Chaves gives master classes for dance students
Feb. 7, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Frank Chaves, artistic director of River North Chicago Dance Company, will visit WMU's Department of Dance Monday through Wednesday, Feb. 11-13, to conduct master classes in jazz technique.
Actual participation in Chaves' master classes is reserved for students enrolled in Dance Technique Levels I, II, and III; however, others are welcome to observe the classes. For the times of the master classes or more information, call the Department of Dance at 269 387-5830.
Frank Chaves joined River North Chicago Dance Company in 1992 as a choreographer and, in 1994, became co-artistic director. An international choreographer and teacher, Chaves has created numerous works for River North Chicago and other companies including Spectrum Dance Theatre, Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Point Park College for the Performing Arts, Barat Repertory Dance Company, Kaleidoscope Dancers, Liisa Nojonen Dance Company, and Ballet Pacifica's Choreographer's Workshop.
Chaves has staged ballets for choreographer Daniel Ezralow on the Atlanta Ballet, Ballet Florida, American Repertory Ballet, and Ballet Lirico di Verona. His theatrical commissions include work for Steppenwolf Theatre and the Cleveland Playhouse. As a performer, Chaves has danced with Ballet Concerto of Miami, New York's Ballet Hispanico, Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, and six years with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.
In 2000, Chaves received a Ruth Page Dance Achievement Award for "Mission," co-created with Sherry Zunker in honor of River North's 10th anniversary.
Media contact: Trudy Cobb at 269 387-5834, trudy.cobb@wmich.edu