Pages

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

OPENING: Cirque Shanghai is Back at Navy Pier With New Warriors Theme for 2014

“CIRQUE SHANGHAI: WARRIORS” RETURNS FOR 9th SUMMER SEASON TO 
NAVY PIER® PEPSI® SKYLINE STAGE 
MAY 21 – SEPTEMEBER 1

ChiIL Mama can't wait to see “CIRQUE SHANGHAI: WARRIORS” at the press opening this Wednesday. We'll be back shooting stills once again, for the 5th year in a row! Check back like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often for our reviews, news, giveaways and features. We're your source for photo/video filled original content on Chi, IL and beyond!




Click here to check out 4 years of our exclusive photo filled Cirque Shanghai recaps!  Then book your tickets and see them LIVE. (We've also included more of our favorite original stills from last year at the end of this post. Loads of favorite acts from last year will be back again, with a hot, new warrior twist!)


Tickets now on Sale for 
“Cirque Shanghai: Warriors” 
with New Acts Including 
the Martial Prowess of Chinese Kung Fu 
and Wu Shu Masters

“Cirque Shanghai” is proud to return this summer to Chicago’s Navy Pier with a brand new show, “Cirque Shanghai: Warriors.” Performances begin Wednesday, May 21 and run through Monday, Sept. 1 at the Pepsi® Skyline Stage, a 1,500-seat, canopied, open-air theater on Navy Pier® (600 E. Grand Ave).

Tickets are on sale NOW and will be available via Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com/shanghai.

Now in its ninth consecutive summer season at the Pepsi® Skyline Stage, this latest installment of “Cirque Shanghai” combines the impressive acrobatics audiences have enjoyed in the past with the martial prowess of Chinese Kung Fu and Wu Shu masters. The result is powerful display of athleticism and the mastery of disciplines that formed the backbone of military might in ancient China for thousands of years.

This summer’s production of “Cirque Shanghai: Warriors” brings an extraordinary line-up of thrilling acts to the stage, including The Kinetic Poles, the powerful Water Meteor and the heart-pounding Pageant of Arms. Returning to the production from last year is the fate-tempting “Wheel of Destiny,” and China’s premier daredevil steel-globe motorcycle troupe, “Imperial Thunder”.

Directed by Miao Miao Chen, “Cirque Shanghai: Warriors” is presented in this exclusive U.S. engagement by Navy Pier in conjunction with International Special Attractions, Ltd. (ISA) production headquarters in Shanghai, China. 

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND TICKET INFORMATION
“Cirque Shanghai” will perform May 21 – September 1. Performances will be held at 10:30 a.m. May 21 and 29. Beginning May 23 the regular performance schedule is:
  • Wednesday at 2, 6 and 8 p.m. 
  • Thursday at 2 and 8 p.m.
  • Friday at 2, 7 and 9 p.m.
  • Saturday at 2, 6 and 8 p.m.
  • Sunday at 2 and 4 p.m.

Tickets are on sale NOW via Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com/shanghai. Tickets are $19.50- $39.50 for adults and $15.50 for children ages 3 to 12. Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are also available by calling GroupTix at 773.327.3778 or visiting www.grouptix.net.

  • Special Packages for summer 2014 include: The Navy Pier Fun Package containing, a Emperor’s Court “Cirque Shanghai: Warriors” ticket, a 40 min Skyline boat cruise, a Ferris Wheel voucher, a Pepsi Skyline Stage $5 concession voucher and a 20% off RIVA coupon for $43, with a children’s version available for $28. 


  • In addition, the Navy Pier Nightlife package combines a “Cirque Shanghai: Warriors” Emperor’s Court ticket, a Landshark Beer garden $10 voucher and a Hagen Daas double scoop cone/cup voucher for $36.50.












ChiIL Tips:   Go on a Wednesday or Saturday night and catch a free Navy Pier fireworks show every week!   We also recommend buying the glossy, photo filled program.   The performers will sign it after the show and it'll be a fun keepsake for the kids to reminisce over.


ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM
International Special Attractions (ISA) was established in 1996 and over the past two decades has become a world leader in the production of large scale special attractions, events and theatrical productions. In addition to presenting Cirque Shanghai, ISA was the first company to bring Chinese acrobats to Broadway.  For the past two years, ISA has presented The Ice Kingdom, a 14,000 square foot experience made entirely of ice, at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA.  ISA’s other ICE! attractions are mounted annually at four Gaylord Hotel locations throughout the United States, and are enjoyed by over 1 million people each year. ISA also produces Luminasia, the larger-than-life lantern attraction, which was seen last year at the Washington State Fair, and for the past four years at The Galt House Hotel in Louisville, KY.  In 2014, ISA is adding two additional Luminasia locations, one in Blackpool, England, and another in conjunction with the LA County Fair.  ISA clients have included The Walt Disney Company, Gaylord Entertainment, The Queen Mary, The New Victory Theatre in New York, Navy Pier Chicago, The Galt House Hotel, Busch Entertainment Corp and Six Flags, Inc.  Featured Television coverage has aired internationally, on networks including NBC, CBS and ABC to name but a few.

