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Governors State University Center Presents Acclaimed Dance Theatre Production Addressing Violence


University Park, IL—(ENEWSPF)–March 15, 2015 – Hip-hop and ballet? The music of OutKast and Michael Jackson. The 1920’s and the 1980’s. These odd couples combine to create an undeniably unique performing arts experience –and one with a message about violence. The Cotton Mouth Club, presented by Chicago Dance Crash, brings its characteristic fusion of dance styles, known widely on the Chicago contemporary dance scene, to Governors State University’s (GSU) Center for Performing Arts on March 27 at 8 p.m.

The Cotton Mouth Club, a time-traveling fable of hot jazz, romance, smoldering street violence and personal redemption, uses hip hop, ballet, jazz, swing, acrobatics, breakdance, and contemporary dance styles to spin a saga of  choice between a familiar world of urban violence or personal awakening.

The first act is set in an era of hot jazz and silicon smooth swing, reminiscent of Outkast’s “Idlewild” where a couple is caught in the middle of rival gangs of moonshine-making boys. Then Chicago Dance Crash pops, locks, and weaves its way through dueling eras, rebooting the same collision course in an era fueled by B-Boys breakdancing to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, for two acts, two worlds, and one timeless story.

Tickets are only $25 for adults and $10 for students with valid I.D. Adults 65+ save $5.

What the Critics Say

“Choreographer Jessica Deahr does a terrific job throughout, blending styles from hip hop to ballet seamlessly while making bold use of the dancers’ proximity to the viewers and building in dazzling little tricks all the way through.” (Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Reader calls “The Cotton Mouth Club”, as “…an 85-minute miracle of powerhouse dance.”

The Cotton Mouth Club is part of the Center’s Made in Chicago series, generously supported by The Chicago Community Trust. A portion of The Center’s programming is also supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Come for the Show, Stay for the Discussion & the Art
The GSU Center is presenting this production as part of a National Endowment for the Arts project: Art Rising- Engaging the Community in Response to Violence. Pre-show, GSU will be showcasing a visual arts exhibit of artwork by area high school students addressing violence. Post-show, a panel of community leaders including Chicago Dance Crash Artistic Director, Jessica Deahr, will discuss the issues of violence impacting our neighborhoods. The panel will be moderated by GSU Restorative Justice Professors Joao Salm and Jordan Nowotny.

How to Buy Tickets
Online: CenterTickets.net
By Phone: 708.235.2222
In Person at the Box Office: 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL
Box Office Hours: Mon-Sat 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Download the Center’s APP: goo.gl/nqy4ul

About Chicago Dance Crash
Since its inaugural production of The Mercutio Story, the Chicago run of which played at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier, Chicago Dance Crash has emerged as a critical staple in contemporary dance on the Chicago scene. With a unique union of styles both classic and contemporary, including ballet, capoeira, breakdance, acrobatics, and contemporary dance, the company aims to develop a wider appreciation for dance as an influential art form and as an accessible form of entertainment.

About The Chicago Community Trust
The Chicago Community Trust, our region’s community foundation, partners with donors to leverage their philanthropy in ways that transform lives and communities. The Trust, together with its donors, grants more than $100 million annually to nonprofits working to develop new audiences to sustain the region’s vibrant arts organizations, protect the human services safety net for those hardest hit by the recession, stem the devastating effects of foreclosures on our neighborhoods, elevate teaching to meet world-class standards and improve conditions for healthy and active lifestyles. By connecting the generosity of donors with the needs of the community, the Trust ensures that our region thrives today and for future generations.

Source: www.govst.edu


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