As the world begins to open up and look a bit more normal (with appropriate safety precautions still in place, of course), we have been thrilled to be invited to perform in multiple events. This past year sure has looked a bit different with virtual school shows, virtual performances, and rehearsals masked and distanced, so to be able to perform live has been such a privilege.

Just this past weekend, on Saturday May 15, 2021, SCDT traveled to Alsip, Illinois to perform at Christine Porter’s Memorial Concert and Homegoing Celebration. This concert was full of talent – us four company members met SO many beautiful singers from opera to gospel to child performers. Each one of them stole the show and honored Ms. Porter’s legacy, as her daughter Cheryl Porter spoke so eloquently of. The entire service drove me to tears – just ask Kim who sat next to me sobbing in the audience. It was a rollercoaster of emotions from a true upbeat celebration to a somber remembrance of the person Christine was. I felt honored to be able to perform for such an inspirational and powerful woman. Cheryl told us that her mother had many issues with her legs and that us, as dancers, symbolized her mother dancing again in heaven. What a powerful visual. I have chills still thinking about her saying it now.

The four of us performed four dances throughout the program, three of which we were joined by musical artists. To be able to perform live again is one thing…to be performing behind live accompaniment takes it to a whole other level. My dancing connected directly to the pitches and volume of each singer and my art was only amplified because I had someone’s artistic energy to feed off of. It’s such a beautiful thing to collaborate and be inspired by other creatives.

All in all, I felt so happy to have met the people we did, to have performed with them, and to honor such a beautiful soul who lived a jam-packed life. I’m sure she was celebrating alongside us in heaven. What a wonderful way to celebrate someone’s life – with art.

Check out our Instagram and Facebook page (@southchicagodancetheatre) to see where we pop up next now that in-person performances are reopening!