center.

All programming is subject to change. For detailed information, interested individuals can visit deeplyrooteddancetheater.org.

Since premiering in 1996, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater has been reimagining and diversifying contemporary dance aesthetics. The company unites modern, classical, American, and African-American traditions, demonstrating the transformative power of art and beauty through performance, dance education, and cultural enrichment. Deeply Rooted is deeply committed to reflecting contemporary voices through collaborations with renowned choreographers across modern, ballet, and African dance genres.

The programs are made possible with the support of numerous sponsors and partners, showcasing the community’s commitment to fostering artistic excellence. Deeply Rooted Dance Theater continues to be a cultural force, inspiring and enriching audiences in Chicago and beyond.