Drawing from his classical music background, Haiping Ge was one of the earliest producers serving in the Shanghai government’s Office of Cultural Exchange Affairs. From that office, he hosted many of the first Western entertainers performing in China.

For the last two decades, Haiping Ge has been producing shows with ISA for the world’s premium venues. His current productions include: Cirque Shanghai for New Victory Theatre on Broadway; ICE! Attractions in Dallas, Nashville, Orlando and Washington D.C. in association with Gaylord Resorts; Luminasia at The Galt House in Louisville, KY, USA. Haiping also produced a Chinese acrobatic show for Disney World, Florida which will run through the end of this year.

Miao Chen is a second-generation performer as well as the show’s director.  She studied with the internationally famous Shenyang Performing Arts Academy beginning at age five, and joined the acclaimed Shenyang Acrobatic Troupe, one of the top ten troupes in all of China, at age 13.  Chen is the recipient of a Gold Lion Award from the International Acrobatics Competition in France, and received the top award for Best Innovative Performance in Uruguay. Chen has performed throughout the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia. In 2006 and 2007, Chen worked as a choreographer for “Le Grand Cirque” which has toured in cities across Australia, the United Kingdom and United States. Chen previously directed hit productions of “Cirque Shanghai” in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

ABOUT NAVY PIER
Located on Lake Michigan, just east of Chicago’s downtown, Navy Pier is the most-visited tourist and leisure destination in the Midwest, welcoming nearly 9 million annual visitors.  Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, it is now one of the country’s preeminent recreation and exposition facilities, showcasing 50 acres of parks, gardens, restaurants, shops, attractions, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exhibition facilities and more.



























Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,

Friday, May 23, 2014

FESTS ON OUR RADAR: Art Meets Science at Pivot Arts Fest May 28-June 14

“Art Meets Science” themed festival brings adult shows & family friendly fun to Chicago




Pivot Arts Festival is an amazing and affordable celebration of improvisation, film, dance, theater, music and much, much more compacted into two-and-a-half weeks starting May 28. 

ChiIL Mama will be there... will YOU?!  Book your tickets today! Full schedule is below.


2 Fab Fam Friendly Picks:


*Storytown is presenting an improv show at Lickity Split Custard and Sweet Shop specifically for kids dubbed “Ice Cream & Science Improv” on June 1st at 12 p.m. 

Mmmmm.  Here at ChiIL Mama, we came from an improv background and founded a troupe at Miami University in Oxford that lasted over 20 years!  So, we dig improv. It also doesn't get much more chill than custard & ice cream. We are SO there.


*Next is The Dance COLEctive’s 13, which explores the authentic and hilarious transition from childhood to teenage years through character based dance. The show is recommended for kids ages 10 and up with a parent/guardian. This plays May 31st and  June 1st at 3 p.m. at Swift Elementary school.

I used to joke about life with toddlers and young kids as endless theatre in the round. Now with 11 & 13 year olds, we're living this scenario -- the authentic and hilarious transition from childhood to teenage years. Can't wait to check out The Dance COLEctive's 13!



PIVOT ARTS 
SECOND ANNUAL FESTIVAL CELEBRATING INNOVATIVE THEATER, MUSIC AND DANCE, “ART MEETS SCIENCE,”
MAY 28 – JUNE 14 IN LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT FAR NORTH SIDE

The Performance Festival Features Numerous Companies/Artists Including BAATHHAUS, the dilettantes, Gashlycrumb Orphanage, The Honeypots, Jon Langford, The Seldoms and More, with Range of Science Themes and Events

Pivot Arts launches its second annual celebration of innovative performance events, May 28 – June 14, throughout Chicago’s Uptown, Edgewater and Rogers Park neighborhoods. The PIVOT ARTS FESTIVAL serves to bring audiences together for unique performance events. This year the festival’s focus highlights the intersection between the performing arts and science. Tickets are currently on sale for “Art Meets Science” with a range of free events and entrance fees no higher than $15 per event. To purchase tickets and for complete festival information, visit www.pivotarts.org/festival or call 773.609.0782. 

Over three weeks, audiences have the opportunity to attend inventive performances and events curated around science themes as diverse as acoustics, climate change and chaos theory.  Programming includes: live music, theater, dance, a House music dance party, a participatory science experiment, discussions and performances for children.

