(August) As one of the most notable dance events in Chicago, the festival is designed to promote dance awareness, inspiration, and accessibility in the Chicago area and has helped to raise the profile of the city as an important dance destination.

Founded by renowned choreographer Lar Lubovitch, along with dancer Jay Franke, CDF carries enormous weight as an important venue for exposing dance to local audiences. One of the most luminary choreographers in modern dance, Lubovitch created the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company in 1968 and made over 100 dances for his New York-based company. Jay Franke began his training as a dancer in Dallas, Texas and graduated from the Julliard School with a BFA. He first danced with Lubovitch in 2005 and has danced with Twyla Tharp’s company, “Tharp,” the Lyric Opera Ballet Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and others. Both Lubovitch and Franke serve as CDF’s Artistic Directors.

Offering a wide variety of dance perspectives, some of the leading work presented at CDF has been by George Balanchine, Eiko & Koma, Martha Graham, Alonzo King, Jiri Kylian, Lar Lubovitch, Charles Moulton, Paul Taylor, Doug Varone, Robert Wilson, and more.

CDF works in partnership with Millennium Park, Chicago’s center for art, music, architecture, landscape and design, and the Museum of Contemporary Art and enjoys the sponsorship of many notable local organizations. (MK)

Chicago Dancing Festival Information

• Venues: Museum of Contemporary Art (220 East Chicago Avenue); Harris Theater for Music and Dance (205 East Randolph Street); Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (50 East Congress Parkway); The Chicago Cultural Center – Claudia Cassidy Theater (78 East Washington Street); Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park (Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street); The Intercontinental Hotel (505 North Michigan Avenue); and more
• Public Transportation: Varies by venue, but generally good
• Handicapped Accessibility: Depends on venue
• Performances/Programs: 10–15 performances per season
• Ticket Prices: Free
• Membership/Donors: Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated, and help keep the festival free.