For Chicago Tribune

Lauren Warnecke

Lauren Warnecke is a freelance writer and critic for the Chicago Tribune and Chicago magazine.

Dancers Amanda Maraist, left, and Hanna DiLorenzo perform in the “Slow Dance” exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Oct. 13, 2026, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

‘Slow Dance’ show at the MCA is an invitation to just ‘be.’ Don’t mind the live bodies.

October 27, 2026 at 5:30 a.m.

Depending on when you walk through the new exhibition at the MCA, you're likely to find dancers interacting with the artwork out on the floor. It's all in the name...

The Dance Theatre of Harlem performs "Firebird" in Chicago at the Auditorium Theatre on Oct. 17, 2026. (Jose Calvo)

Review: Dance Theatre of Harlem returns after 10 years with funky ‘Return’ and a ‘Firebird’ that transcends time

October 18, 2026 at 12:33 p.m.

Robert Garland’s “Return” was a fitting opener in more ways than one. It marked the literal return of his company, Dance Theatre of Harlem, after a decade away from Chicago.

Martin "Tre" Dumas III and Bril Barrett of M.A.D.D. Rythms at the Harold Washington Cultural Center in Chicago on Aug. 6, 2026. (Kevin Serna/for Chicago Magazine)

Review: M.A.D.D. Rhythms hoofers from past and present shine, despite technical challenges

October 7, 2026 at 2:24 p.m.

M.A.D.D. Rhythms co-founders Bril Barrett and Martin “Tre” Dumas III performed some of the finest tap dancing I’ve seen — despite endless technical issues at Harold Washington Cultural Center.

Victoria Jaiani and Reed Henry in "Liliom" by the Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House. (Cheryl Mann)

Review: Joffrey Ballet’s ‘Liliom’ is a human story set in John Neumeier’s surreal imagination

September 18, 2026 at 11:08 a.m.

Choreographer John Neumeier’s work can be head-scratchingly weird, but what unfolds here in a Midwest premiere is a deeply human story.

Dumas (left) and Barrett (Kevin Serna/for Chicago Magazine)

Best of Fall: The M.A.D.D. Men

September 14, 2026 at 6:01 a.m.

Tap legends Bril Barrett and Tré Dumas reunite onstage.

Joffrey Ballet dancers Victoria Jaiani and José Pablo Castro Cuevas in a promotional photo for "Liliom," taken at the carousel on Navy Pier. (Kyle Flubacker)

Dance for fall 2026: Joffrey’s dark new ‘Liliom,’ the annual Tap Summit and two guys named Bob

September 2, 2026 at 5:15 a.m.

This fall, along with the Joffrey's local debut, a Giordano sizzler and some VIP out-of-towners at the Auditorium, including the Dance Theatre of Harlem.

Marisa Santiago programs dance at the Auditorium Theatre, which this fall will bring Dance Theatre of Harlem and Ballets Jazz de Montreal to Chicago, Aug. 5, 2026. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Marisa Santiago keeps the Auditorium Theatre dancing

September 2, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The Auditorium’s fall line-up is, hands down, among the most notable things in dance this season, and Marisa Santiago has a lot to do with it.

Dylan Gutierrez, Victoria Jaiani and ensemble in "Eugene Onegin" by the Joffrey Ballet. (Cheryl Mann)

Review: Stunning ‘Eugene Onegin’ is the Joffrey’s perfect mix of classical and new

June 5, 2026 at 10:43 a.m.

Amid a talented ensemble, José Pablo Castro Cuevas delivers the performance of a lifetime in the Russian story of a tragic romance.

Dancers Victoria Jaiani and Alberto Velazquez in "Eugene Onegin" by the Joffrey Ballet. (Todd Rosenberg)

Top 10 dance for summer 2026: Joffrey’s ‘Eugene Onegin’ and a dance party at the MCA

June 5, 2026 at 10:02 a.m.

Also in our list of critic's picks for summer: Dance for Life, outdoor celebrations and half a century for Ensemble Español.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago in "LubDub" by Aszure Barton. (Michelle Reid)

Review: Hubbard Street Dance finale goes straight to the heart with ‘LubDub’

May 15, 2026 at 11:59 a.m.

Choreographer Aszure Barton debuts her half-hour work “LubDub” as part of her residency at Hubbard Street. Here's hoping she chooses to stay in Chicago.

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