Participating groups/artists in the 2014 Pivot Arts Festival include: 
The artists lineup looks amazing. We've highlighted some of ChiIL Live Shows top picks and long time favs in red.

6018NORTH, About Face Theatre, Greg Allen, Ayako Kato/Art Union Humanscape, BAATHHAUS, Seth Bockley, Chicago Architectural Foundation, Chicago Filmmakers, The Dance COLEctive, the dilettantes, Lisa Dillman, Gashlycrumb Orphanage, High Concept Laboratory, Andrew Hinderaker, The Honeypots, Knife and Fork, Kristina Isabelle, Jon Langford, Ruth Margraff, Shannon Matesky, Bonnie Metzgar, Brett Neveu, The Seldoms, Chuck Smith, Storytown, Tanya Palmer and Vanessa Valliere.*


The 2014 Pivot Arts Festival “Art Meets Science” takes place throughout Uptown, Edgewater, and Rogers Park including: Alternatives, Inc., FLATSstudio, Francesca’s Bryn Mawr, Lickity Split Custard and Sweet Shop, and Loyola University’s Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.

*Artists and venues subject to change.

“We founded Pivot Arts last year as a home for innovative performance on the far north side of Chicago. Our festival continues as a celebration of unique performance events that bring people together and enhance our community. The exploration of ‘art meets science’ this year builds off our focus on innovation and discovery,” said Julieanne Ehre, director of Pivot Arts.



WEDNESDAY, MAY 28
THE BIG BANG!
A Kick-Off Celebration
Francesca’s Bryn Mawr • $30
1039 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue • 6 p.m.
The festival’s opening celebration includes a special drink in beakers, silent auction, food, wine, beer, performances, and science-themed fun. 

FRIDAY, MAY 30
ECOLOGY OF EATING
Alternatives, Inc. • $15
4730 N. Sheridan Road • 7 p.m.
Two shows about food and the stories of Chicagoans whose voices often go unheard.

Pivot Arts presents We Gotta Eat 
Written and Performed by Shannon Matesky
Directed by Chuck Smith
Actress Shannon Matesky (Hit the Wall) weaves together a potluck of humorous and moving stories about the underclass that will engage your heart in the practice of understanding.

Knife and Fork presents Worthy
Created and Directed by Dani Bryant. Devised by Knife & Fork
The empowering stories of Uptown’s Alternative Youth teens inspire this newly devised piece.

SATURDAY, MAY 31
The Dance COLEctive presents 13
Swift Elementary School • $10
5900 N Winthrop Avenue • 3 p.m.
Through movement and text, 13 creates an authentic and humorous exploration of the transition from childhood to the teenage years.  Recommended for ages 10 years and older and their parents/guardians.

ECOLOGY OF EATING
Alternatives, Inc. • $15
4730 N. Sheridan Road • 7 p.m.
Two shows about food and the stories of Chicagoans whose voices often go unheard.
(See descriptions of We Gotta Eat and Worthy from Friday, May 30.)



Chicago Filmmakers presents GROWING CITIES
Chicago Filmmakers  • $8 suggested donation
5243 N. Clark Street • 8 p.m.
A documentary film that examines the role of urban farming in America and asks how much power it has to revitalize our cities and change the way we eat.

Pivot Arts presents The Acoustics Of House!
Recreating the House music scene of the 1980s, this unique event is part performance, part dance party.  Food and drinks available for purchase. 
FLATSstudio • $15 must be 21+ with valid ID to enter. 
1050 W. Wilson Avenue • Doors open at 8 p.m.
Performances include:
8 p.m. DJ with live music

8:30 p.m. The Honeypots present Juke Cry Hand Clap
A House music-inspired dance performance by the Honeypots.
9:30 p.m. DJ with live music
10 p.m. BAATHHAUS
The queer-performance-art-group-band combines popular music with glitter and gore – creating an electrifying performance.

SUNDAY, JUNE 1
Storytown presents Ice Cream & Science Improv
Lickity Split Custard and Sweet Shop - $7
6056 N. Broadway • 12 p.m.
Enjoy traditional custard and a hilarious, science-themed improv show for kids.

The Dance COLEctive presents 13
Swift Elementary School • $10
5900 N Winthrop Avenue • 3 p.m.
(See descriptions above of 13 from Saturday, May 31.)

