Posted in Chicago, Dance

Chicago Inspired: Thodos Ends Season 23 on a High Note

   Published Date: March 30, 2015

On March 7, Thodos Dance Chicago wrapped Season 23 in grandiose style with a continuation of its year-long commitment to celebrating Chicago. After performing to a packed-house at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance including new and old rep inspired by Chicago, Thodos pulled out all the stops for a beautiful post-show gala onstage at Pritzker Pavilion.

“Chicago Inspired was Thodos Dance Chicago’s special theme this year both onstage at the Harris Theater, through the magic of dance and film, and in true celebration on the Pritzker Pavilion stage following the performance.”said company founder and artistic director Melissa Thodos. “It was a magical, memorable event with added inspiration drawn from our wonderful attendees who support our unique and special mission of dance performance, creation and education,”

Indeed it was. I was lucky to be able to attend the event that raised $35,000 for the continuation of Melissa Thodos et al’s tireless commitment to providing a three-tiered holistic experience for her dancers and the greater public. In case you missed it, here are some photos by Charles Osgood from a truly elegant evening!

Guests at Thodos Dance’s March 7 gala enjoyed a delicious Chicago Inspired buffet and passed hors d’oeuvres on the glass enclosed stage of the Pritzker Pavilion.
Thodos Dance Chicago founder and artistic director Melissa Thodos with Candace Jordan of CandidCandace.com at Thodos Dance’s Chicago Inspired winter concert and gala at the Harris Theater on March 7.
Thodos Dance Chicago founder and artistic director Melissa Thodos with executive director Gail Ford at the company’s Chicago Inspired winter concert and gala at the Harris Theater on March 7.
Saxophone player Skinny Williams helped entertain more than 150 guests on the stage of the Pritzker Pavilion at Thodos Dance’s Chicago Inspired gala on March 7.
The Thodos Dance Youth Ensemble wowed VIP gala guests with their exclusive performance at Thodos Dance’s Chicago Inspired winter concert and gala, March 7 at the Harris Theater.

 

Author: Lauren Warnecke

Lauren Warnecke is a freelance dance critic, contributing to the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Magazine. She is senior editor of See Chicago Dance. Lauren covers dance across the Midwest and writes regularly for Dance Magazine and Pointe with additional bylines in Milwaukee Magazine, St. Louis Magazine and Dance Teacher. Forthcoming publications include essays on ballet training in Chicago (University of Illinois Press) and Shirley Mordine (University of Akron Press). In 2020, Lauren published an opinion piece on the impact of COVID-19 on the arts in the South African journal Agenda. Lauren holds degrees in dance and kinesiology and has presented research on dance training practices at the National Dance Education Organization and the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science. She has co-facilitated critical dance writing intensives in Chicago and Durban, South Africa, and participated in writing residencies at the National Center for Choreography, Bates Dance Festival and JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience. Lauren teaches dance history and kinesiology for dancers, with part-time appointments at Loyola University Chicago and Illinois Wesleyan University.