Planet Chicago - 2016

As part of its 10th year celebration, the Chicago Dancing Festival will be presented, for the first time, at Navy Pier on Friday, August 26, 2016 at 5:30PM. In a world-themed dance program titled Planet Chicago, this presentation will feature Chicago-based dance companies including a Festival debut by Forward Momentum Chicago plus the popular returns of Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago and Natya Dance Theatre. This presentation also celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Navy Pier and is part of its cultural and community programming, which is supported by the Polk Bros. Foundation.

Polk Bros Park – 5:30 p.m.

*Forward Momentum Chicago 
A traditional South African Gumboot dance featuring over 80 young dancers from Chicago    Public Schools, Chicago Park District, and schools and studios throughout Chicago.  

East Performance Platform – 6:00 p.m.

Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago  
A performance of contemporary and ancient African, African-American and Caribbean dance, music, and folklore.

Center Performance Platform – 6:30 p.m.

Chicago Human Rhythm Project
A tap and percussive dance piece performed by Chicago Human Rhythm Project's resident performance ensemble.

Natya Dance Theatre
A contemporary performance of the classical Indian dance-theatre art of Bharata Natyam.

Polk Bros Park Fountain – 7:00 p.m.

Forward Momentum Chicago
​A cumulating performance of the Gumboot dance which invites all audience members to join the dancers for a participatory event in the newly created Polk Bros Park Fountain. 

Supported by the Polk Bros. Foundation, Planet Chicago is also presented as part of Navy Pier’s Arts & Discovery programming initiative dedicated to presenting vibrant, Chicago-based arts, cultural and community programming in honor of the Pier’s centennial year and to continue its commitment to welcoming people of all backgrounds in its second century. Planet Chicago is the first major dance event presented as part of this initiative.