ECOLOGY OF EATING
Alternatives, Inc.  • $15
4730 N. Sheridan Road • 7 p.m.
Two shows about food and the stories of Chicagoans whose voices often go unheard.
(See descriptions above of We Gotta Eat and Worthy from Friday, May 30.)
Special Event: On The Table. You are invited to share dinner with the artists of Knife & Fork and engage in lively conversation following the 7 p.m. performance.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4
6018NORTH, Pivot Arts and Sustain Edgewater present Art, Architecture And Energy: What Is To Be Done? 
6018NORTH • FREE
6018 N. Kenmore Ave. • 7 p.m.
A free panel discussion on the arts, architecture and energy efficiency. Three fields with the potential to shape and transform our world will move across issues from recycling as art to the local impact of climate change to large scale energy initiatives.


THURSDAY, JUNE 5
DARK MATTER
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.
Two shows combine for an exhilarating evening of original theater.

Gashlycrumb Orphanage
Devised by Lacy Katherine Campbell and Jeff Trainor. 
Directed by Halena Kays. 
Inspired by Tim Burton and Edward Gorey, this macabre clown show has the orphans running the orphanage.  A thrilling, theatrical ride that plunges into questions of identity and origin through dance, music, rhyme and a whirlwind of styles.

Pivot Arts presents Mystery. Science. Theatre.
Curated by Julieanne Ehre and Tanya Palmer, director of new plays from the Goodman Theatre, these shorts include premiere playwrights, writers, and performers responding to a variety of science themes.  Confirmed writers as of press: Greg Allen, Seth Bockley, Lisa Dillman, Andrew Hinderaker, Ruth Margraff, Bonnie Metzgar and Brett Neveu.  Full line-up TBA.


FRIDAY, JUNE 6
DARK MATTER
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.
Two shows combine for an exhilarating evening of original theater.
Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Pivot Arts presents Mystery. Science. Theatre.
(See descriptions above of Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Writers on Science from Thursday, June 5.)

SATURDAY, JUNE 7
Chicago Architectural Foundation presents UPTOWN WALKING TOUR • $15 or FREE for members
Wilson Avenue Theater 1050 W. Wilson Avenue • 10:30 a.m.
A special two-hour walking tour in the heart of Uptown includes the artistry of terra cotta ornamentation and Jazz Age entertainment venues.

LAWS OF MOTION
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 3 p.m.
Two dance/theater pieces combine for an exhilarating promenade afternoon as art and science collide.
AYAKO KATO/ART UNION HUMANSCAPE presents The Incidents
Ayako Kato explores the ripple effect of chaos theory as well as mirror combinations of Euclidian geometry in her stunning dance work that highlights necessity vs. chance.

THE SELDOMS present Exit Disclaimer: Science And Fiction Ahead

A dance theater work that surveys our rancorous national debate over climate change, and divergent positions ranging from denial to urgency. The Chicago Reader said of its 2012 premiere, "[Artistic Director Carrie] Hanson’s satirical, deadly serious piece bursts a lot of bubbles on a high-stakes subject.”
THE DILETTANTES present Science Night
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15/$10
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 3 p.m. & 5p.m.
Is it life or is it art? Audiences participate in a game of science and strategy set inside a competitive laboratory.  Players compete for the title of “Pre-Eminent Scientist of the Lab” and experience first-hand the exhilaration of discovery.  Play or observe the game in action!

DARK MATTER
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.
Two shows in Loyola’s Underground combine for an exhilarating evening of original theater.
Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Pivot Arts presents Mystery. Science. Theatre.
(See descriptions above of Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Writers on Science from Thursday, June 5.)

SUNDAY, JUNE 8
LAWS OF MOTION
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 3 p.m.
Two dance/theater pieces combine for an exhilarating promenade afternoon as art and science collide.
AYAKO KATO/ART UNION HUMANSCAPE presents The Incidents
THE SELDOMS present Exit Disclaimer: Science And Fiction (See descriptions above of The Incidents and Exit Disclaimer: Science and Fiction from Saturday, June 7.)
THE DILETTANTES present Science Night
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15/$10
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 3 p.m. & 5p.m.
(See description above from Saturday, June 7.)
DARK MATTER
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 7 p.m.
Two shows in Loyola’s Underground combine for an exhilarating evening of original theater.
Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Pivot Arts presents Mystery. Science. Theatre.
(See descriptions above of Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Writers on Science from Thursday, June 5.)
About Face Theatre presents LESBIANS AND LITERATURE
Curated by Paul Oakley Stovall
Location TBA • 7 p.m. • $15
Lesbians have had a lasting, but often unsung, impact on English literature.  About Face Theatre, led by Artistic Associate Paul Oakley Stovall, hosts a panel discussion/performance exploring Sappho; the lesbian couple behind James Joyce's Ulysses; and beyond.

the dilettantes present SCIENCE NIGHT
Location TBA • 9 p.m. • $15
A late night game of science and strategy set inside a competitive laboratory.  Players compete for the title of “Pre-Eminent Scientist of the Lab” and experience first-hand the exhilaration of discovery.

