This past week was a special one – we had long-time Chicago dancer Monique Haley in to re-stage and add more choreography to a piece that has been in our repertoire since season 3!

Personally, this week was extra special for a few reasons. One being that “Soul Power” was the first piece of repertoire I ever learned on the company. After auditioning, joining the company, and showing up to my first day of rehearsal in 2020, we learned Monique’s piece to perform at a fall concert. It was my first performance with South Chicago Dance Theatre and who could’ve guessed this is where we would be 4 years later!

Secondly, Monique Haley was my professor at my alma mater, Western Michigan University. Monique was my first technique teacher for jazz while at WMU, I was involved in her thesis project for her Masters in Dance, and I had the privilege of working closely with her throughout my time at WMU. To be back in the studio working with her again was an extra special treat. It felt like home and was a reminder of how small and special the dance community is.

Monique’s piece, “Soul Power”, is all about spiritual and communal connection. Eye contact is extra important in the work as is the connection we have to the space and ourselves spiritually. Whatever that means for each of us was encouraged to come out in this work. It’s such a beautiful experience to perform as the movement itself is high energy, athletic, and tiring, but the feeling of the piece gives an overwhelming sense of calm. Monique’s process was the same – she brought amazing energy to our space, but spoke beautiful and encouraging words to us that brought us peace and community.

We are so thankful to have closed out our year of residencies with Monique. She made all of us feel special and valued in the space and made a gorgeous piece that we cannot wait to show audiences on April 27, 2024 at the Auditorium Theatre! We will see you there!!