A rapt audience... Generations of company dancers who hugged and laughed after not seeing one another in years... the presentation of a framed mayoral proclamation declaring February 28 "Shirley Mordine Day" in the city of Chicago... a roaring standing ovation for Shirley when she closed the program with her bittersweet solo, Silver Lining... It truly was a fitting moment to honor 40 years of artmaking.
History unfolded and danced before our eyes as the company celebrated its 40th Anniversary with style. A packed audience of over 250 people attended the concert at The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago that the Tribune described as, "kinetically intricate and evocative." And generations of Mordine alumni dancers got to see the current company take exquisite ownership of works they themselves had performed decades before.
The celebration continued after the performance, in the third floor Dance Center studio, where partygoers were treated to delicious food by Café Selmarie, sipped MoCoTinis and danced the night away to tunes spun by DJ Erik Roldan. In a heartfelt speech during the evening, Shirley threw her arms open wide and with a warm smile, declared, "you are all why this night is possible. You are the heart of this company. Thank you."
Were you part of the festivities? Then maybe you are in one of the Gala photos... TAKE A LOOK!
Here's just a sample of AUDIENCE MEMBER RESPONSES about the concert and gala celebration:
"I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the concert last night. Everyone performed like they belonged to the same company and that is a testament to your unique voice as a choreographer. The new work is simply stunning! I can't wait to see it again and again."
"I was so honored and excited to be there with you and your many adoring fans and supporters. Each piece was wonderful on so many levels. It was great to see the original cast members, and to watch the "new" casts embody the work. I thought the new piece was stunning and it was fascinating to see the progression of your thinking and, as you said in closing, how each person and each period has led up to, and has informed the work you are doing now. AND your solo was divine."
"The benefit was one of the best I have ever attended and kudos to the entire benefit committee on such an incredible job. What a wonderful celebration!!"
"The show was fantastic! I was so proud and happy to stand up and be counted among the people lucky to have worked with you."
"I LOVED I Haven't Heard From You, it was gorgeous."
"Illuminations looked incredible, it was so vital and beautifully dynamic. And your solo was the perfect ending, just great."
"It is amazing all you have accomplished, influenced and realized. Would not we all be able to be so incredible. You have always been an inspiration on so many levels that I can't even begin to express my gratitude for your intellect, wisdom and brilliant artistry."
"Congratulations on a creative, festive, and well-run celebration. I hope your mood is flying high this week. You deserve it."
"I came on Saturday, and I was just blown away. The whole thing was just beautiful. It was so lovely to watch older works, and your company looked just beamingly happy to be performing. Congratulations!"