FRIDAY, JUNE 13
GRAVITY!
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.
Performers defy physics in these two exciting shows.
Vanessa Valliere presents NICE TRY/THE SISTERS: A Vaudeville, Clown Teaser
Everybody has problems: sometimes your parasitic twin wants her own solo career and sometimes your toys are really critical of your artwork. This hilarious clown show by Vanessa Valliere (Mucca Pazza) will warm you up giggling before Kristina Isabelle’s stunning LEVELS AND LINES.

Kristina Isabelle Dance Company presents Levels And Lines
The festival culminates in a weekend of performances by esteemed Julliard Dance Graduate, Kristina Isabelle, whose company performs an elegant dance work – on stilts!

SATURDAY, JUNE 14
GRAVITY!
Performers defy physics in two exciting shows.
Vanessa Valliere presents NICE TRY/THE SISTERS: A Vaudeville, Clown Teaser
Kristina Isabelle Dance Company presents Levels And Lines
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.
(See description above of Nice Try/The Sisters and Level and Lines from Friday, June 13.)

ABOUT PIVOT ARTS
Pivot Arts develops new work and presents performances throughout the year culminating in a multi-arts festival. Their vision is that of a vibrant community where unique collaborations between artists, businesses and organizations leads to the support and creation of innovative performances.  Pivot Arts was founded in September 2012.

Pivot Arts Board includes Alyssa Berman-Cutler, Uptown United; April Browning, Loyola University Chicago; Julieanne Ehre Pivot Arts; Dr. Mark E. Lococo, Loyola University Chicago; Gretchen Halpin, Hewins Financial Advisors; Summur Roberts, Loyola University Chicago and Kathy Van Zwoll, marketing consultant.

The Pivot Arts Advisory Board includes Alderman James Cappleman, 46th Ward; Sarah Gabel, chair of Department of Fine Arts, Loyola University Chicago; Peter Kuntz, arts consultant; Kristin Larsen, executive director, Stage 773; Jay Michael, chief creative officer, FLATS Chicago; Alderman Harry Osterman, 48th Ward; Michael Rohd, artistic director, Sojourn Theatre and Steve Scott, associate producer, Goodman Theatre.

Premiere Pivot Arts Festival 2014 “At Meets Science” Sponsors as of press release include FLATS Chicago, Francesca’s Bryn Mawr, Loyola University Chicago and Uptown United.

Social Media:
Facebook: /pivotarts
Twitter: @PivotArts
Web: pivotarts.org
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Chicago's Vittum Theater Hosts Midwest's Pole Dance Championships 5/24 & 25 #AllAges


120 OF THE MIDWEST’S POLE DANCE ARTISTIC SPORT ATHLETES COMPETE IN PRO-AM REGIONAL COMPETITION.

2014 Central Pole Championships (CPC)
Vittum Theater - 1012 N. Noble St. Chicago, IL 60642

Here at ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows, we cover lots of world wide circus arts, loads of gymnastics, aerial dance, and other unconventional sports. So we're excited to announce that Chicago is hosting the US Pole Dancing Competition this weekend, right here at the Vittum Theater!  We even have a good friend who is performing one of the showcases on Sunday.

Pole dance suffers from a bit of an image problem, like a serious actress who began in soft porn to put food on the table. Most people immediately think strip club when they hear pole dance, and not serious sport or legitimate art. But The Pole Sport Organization is working to change all that, and the idea of pole dance as a fun form of fitness and a legitimate sport/art form is catching on in a big way.  This competition features male and female athletes, amateurs and pros.  



Events at the Vittum Theatre, 1012 N. Noble St., will begin on Saturday at 7:15 am and run until 9:30 pm. Sunday events will begin at 7:45 am and run until 5:30 pm. Full schedule is included below. Tickets are $30 and can be easily purchased online or at the door.  This weekend's championship includes five levels of experience, from amateur to professional. 

Pole Dance is NOT about taking clothes off, in fact, in 2014 there are over 3,000 pole studios and gyms around the world instructing the art and sport of pole dancing. CPC is an all ages event and part of a 5 event pro-am pole dance competition series, where both amateurs and seasoned professionals perform on the same stage.  (**At ChiIL Mama, we love this set up BTW. The amateurs make the sport look more accessible for newbies and the pros give us something exquisite to aim for and show us what's possible.)

Our friend with the Sunday showcase belly danced for years, and she adores pole dancing and has increased her core strength, arm strength and confidence.  My own 11 year old studied the related circus art of Chinese Pole for a year and has made it to state in gymnastics 4 years in a row, so she's very interested in checking out the showcases and the competitions, too.

