As part of the annual matinee series Urban Gateways: Center for Arts Education and The Harris Theater for Music and Dance present Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre on Tuesday, April 15th at 10:00 am. In this program, the company presents the Langston Hughes tribute “Shadow of the Blues” features thirteen poems by Hughes set to original jazz and blues music and choreography and “A Tribute to Nina Simone,” an electrifying homage to the priestess of soul.
The Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre fuses contemporary dance, live music, and art into multifaceted and innovative performances. Through its versatility of style and theme that incorporates jazz, classical, Latin, rock ‘n’ roll, and blues music with that of ballet, jazz, and modern dance, the company has mastered a style unique to themselves. “Cerqua Rivera performances boast the theatricality of a Broadway review, the slyness of late night cabaret and the exuberance of a jam session.” – Sylvia Perez, ABC Channel 7
Urban Gateways is pleased to partner with the Harris Theater in presenting a global view of movement and dance featuring works from Japanese, Latino, and American cultures. An Urban Gateways matinee performance brings students from all over the metropolitan area together to share in an unforgettable experience. For more information about matinee performances, or to order tickets, please contact Tarah Ortiz at 312.922.0440 x.235 or tortiz@urbangateways.org. Urban Gateways: Center for Arts Education is a not-for-profit organization that provides culturally diverse literary, performing and visual arts programs for children, teachers and parents. As the largest, most comprehensive arts organizations in the country, Urban Gateways works with schools and artists across the metropolitan Chicago area to promote arts learning, engagement in and appreciation for the arts.