IN/WITHIN (2025)

"Kia S. Smith’s IN/WITHIN offers a surreal journey into the subconscious, navigating the complex terrain of memory, emotion, and identity through the lead performer, Chloe Chandler. The piece immerses the audience in a world where irrationally juxtaposed scenes evoke a wide spectrum of emotions—from joy and absurdity to melancholy and empathy. Smith says that the work “represents me and my voice more than any other work I’ve choreographed. I envision this is the start of a new era for South Chicago Dance Theatre, with an emphasis on ‘theatre’ and a more narrative-driven model.” Chandler anchors this chaotic landscape, dressed in striking red heels, hot shorts and cool sunglasses. As she ventures through her subconscious, Chandler encounters eclectic characters, such as Elijah Richardson’s bumblebee-like creature and Brodie Wolf’s aristocratic, barking figure—both contributing whimsy and absurdity to the narrative. These characters symbolize the emotional turbulence of the subconscious, highlighting IN/WITHIN’s exploration of authenticity versus artifice."

"The dancers of SCDT brought IN/WITHIN to life with remarkable skill, capturing the delicate balance of vulnerability and strength in Smith’s choreography."

"The work showcased Smith’s choreographic innovation and SCDT’s ability to communicate profound emotional and psychological truths through dance, making it a standout piece in the evening’s program."

"…this was a mind-blower"

"This was a carefully choreographed dance with order and disorder in the same space."

"I highly recommend looking for South Chicago Dance Theatre performances and keeping track of Kia S. Smith’s vision as it unfolds."

"The choreography modern, even futuristic, pushed boundaries and forced the audience to examine their own. It left us altered, urging us to consider what it means to live authentically and consciously"