Deeply Rooted Hosts Dance Education Showcase May 11-12

Deeply Rooted Dance Theater (DRDT) is  putting the spotlight on its cross- generational movement education  programs by hosting a Dance Education  Showcase May 11 and 12 at St.  Benedict the African Parish, 6550 S.  Harvard Ave., Chicago.   The performance will feature work by  DRDT’s Youth Ensemble, its Apprentice  dancers and participants in the  Mature H.O.T. (Health-conscious,  Optimistic, Triumphant) Women  program, which provides technical  training and repertory workshops to  strengthen the body, challenge the  mind and nourish the spirit of  women who are average age  40+. “The performance is a reflection  of our dance education programs, filled  with various techniques, conversations  of artistic exploration and  choreographic workshops led by  Deeply Rooted's Artistic Team,  company dancers and guest artists,”  said DRDT Dance Education Director  Nicole Clarke-Springer.   Proceeds from these  performances will support  DRDT’s annual educational  programming, master classes,  outreach programs and local  and national performance  opportunities.   Deeply Rooted Dance  Theater’s Dance Education  Showcase takes place  Saturday, May 11 at 7 p.m.  and Sunday, May 12 at 2 p.m. at St. Benedict the African,  6550 W. Harvard Ave., Chicago. A reception follows the Sunday  performance. General admission is $20;  patrons who purchase a  $150 ticket become  members of  DRDT's Harvest  Group, providing additional  support for these programs. Tickets are available  at de-spring-showcase. eventbrite.com   Deeply Rooted Dance Theater Premiering in 1996, Deeply  Rooted Dance Theater (DRDT) is  rooted in traditions of modern,  contemporary and African   dance, as well as storytelling, in  universal themes that spark a  visceral experience and  ignite an emotional response in  diverse audiences worldwide.  Collaborating with  nationally renowned   choreographers across the  spectrum of modern, ballet  and African dance, DRDT  presents work that reflects  eclectic voices in contemporary  life.   Deeply Rooted’s programs are  partially supported by the  Alphawood Foundation Chicago,  Arts Work Fund and Smart  Growth program of the Chicago  Community Trust, Chicago  Park District’s Night Out in  the Parks Program, Ginger  Farley Charitable Fund at the  Chicago Community  Foundation, Gaylord and  Dorothy Donnelley  Foundation, John D. and  Catherine T. MacArthur  Foundation, Illinois  Arts Council Agency,   International Association  of Blacks in Dance,the  Martha Struthers Farley and  Donald C. Farley Jr. Family  Foundation, Reva and David  Logan Foundation the  Richard H. Driehaus  Foundation and the  Deeply Rooted Family of  Friends. Special thanks to  Ballet Chicago, Chicago  Dancemakers Forum,  Chicago Community Trust,  Chicago Park District, Reva  and David Logan Center  and St. Benedict the  African Church for their  partnership and support.   ###

Photo by Ken Carl.