Living the Legacy: Percolating and Pliés at the Harris Theater

Saturday night at the Harris Theater was unforgettable. The sold out, Unbound: Shattered Frames, Endless Visions event wasn’t a performance and a movement. For my sister and I it was also a moment for us to reflect on getting out and enjoying life. The performances were a manifestation of what happens when vision, history, community, and raw talent collide on one of Chicago’s grandest stages.

Presented by the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project, this sold-out event brought together ten phenomenal dance companies, each with a distinct voice but united by a shared purpose: to challenge boundaries, honor heritage, and build what Dr. King called the Beloved Community.

And they did just that.

A Personal Journey: Jealous, Proud, and Joyful

I’ll admit it, I had mixed emotions. Pride, yes. Awe, absolutely. But also a whisper of jealousy. Don’t tell anyone, let that be our secret.

There was a time in my life when I believed I would dance for a living. I know they say it’s never too late (the theme of this weeks Crash Course in Wisdom) but on Saturday night I felt a bit left behind. Watching those bodies move in rhythm, in resistance, in reverence, brought that dream back to life for a moment. I felt free. And while I may not have been on stage, I lived vicariously through those who were.

From interpretive modern pieces to jazz, ballet, and hip-hop, every performance was a love letter to creativity and resilience of art with a layer only a Black dance company can provide. Some dancers moved like smoke, others like thunder — but all with purpose. One minute I was swaying to the soul-stirring voice of Nina Simone, the next I was grinning as a crew hit the stage with Chicago house music flair.

Where else but in Chicago would you see percolating and pliés in the same program?

10 Companies. One Community.

The companies didn’t compete, they complimented one another. Each group brought something bold and beautiful to the stage, pushing past the limitations of genre or expectation. It wasn’t about who danced the hardest. It was about who danced honestly. And they all did.

The artistry was matched by attention to detail; wardrobe, lighting, and musical selections all worked in harmony to tell stories that moved the soul.

And the audience reflected the mission. Young and old, from every background, gathered in unity. It felt like a family reunion and an art gala all at once. I heard, “Hey Julie!” and “Oh, Sandra, I haven’t seen you in a while!” and “Glinda, is that you?” Little greetings here and there, echoing through the theater. The spirit of Beloved Community didn’t just fill the stage, it filled the entire space.

My name wasn’t called, I’ve been out of the scene for a while, but it still felt like home. Not just because I’m from Chicago. Not just because I love dance. But because everyone seemed open, curious, and ready to connect. We wanted to know each other. We came together like a community.

No violence. No protests. No debates. Just pure expression. Each performance was a hit, and I was proud of every single dancer. I hope they’re all proud of themselves too, because they truly gave us something special.

Why It Matters — and Why We’re Proud

At Bronzecomm, we were honored to be part of this event in our newsletter and social media but nothing compares to witnessing the magic firsthand. This is exactly why we do what we do. We tell stories, uplift culture, and create connections. When an advertiser like Laura and the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project trusts us to help spread the word, it means something.

We take pride in being part of that ecosystem; helping to bring eyes, hearts, and seats to performances like this. We want our advertisers to know, when we partner with you: you’re not just buying space, you’re joining our movement and we’re joining yours.

A Final Note: It’s Never Too Late

Many of these dancers were just starting out, but art is forever and it takes a village to keep it going. Saturday night reminded me of that. I may or may not go back to dancing on stage, but I can support the dancers and Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project. I can show up, share the story, and invite others to do the same.

And lucky for me, I was home this summer — home in Chicago, where the music, the movement, and the people remind you that freedom isn’t just something we fight for… it’s something we dance for.