We love to introduce our readers to new events and pole dance requires strength, skill, grace, creativity and a good dose of courage.  The shows are family friendly and all athletes are fully clothed, but pole dance can be sexy, so use your own discretion if you are bringing kids.  You are the best judge of your family's maturity level. We're very much looking forward to checking it out this weekend. ChiIL Live Shows will be there... will YOU?!

If you can't make it out, we'll be shooting stills and recapping the weekend right here at both of our sites, ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows, and on our social media outlets as well. There's no substitute for being there, but that's not possible you can experience CPC vicariously.  


On May 24-25th, in Chicago, IL, 100 of the region’s pole dance artists will come together at the Vittum Theater to participate in the 2014 Central Pole Championships (CPC). Tickets are on sale now, and amateur events run 8am-5pm on Saturday, May 24 and 8am-5pm on Sunday, May 25. The Championship Professional event (main event) will be at 7pm-11pm on Saturday, May 24.

The top 3 competitors from the Championship Professional event at each regional event advance on to the Nationals event, held on August 1-3, 2014, in New York City. The Nationals event will crown the U.S. National Pole Champion, with a grand prize of $10,000 for the winner. 

Amateur contestants will compete for multiple titles, including categories for Dramatic, Entertainment, and Championship performances.  Within the categories, amateurs compete at 4 levels of skill and through 4 age groups. They are evaluated on multiple elements including technique, difficulty, balance of program, musicality, and stage presence. 

In addition to the competitors, CPC will draw around 50 volunteers who act as judges, backstage managers, registrars, and announcers, and about 300 spectators over the course of the weekend.

Part of a series of 4 regional pole dance fitness events leading up to the National event that will take place on August 1-3 in New York City.

Events in the series include:
Atlantic Pole Championships (Herndon, April 11-12)
Central Pole Championships (Chicago, May 24-25)
Southern Pole Championships (Atlanta, June 7-8)
U.S. National Pole Championships (New York City, August 1-3)

Additional, stand alone events produced by Pole Sport Organization:
Northwest Pole Art Championships (Seattle, July 13-14)
Verticalove Pole Sport Organization Competition (Toronto, June 21)
Northeast Pole Art Championships (Boston, November 1-2)

Sponsors include: Pole Fit by Bad Kitty, Womack & Bowman, International Pole Fitness Alliance, X-Pole U.S., Dew Point Pole

More about Pole Sport Organization: Pole Sport Organization was created by pole dancers with experience in mainstream pole competitions in order to bring the opportunity to perform and receive feedback to a wider range of dancers. We offer a variety of events designed to inspire and challenge dancers at all skill levels to express their artistic and athletic capabilities. The decision to structure Pole Sport Organization performances in a competition format rather than a show, stems from the desire to offer feedback to the performers from judges from throughout the pole and dance communities, to assist each dancers in his or her own pole evolution. 

More on B.J. Pettigrew: The structure of PSO is based on B.J.’s experiences as a high school varsity gymnast and as a figure skater and coach. The primary goals of the competition are consistency (particularly in safety standards), transparency in the judging system and inclusiveness. 

As a kid, B.J. moved around a lot. By the ninth grade, she was on her eighth school and eighth opportunity “to be whoever you want to be.” It was also her eighth chance to have little to say when conversations rolled around to reminiscing about “that time in elementary school when…” So, it was natural progression to make the connection from being the perpetual outsider to growing up to be the one always trying to include everyone in everything. And it probably isn’t too surprising to find that served as a primary motivation in B.J.’s creating PSO with Amy. She says, “When I find an activity that I love, or that has allowed me to challenge myself and grow in ways I never imagined, my inclination is to share it with the world.”

More on Amy Guion: A former ballet dancer with a degree in Natural Science from Loyola Marymount University, Amy discovered pole dancing in 2008 and spent the past 4 years competing in pole dance fitness both nationally and internationally. After working with B.J. on Guion’s award winning routine at the California Pole Dance Championships in 2011, they decided to join forces and start a new type of pole competition. Amy is a U.S. Pole Dance Federation Pro, the USPDF 2011 Amateur silver medalist, California Pole Dance Championship 2011 bronze medalist and creator of the flexibility training program, Bendability Fitness. She currently travels and teaches specialty seminars on pole dance and flexibility in studios in the U.S. and around the world.

Click here for Chicago tickets and more info.
Follow on Instagram @PoleSportOrg
Find us on Facebook PoleSportOrganization


www.PoleSportOrganization.com

Did you know?

U.S. Nationals are August 1-3 in New York City!

