DanceLoop Chicago to present performances

DanceLoop Chicago presents "Bernarda and Other Dances" at 8 p.m. today at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., a block north of Route 38 in downtown DeKalb. General admission tickets are $15 or $10 for students and seniors.

DanceLoop Chicago arrives for a special engagement. The concert will feature "Bernarda," a collaboration between Paula Frasz and world-renown Spanish choreographer Luis Montero.

It is the dance interpretation of Garcia Lorca's play, "The House of Bernarda Alba." The dance tells the story of a Spanish widow and her five daughters. Alone, restricted by the traditions of mourning, the six women find themselves in forced solitude for seven years.

How do the women cope with the frustration of celibacy, isolation and grief? What happens when the sensual Pepe Romano enters the women's lives?

The concert also will feature artistic director Paula Frasz's award-winning dance, "The Old Woman of Wexford," which garnered her the Illinois Arts Council's coveted Choreographic Fellowship Award.

"Wexford" is a dance treatment of an Irish folk tale. The dance explores the sinister love triangle with Irish-inspired music and movement.

Finally, "American Girls" uses the music of Samuel Barber to present four separate female stereotypes on our society, each, in her own way, trapped and limited by her identity.

Ticket reservations can be made by calling (630) 391-1620 or can be purchased at the door.

A fundraising benefit dinner will accompany the performance. For a $50 donation, patrons can dine with choreographers Frasz and Montero at Eduardo's Mexican Restaurant.

Tickets to the concert in special reserved seating are included with the dinner. The party begins at 5 p.m. on the day of the performance and will feature a buffet of Mexican dishes and discussion of the creation of "Bernarda" by the artists.

For reservations, call DanceLoop Chicago at (630) 391-1620.