“Chicago Rhythm Fest” at the Auditorium Theatere was the culminating performance of the STOMPING GROUND event that included five programs across Chicago neighborhoods, bringing together five amazing percussive dance groups from around the world including The Trinity Irish Dance Company, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, Mexican Dance Ensemble and Chicago Human Rhythm Project. 

This was my first time in the Auditorium Theatre and to be honest, I would have been happy just sitting and enjoying that space for the next two hours. The gilded theater is an icon of Chicago, hosting culturally diverse shows since 1889 and it was such a treat to be there.

On hand to MC the vent was Lane Alexander, the artistic director and co-founder of Chicago Human Rhythm Project. His introductions of each company and performance tied together the diversity of each performance, bringing everything back to the universal language of rhythm.

Many pieces were performed a cappella, or to the simplicity of a single instrument letting the dancing provide most of the music. The stage was simple with no set, and basic lighting to set the mood while allowing all of your focus to be on the dancers. At times the lighting felt a bit off with bright white light coming from the wings but overall it was kept simple and unobtrusive.

Performances ranged from the fun, grounded rhythms of the Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, to the lighthearted and at times comical performances of the Mexican Dance Ensemble that transported you to Mexico, to a wonderful throwback to classic American Tap by Chicago Human Rhythm Project. With all the variety, the common theme of rhythm held it all together well.

A few standout performances for me were by the Trinity Irish Dancers and Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater. The Trinity Irish Dancers performed a series of three pieces – starting with a traditional soft shoe piece which was well executed, and fast paced, followed by two hard shoe pieces. The real magic for me was at the start of their second piece. The stage went black and two small overhead spotlights shone on the feet of a single male dancer. His hard shoe footwork started out simple and clean but quickly built up in speed and complexity making the audience erupt in cheers.

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater got off to a slow start for me with a single female performer dancing to a drum and vocal performance. However, it quickly picked up next going to a unique piece featuring the men of the group, performed entirely sitting down with an interesting mix of flamenco footwork and drumming on their stools. Finally it all came together in a piece featuring the entire company that had so much power and precision the whole audience was transfixed.

Throughout the show, you could feel the audience tapping their feet to the rhythm and I found myself tapping at the bus stop after the show proving the rhythm really will get you! This was a one night only performance but I can recommend seeing any and all of these dance companies!