Tickets and info at www.PoleSportOrganization.com/Nationals



Photo by Alloy Images, courtesy of Pole Sport Organization


Chicago Schedule
CENTRAL POLE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Tentative Event Schedule (with performance order)
May 24th & 25th, 2014

SATURDAY, MAY 24th, 2014: 
Saturday, 7:15a – 8:15a
Amateur Day One competitors pole testing

Event 101: Saturday, 8:30a – 9:10a
Dramatic Level 1 Junior/Senior:
  1. Julie DeBonzo
  2. Rose McAli – Dollhouse Pole Dance Studio (Jr)
  3. Danielle Markley – Divine Movement
  4. Jennifer Brown – TGR Fitness
  5. Tessa Cárdenas – The Brass Ring

Event 102: Saturday, 9:10a – 10:10a
Championship Level 2 Junior:
  1. Jamie Wagner – Dollhouse Pole Dance Studio
  2. Maggie Schildgen – TGR Fitness
  3. Bee Clark – Dollhouse Pole Dance Studio
  4. Alezah Shiffman – Dollhouse Pole Dance Studio
  5. Cassie Stegall – Yoga Life
  6. Rachel LaVoie – Intrigue Fitness

Event 103: Saturday, 10:10a – 10:30a:
Entertainment Level 3 Senior/Masters:
  1. Sabrina Renee – Stiletto Dance Studios
  2. Brittin Wagner – FreStyl Fitness

Event 104: Saturday, 10:30a – 10:50a:
Entertainment Level 3 Masters:
  1. Blue Britt – Metamorphosis Mind Body & Pole
  2. Candace – Pole Pressure DC

Event 105: Saturday, 10:50a – 11:20a
Championship Level 1 Junior
  1. Heidi Rain – Dollhouse Pole Dance Studio
  2. Phoenix – Femme Fatale Fitness
  3. Emily Aldrich – Dollhouse Pole Dance Studio

Event 106: Saturday, 11:20a – 12:25p
Dramatic Level 2 Senior:
  1. Cassie Truskowski – Flirt Fitness
  2. Jenna Leigh – The Brass Ring
  3. DaNae Wiseth – FreStyl Fitness
  4. Brandi Angelosanto
  5. Katie Nichols – FreStyle Fitness
  6. Rebecca Gad – FreStyle Fitness
  7. Amanda Dawn – FreStyl Fitness

Event 107: Saturday, 12:25p – 1:00p
Dramatic Level 4 Senior/Master:
  1. Angela Noel (Mstr)
  2. Divine Em - Choreography House
  3. Natasha Nova (Sr)

Event 108: Saturday, 1:00p – 1:25p
Championship Level 3 Masters:
  1. Blue Britt – Metamorphosis Mind Body & Pole
  2. Julie Sander - TGR Fitness
  3. Jennifer Dudek - Italia Cordaro at Vie Custom Fitness

Event 109: Saturday, 1:25p – 2:25p
Entertainment Level 2 Junior/Senior:
  1. Betty – FreStyl Fitness
  2. Jan – the Brass Ring (Jr)
  3. Brandi Angelosanto
  4. Victoria Griffin – The Brass Ring
  5. Jenna Leigh – The Brass Ring
  6. Dawn Tripp
  7. Dajuan Kinney - TGR Fitness

Event 110: Saturday, 2:25p – 2:50p
Championship Level 3 Youth/Junior:
  1. Red Panther – Bella Forza Fitness (Jr)
  2. Serah Wagoner – TGR Fitness (Jr)
  3. Kylie Neal – TGR Fitness (Yth)

Event 111: Saturday, 2:50p – 3:15p
Championship Level 4 Masters:
  1. Leina Dietmeyer – The Brass Ring

Event 111(a): Saturday, 3:10p - 3:15p
Showcase:
      1. Krista - Aerial Bliss

Event 112: Saturday, 3:15p – 3:50p
Championship Level 1 Senior:
  1. Julie Rice - TGR Fitness
  2. Piper Robinson – Tease Fitness & Dance
  3. Anastassia Letourneau - Dollhouse Pole Dance Studio
  4. Danielle Markley – Divine Movement
  5. Jacky Lopez

Event 113: Saturday, 3:50p – 4:40p
Dramatic Level 3 Youth/Junior/Senior:
  1. Amanda Cantlin – S Factor
  2. Gabi MyWay – Bella Forza Fitness (Yth)
  3. Geraldine Lamboley – Body & Pole (Jr)
  4. Liz Kinnmark – Body & Pole
  5. Sabrina Renee – Stiletto Dance Studios
  6. Serena Valenti – The Brass Ring
  7. Brittin Wagner – FreStyl Fitness

Saturday, 4:40p – 4:45p
Event 113(a): Showcases
  1. Bryn Griffin – Jasmine Dragons

