Chicago Dance Scene Loses a Long-Time Performer

Torn ligaments, sprained joints, broken bones, herniated discs.  That would be enough to surely stop most of us in our tracks.  But these are the consequences that come with the territory for Mari Jo Irbe.  Hopefully now that Irbe, a dancer with the River North Chicago Dance Company, is retiring as a performer, her days of injury will be limited. 

It was recently announced that Irbe would be stepping down as a dancer after spending the last sixteen years dancing with River North.  This is quite the benchmark for both Irbe, who has been performing for eighteen years, and the company, of which she was the last original member.  Fortunately, Irbe will be continuing on as rehearsal director, a role she has held for the past five years. Irbe is a Ruth Page Dance Achievement Award recipient and a committee chairperson for Dance For Life.  She continues to teach and choreograph throughout the U.S.

A lucky crowd of dance enthusiasts, present for River North Chicago's annual benefit gala, was witness to Irbe's last performance on November 7, 2007, at Chicago's Harris Theatre for Music and Dance.  During an emotional presentation, Irbe performed in some of the roles she has danced for years and was honored with a video documenting her dancing with the company.  Although her presence on stage will be missed, the dance community is lucky to have the continued efforts of a person who, as described by company director Frank Chaves, "doesn't know how to give less than one hundred and fifty percent."

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