If you don’t know yet, now you know. South Chicago Dance Theatre is premiering two new works in our Black History Month Series. Both are choreographed by our own founder and resident choreographer, Kia Smith. When I say this is a show you don’t want to miss, I truly mean it. Between the content, the choreography, the music and vocals, and the history and present day relevance intertwined is something that needs to be seen by all. AND – the show is virtual so there’s really no excuse not to watch!

If you haven’t already, head on over to Scdtblackhistory.eventbrite.com to snag your tickets!

Developing this show has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Over the past two months, we’ve worked on material Kia has given us, piecing together 40 full minutes of dancing to present to our eager audience. To be honest, I’ve never been a part of a show that has so quickly come together. Over the last three weeks in January, we’ve seen the show escalate from multiple ideas and phrases of movement into two flowing works of art set to a powerful score that includes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech as well as Langston Hughes “I, Too, Sing America” poem. 

The amount of times I’ve gotten chills in rehearsals for these pieces is crazy. For one, when I look at the talent of the dancers I get to share the space with, I get overwhelmed in itself. Then you add the deep and resounding voice of MLK on top of the soulful choreography and it’s a whole other layer of depth to the piece. Dr. King declares that “this is our hope” and that “we will never be satisfied”. Growing up, I always learned about and was taught to respect Martin Luther King Jr. and his work towards civil rights. Now, here I am at age 23, and those words hit deeper than they ever have. We need these words now more than ever. In 1963, the nation cried out and demanded for black men and white men to sit at the table together, to form brotherhood, to respect one another, and to learn from one another as equals. Here we are – well over 50 years later – far from being done with our work. 

Kia’s pieces are historical, drawing from and reflecting on our nation’s history. They, too, are extremely relevant to our current times. We need this hope, we need this justice, we need this call to brotherhood now more than ever. NOW is the time. This is our HOPE. I feel both honored and called upon to share this message through dance. 

See the show. Buy a ticket – I guarantee you will not regret it.