Saturday, 4:45p – 5:00p – DAY ONE AMATEUR EVENTS’ AWARDS

PRO EVENT
Saturday, 5:15p – 6:15p
Pro Competitor Pole Testing

Saturday, 6:30 pm – Doors Open
Saturday, 7:30p – 9:30p
Pro Women’s and Men’s Championship

Event opener: Jan Damm

Event 201: Saturday: approx. 7:00 – 9:30 pm
Championship Pro Women’s Division:
  1. Tiffany Curtin – Expressions Fitness
  2. Kyrsten Grimm – Fantasy Fitness Studio
  3. Melissa Schrader – The Brass Ring
  4. Danielle Cain – Bella Forza Fitness
  5. Amber Cahill – TGR Fitness
  6. Tristabel Akila – TGR Fitness
  7. Jordan Mazur – Muse Pole Fitness

Event 202: Saturday: After Women’s – 
Championship Pro Men’s Division:
  1. Jonny – OC Pole Fitness
  2. Da Wei Hou – Body & Pole
  3. Ben Pierson – TNT Dance Studio


SUNDAY, MAY 25th, 2014:
7:45a – 8:45a – Amateur Day 2 Competitor Pole Test

Event 301: Sunday, 9:00a – 9:20a
Dramatic Level 3 Masters:
  1. Blue Britt – Metamorphosis Mind Body & Pole
  2. Candace – Pole Pressure DC

Event 302: Sunday, 9:20a – 9:45p
Entertainment Level 4 Senior:
  1. Colleen Jolly – Pole Pressure
  2. Natasha Nova
  3. Jenn Cornelius-Green – Muse Pole Fitness

Event 303: 9:45a – 10:00a
Showcase Performances:
  1. Ulla Arnold – S Factor
  2. Carol-Anne Chojnowski – S Factor

Event 304: Sunday, 10:00a – 10:40a
Championship Level 4 Junior:
  1. Whitley Dorsey – Fantasy Fitness Studio
  2. Amber Wolf – Fembody Fitness
  3. Nina Zamora – Body & Pole

Event 305: Sunday, 10:40a – 11:15a
Dramatic Level 2 Youth/Junior:
  1. Bee Clark – Dollhouse Pole Dance Studio (Jr)
  2. Jade Marfia – Flirt Fitness (Yth)
  3. Rachel LaVoie – Intrigue Fitness (Jr)
  4. Jamie Wagner – Dollhouse Pole Dance Studio (Jr)

Event 306: Sunday, 11:15a – 11:35a
Entertainment Level 1 Junior/Masters:
  1. Phoenix (Jr) – Femme Fatale Fitness
  2. Karen Magler (Mstr) – Dollhouse Pole Dance Studio

Event 307: Sunday, 11:35a – 12:45p
Championship Level 2 Senior/Masters:
  1. Brandi Angelosanto
  2. Amanda Dawn – FreStyl Fitness
  3. Jessi Biely (Mstr)
  4. DaNae Wiseth – FreStyl Fitness
  5. Rebecca Gad – FreStyl Fitness
  6. Elizabeth Ivy – Tease Dance & Fitness

Event 308: (Merged with 307 - no 308)

Event 309: Sunday, 12:45p – 2:25p
Championship Level 3 Senior:
  1. Cady Chen – Fembody Fitness
  2. Cassie Palmer
  3. Nikita
  4. Liz Kinnmark – Body & Pole
  5. Taylor Nischan – S Factor
  6. Calamity Jane – Defiance Studios
  7. Kelly Marie – Stiletto Dance
  8. Lindlie Haithcoat – Muse Pole Fitness
  9. Rebekah Mullen – Tantra Fitness
  10. Megan Nelson - TGR Fitness
  11. Ashley Houk - TGR Fitness
  12. Brittin Wagner – FreStyl Fitness

Event 309(a): Sunday, 2:25p – 2:35p
Showcase
  1. Lesa Majur – The Brass Ring

Event 310: Sunday, 2:35p – 4:05p
Championship Level 4 Senior (Female):
  1. Kelly Jeanne – Stiletto Dance Studios
  2. Karyn Rae – Tease Dance & Fitness
  3. Anna Alvarez – Dollhouse Pole Dance Studio
  4. Natasha Nova
  5. Divine Em – The Choreography House
  6. Sally Sachs – The Brass Ring
  7. Elisa Johnston – Fembody Fitness

Event 310(a): Sunday, 4:05p – 4:15p:
Showcase
  1. Lisa Suzanne – The Brass Ring

Sunday, 4:15p – 4:30p
Day Two Amateur Awards

Sunday, 4:30p – 5:30p
Gather belongings and head over to The Brass Ring studio for post-competition party hosted by The Brass Ring! 

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Google Analytics