Chicago Repertory Blog
Choreography: Wade Schaaf
Lighting Design: Sarah Lackner
Costume Design: Wade Schaaf
World Premiere: March 24th 2017, The Biograph Theater (Chicago IL)
The first of a series of duets choreographed by Wade Schaaf which explore romantic relationships and all of their iterations.
Choreography: Wade Schaaf
Lighting Design: Julie Ballard
Costume Design: Nathan Rohrer
World Premiere: March 24th 2017, The Biograph Theater (Chicago IL)
A Symphony for Hope is an exciting, frenetic contemporary ballet based on the idea of harnessing the determination needed to overcome the obstacles of challenging times.
CRB: What are you most excited to perform?
Sarah: Of course I love all the works that we are performing, but I am most excited about Wade's new work, A Symphony For Hope. I think there is a lot to worry about in our current political climate, especially in regards to the Arts, and it is easy to get despondent. The flip side to that is this is now the perfect moment in time to band together and to fight for what we hold dear. Hope is a powerful catalyst for change.
CRB: What has been the most rewarding experience for you?
This will be my last season with CRB as I am stepping away from performing and I have to say the most rewarding part of this season was the breadth of the repertoire in this concert. I have both been able to revisit and re-imagine works that I have already performed and also be a part of the vibrant creative process for a new work. It's the best of both worlds.
CRB: What's been the most rewarding part of the process?
Abigail: I've enjoyed the intimate rehearsal space; with only 16 dancers in the room, I feel as though we've grown closer through this experience and gotten to know each other as dancers and friends.
CRB: What are you most excited to perform?
Abigail: I'm most excited to perform Bolero because it's a sassy contemporary piece that showcases the versatility of these dancers. It's a piece that feels comfortable for my body, so I can lose myself in the world of the piece. And who wouldn't love to perform a dance that involves moving walls and flirting with the audience?.
CRB: What's a fun fact about yourself?
Abigail:: I love mermaids and I wanted to be one when I was a child
CRB: What should someone who's never been to CRB expect?
Jordan: They can expect a large amount of depth within our company! Everyone moves in such different ways but we all compliment each other so well.
CRB: What are you most excited to perform?
Jordan: I'm excited to perform "Four Seasons" because it's incredibly challenging for me and it pushes me.
CRB: What are you most excited to perform?
Irina: I'm most excited for Bolero. It's quirky and a lot of fun for the audience.
CRB: What's been the most rewarding part of the process for you?
Jordan: Getting to dance with people from so many different dance backgrounds has really enhanced my experience so far this season.
CRB: What should someone expect if they've never seen a CRB show?
Jordan: I guess the best way I can explain it is a mix between contemporary dance and ballet. It's hard to explain because I have never done work like this before dancing for CRB.
CRB: What are you most excited to perform?
Jordan: It really is a toss up between The Four Seasons and the new ballet, "A Symphony for Hope." The new ballet is very exciting and unlike anything else I've ever danced, however The Four Seasons was the first ballet I learned with CRB (three years ago) and this will be my first time getting to perform it.
CRB: What has been the most rewarding part of the process?
Jordan: Getting to work with this extremely talented and hard working group of dancers. I feel like just being in the room with them challenges me to keep pushing myself.
CRB: What's a fun fact you'd like to tell our audience?
Jordan: I use duct tape to protect my toes when I am wearing my pointe shoes.I have found that it works the best out of everything I have tried.
CRB: What piece are you the most excited to perform?
Nathan: I'm super excited to perform The Four Seasons because it's such an emotional journey, and I have the opportunity to really project my feelings.
CRB: What has been the most rewarding part of this experience?
athan: I've found a lot of self growth in my performance quality, and my ability to execute choreography while simultaneously expressing the piece's tone.
CRB: What should someone expect if they've never been to a CRB show?
Akilah: They should prepare to feel all of the feelings! You might laugh, you might cry; you will definitely have a good time!
CRB: What are you most excited to perform?
Akilah: I'm really excited to perform "A Symphony for Hope" because it has a strong focus on team work and community. It feels like this piece in particular really brings us together as a company. There's a certain sense of support I feel in this piece and I'm excited to share that with more people.
CRB: What has been the most rewarding experience this season?
Pablo: Joining Chicago Repertory Ballet has been a trek into a new dance-scape for me. Wade's artistic vision is approachable and clear yet vast and curious. As a dancer, the most exciting experience is the creation of a new work, and being a part of that process is a reward in itself.
CRB: What inspires you?
Pablo: My family inspires me to dance! They have always stood behind me in my decision and pursuit to become a dancer: my mother and father, brothers and sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces... I dance because of you! Thank you!
