A star is born, and none of them is one of four movies with the same title. A star in the sky comes from dust, gravity, collision, and heat in a vortex dancing madly through the heavens. It's all energy and the humans of Earth are the same combination. This is true of dance as extraordinary artists exert, spin, defy, and embody gravity. Cosmic Rhythms is a collaboration between the Joffrey Ballet and the Adler Planetarium. This show is choreographed by Joffrey artists Dylan Gutierrez and Xavier Núñez, who formed an idea during the confinement of the pandemic and established Action Lines productions with writer and producer Eric Grant.
The Adler Planetarium and the nearby Shedd Aquarium both opened in 1930 next to the Field Museum on South Lake Shore Drive. I have seen many awe-inspiring exhibits at all three, but Cosmic Rhythms is a unique experience projected on the inner dome of the Grainger Sky Room. The blue lights on the floor darken and the audience is sent flying into the illusion of real bodies forming from the stars in the universe. One dancer is painted to look like a photographic negative image. The blues, yellows, and silvers appear to be created of space matter in a fine blending of dance and illusion.
The narration speaks of needing human energy and contact. The part about how a star flames out and dies resonated with me. It was poignant without being treacle. My mind goes to the artistic talent that flamed out over the decades from too much energy expended. The beautiful movements of the Joffrey dancers illustrate the same energy needed to connect. Some dancers are white outlines and video footage is done in muted tones of dancers. Cosmic Rhythms makes great use of special effects that are synchronized to dance movements and the music.
The Adler Planetarium's mission is about connecting people and institutions through space science and learning in a nurturing environment. Part of Joffrey's mission is a commitment to education and innovation. Cosmic Rhythms is a partnership in art and science. I have always believed the two to be intertwined and this 20-minute show will put on a display that embodies that vibe. It's family-friendly, educational, and a cool way to look at the universe. I am a child of the '70s, so I hear that groovy power ballad "Desiderata, You are a Child of the Universe" as my soundtrack. I would have liked to see more dance and even another 10 minutes but it is a good collaboration.
Cosmic Rhythms opens on February 14 (hint-good date) and runs through April 17, on Wednesday nights only. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the main entrance box office. You must also pay the museum entry fee, unless you are an Illinois resident. Wednesday nights at the Adler are free for us. Even the parking meters give a decent rate for four hours. The Adler Planetarium is located at 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
More information is available at adlerplanetarium.org and joffrey.org.
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