Identity Performing Arts Celebrates Fifth Anniversary Gala this Fall
Identity Performing Arts celebrates five years as a dance company embracing artistic innovation, collaboration and community at their Fifth Anniversary Gala this fall. The event takes place at MCA Chicago’s Edlis Neeson Theater (220 E. Chicago Avenue) from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, October 18. The celebration will begin with a performance at 3 p.m. followed by an onsite reception from 5-7:30 p.m. featuring delicious savories, sweets, and libations and the opportunity to meet the choreographer and dancers for a champagne toast. Proceeds from the gala will benefit the company and their programs.
“This gala is both a reflection on how far Identity Performing Arts has come and a celebration of what lies ahead for us,” says Ginny Ching-Yin Lo, Identity’s founder and director. “I’m especially honored to share the world premiere of our newest full company work, featuring our remarkable dancers, with the many creative partners, friends and supporters who have helped the company to achieve this milestone year. They have been and will continue to be an important source of inspiration and support as we move forward into an exciting new chapter.”
A highlight of the evening will be the world premiere of “Untitled Identity” choreographed by company founder and artistic director Ginny Ching-Yin Lo to music by German musician Pyrolator. “Untitled Identity” looks at how identity shifts over time—how it expands, contracts, and reveals unexpected layers. Through movement, the piece explores the tension between outside perceptions and inner understanding, offering a fresh perspective on what identity can mean.
The program also features two works from the company’s repertoire, choreographed by Lo. Enliven (2023) is a vibrant blend of East and West influences celebrates the individuality, shared energy and dynamic spirit of Identity Performing Arts’ ensemble. Buzz News calls it, “a unique and uplifting multi-media experience.” Muted” (2024) is a full company work features a thoughtful look at silence, boundaries, and connection reflects on communication—what we say, what we don’t and what we express without speaking. See Chicago Dance describes it as “an intriguing shadowy world of silence.”
Performing will be ensemble members Vanessa Bonilla, Josephine Castillo, Lorelai Delano, Mark Gonzalez, Amelia Harris, Audrey Hartnett, Wilson Hicken, Mollyanne Nunn, Emma Raney, Hanley Simpson and Tiana Thompson. They will be joined by Kaleigh Dent, a Chicago-based dance artist, choreographer and dance educator; and Kaelen Gouveia of Hedwig Dances.
Gala tickets are $100. For tickets or additional information visit IdentiyPerformingArts.org.
Lead Sponsors for Identity Performing Arts’ Fifth Anniversary Gala are Dr. Philip Wong and Martina Keller & Don McLellan.
