AVONDALE — A new dance company is hosting a series of performances and classes next month in an Avondale parking lot.
The event series, called “kiss,” will run Oct. 3-4 in the parking lot at 3319 N. Elston Ave. PARA.MAR Dance Theatre, founded in July by Chicago-based contemporary ballet choreographer Stephanie Martinez, is behind the events.
Martinez enlisted nine dancers for the series. The group will teach “all ages and all abilities” movement classes, then hold performances. Two performances and two classes are scheduled for both days of the series.
There will be a class 10-10:30 a.m. followed by a performance noon-12:45 p.m. A second class will run 2-2:30 p.m. with a performance at 4-4:45 p.m.
The performances and the classes are free, but the dance company is accepting donations. Those who are interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP online.
Martinez, whose resume includes dance companies from the Joffrey Ballet to the Nashville Ballet, said in a statement she felt it is important to “create this opportunity for both artists and audiences in a moment when community art has otherwise evaporated from our reality.”
“I’m passionate about bringing high-caliber art to communities that otherwise lack access,” Martinez said. “It is PARA.MAR’s core belief that dance is an essential mode of human expression, and that with some innovation, art can be safely presented in spite of the hardships we are facing.”
The dance company’s name, PARA.MAR, is a blend of Martinez’ name and the Spanish preposition “para,” meaning “for.” The name is “an ode to [Martinez’s] individual identity and broader Mexican heritage,” according to the release.
For all other information, visit the dance company’s website.
Subscribe to Block Club Chicago. Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Already subscribe? Click here to support Block Club with a tax-deductible donation.