Dynamic Rite of Spring at CRB

It is a real testament to the strength of the Chicago Dance community and the quality of training that goes on that we have multiple high quality ballet companies, as the Chicago Repertory Ballet proved at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts this past weekend.

Featuring two world premieres and a revival of Wade Schaaf’s The Rite of Spring, the spring series showcased a company that is solidly technical and suitably dramatic to take on big themes.

The evening begins with Yanis Erik Pikieris’ Beyond the Blue Line is entire company work that fully works the architecture of dancers moving in unison and counterpoint in the large playground of the Ruth Page theatre. Luis Razo’s  ocean blue costumes that go from deep sea blue to sky blue costumes enhance the shimmering visuals of this highly structured short ballet.  

Schaaf’s new theatrical and abstract Pulse ILTJ1101 ballet is a fast sexy smart work that highlights the talents of his company with solos, a pas de deux and a pas de trois. The work has a sharp angularity that heightens the sense of cutting edge.The smoke that makes a kind of initial set piece and the red light along with the score by Rafferie and Kangding Ray let us know this ballet is right now.  

The men really stand out in this company. While the women lean towards classical uniformity, the men are each particularly individual and not always fitting the traditional ideals.  One cannot stop watching the incredible flexibility of Alberto Andrade who extends his line out miles into the space. 

The show concludes with The Rite of Spring, Schaaf’s 2013 envisioning of Stravinsky’s shocking score.  Here it is almost a story ballet.  The Chieftess (Miriam -Rose LeDuc) and the Viceroy (Alberto Andrade) rule over the savage spring rituals which end with the sacrifice of the maiden Haley Baker. Nathan Rohrer’s unisex robes give the cast a new age sci fi cult vibe, a bit Dune. Schaaf not only designed the set but apparently created the trees in his living room.  The set anchors the dance in an earthy bower. This ballet will stir the blood and is practically operatic in its realization. 

Chicago Repertory Ballet has strong dancers that utilize technique to portray exciting themes in a thrilling way.  They will be reviving their successful full length The Capulets in November so Chicago can see more of them.  The Spring Series played at Ruth Page Center for the Arts May 29-31, 2026. For more information on the company go to  https://www.chicagorepertoryballet.com

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