Program

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Tent City composed by Kevin O’Connell
Gives testimony to the residents who live in the encampments in the park. Braving the elements and societal pressures but they feel this is “home” to them. 

Ever After composed by James Sanders | From Here, To Home choreographed by Katlin Bourgeois

This piece, in its essence, is about searching for home and how much work it takes to keep our most vulnerable within the folds of society. With this piece we hope to honor the rich culture of the Humboldt Park neighborhood, how dance has been interwoven in the fabric of the community for decades. We want to recognize Carmen Flores-Rance for her constant work in her church and neighborhood, as well as dedicate this piece to Levan Hill and all others who have fallen victim to gentrification and displacement. We found that as long as we are here, there must be hope for a better future, and for finding beauty even inside of struggle if you have to.

Invención composed by James Sanders
Inspired by the Latino spirit of making do and adapting. Innovating and embracing new ways to use old things. Incorporating classic ideas into a new context. 

Familiar Places composed by Kevin O’Connell
Inspired by the feelings you get when you come back to a place you are familiar with.  The strength and sense of fulfillment. The rush of adrenaline and the sense of identity.

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The Island composed by James Sanders | choreographed by Rigo Saura
Based on the story of Marisa de Arce describing how she took refuge in the park from a troubled home on the small Island located in the Humboldt Park area, with her little sister. Inspired by this true story, Sanders and Saura created a piece chronicling the experience of this story on four different reels, and how it continues to resonate in our daily lives. Immersed in the idea of finding a safe environment, "The Island'' becomes a wonderful refuge, where playful and imaginary moments were the escape from reality. Joy, Sadness, Inspiration and Anguish mixed together are part of the nuances that travel through this piece, which both musically and choreographically give it a unique distinction.  

Amalgamation composed by Kevin O’Connell

Based on the powerful testimony of DJ Lugo Rosado who found music to be a safe space for himself and many of the teens in the 1970 ‘s in Chicago… all kinds of music and many types of people.