Ten renowned dance companies will unite for a one-night performance at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, courtesy of the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project (CBDLP). Featuring organizations such as Chicago Multicultural Dance Center, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, and The Era Footwork Collective, audiences will experience a range of repertory performances including African, contemporary modern, ballet, jazz, and tap. The event is themed “Dancing the Archive: Embodied Histories, Collective Power.”
Mashaune Hardy, CBDLP’s executive director, emphasizes the importance of storytelling through dance. “Who keeps our stories? Who tells them accurately? We are the living archive,” Hardy remarked, explaining the celebration of movement and collaborative spirit among Chicago’s dance community.
The production unfolds in chapters, each spotlighting a legacy bearer. Honorees include Carol Adams for Record Keeper, Chance the Rapper for Stewardship, and Jackie Taylor as Space Maker. This year’s theme responds to the ongoing erasure of Blackness nationwide, asserting presence and creativity.
Joel Hall Dancers & Center artistic director William Gill values the camaraderie of the annual event: “It’s like a family reunion,” he said. “Seeing all these companies together strengthens our bonds.” The CBDLP, established in 2019, aims to strengthen Chicago’s dance sector through support and collaboration.
CBDLP continues advocating for sustainability and visibility. Initiatives include organizational capacity-building and professional development. Hardy highlights recent investments like amplified floors for tap dancers, enhancing both performance and revenue.
The project also facilitates mentorship between veteran and emerging artists, sharing wisdom from luminaries like Tony Award-nominated Camille A. Brown and Philadelphia Dance Company’s founder Joan Myers Brown. Hardy emphasizes these veterans’ insights into creativity and civic leadership.
According to Gill, the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project gives visibility and validates the work of Black dance companies amid a challenging political climate. “Seeing sold-out audiences shows the thirst for this art,” he said, noting dance’s role in development, healing, and wellness.
Dance fosters cross-pollination of ideas and cultures, extending possibilities for community engagement and personal growth. The Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project offers an inspiring testament to the richness and resilience of the Black dance community.
Event Details: The Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project takes place at 7 p.m. on August 28 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, located at 205 E. Randolph St. Tickets start at $35; visit [harristheaterchicago.org](http://harristheaterchicago.org) for more information.