River North Dance Chicago to Celebrate Artistic Director's Last Performance with Special Fall Engagement

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University welcomes back River North Dance Chicago (RNDC) for a special Fall Engagement as the company says farewell to retiring Artistic Director Frank Chaves on October 3, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. The celebratory performance will feature the company's most beloved works along with some of Chaves' favorite creations showing his unique and visionary leadership. Tickets ($28- $68) are available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by calling (312) 341-2300 or in-person at the Auditorium's Box Office (50 E. Congress Pkwy).

"It has been the privilege of a lifetime to be at the helm of such an extraordinary company and to see the growth that RNDC has achieved during my tenure as Artistic Director," said Chaves. "Although I may be stepping down as a director, I will always be a part of this incredible group of individuals who tirelessly dedicate their lives to making innovative, powerful dance. I know that River North has a bright future and I look forward to seeing the amazing things they have in store."

An internationally recognized choreographer, teacher, mentor and industry leader, Frank Chaves, the 2014 "Chicagoan of the Year" (Chicago Tribune), has dedicated his life to the creation and advancement of contemporary jazz dance. Chaves' body of work and artistic vision has buoyed a local performance troupe into one the country's most popular dance companies, thrilling audiences with its technical precision, emotive dancers, commanding choreography and versatile repertoire. This special engagement will pay tribute to the 23 years Chaves spent curating a diverse repertoire of the world's most well-known and respected dance makers, mentoring generations of new dancers all while creating 25 memorable works for the company. RNDC's only Chicago performance this season will feature three of Chaves's signature pieces including "Love Will Follow," "Temporal Trance" and one of his most noted pieces, "Habaneras, The Music of Cuba."

"Having RNDC on the Auditorium's landmark stage is always a treat, but to host Frank Chaves' last performance as Artistic Director is a truly special and historic occasion that we are thrilled to be a part of," said Auditorium Theatre Executive Director Brett Batterson. "This engagement will be an exceptional tribute of incredible dance and is a momentous opening to this season's 'Made in Chicago' Dance Series."

The Auditorium Theatre Dance Series is sponsored by NIB Foundation.

River North Dance Chicago's Lead Sponsor for the Fall Celebration is Northern Trust.