(PTP) Why did you decide to create this Festival?
Melissa Mallinson: In 2009, we observed a gap in performance opportunities for established independent artists and small companies. At the time, there were a number of emerging artist showcases, and of course big companies produced their own shows or were presented. Not to mention the recession of 2008 made it tough on many artists. We knew if we banded together, we could find a way to keep artists’ work on the stage. We also love the community energy and innovation that you discover in a festival, meeting new artists, seeing new work and opening yourself to new ideas.
How did your respective backgrounds contribute to the Festival’s development?
MM: We had both spent a number of years in Chicago choreographing, performing, and staging our own events. I had spent five years working in the Events Department at the Old Town School of Folk Music, and Nicole worked in marketing for a major magazine publisher.
Has the festival always been held at the Ruth Page Theater?
Nicole Gifford: Yes, as performers, we always loved performing at the Ruth Page Theater. It’s a special space with history.
What have been some highlights of the past 10 years?
NG: In the fifth year, we both had five-month-old babies! But seriously, it’s hard to pick out highlights. Every year is so special and different based on who is participating.
How has the festival evolved through the years? How will this year’s festival be different from or the same as prior years?
NG: The festival is a product of what is submitted to us and what works well together to create a cohesive show for our audience. For the first four years, we held the festival on only one weekend, with performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We had three different lineups, and the artists performed just one time. In our fifth year, we began a new format expanding to two weekends. This way we had two lineups, and each artist performed on both Friday and Saturday, with a unique lineup each weekend. This also gave our audience more opportunities to see one or both lineups.
How do you select troupes to perform at the festival? What does the selection process include?
NG: We have a call for artist submissions in May. Melissa and I get together and watch all of the videos ourselves. The selection process usually includes Twizzlers and other yummy snacks, as well as movies and games to occupy our five-year-olds. We like to include a variety of group pieces, solos, duets, etc. Additionally, we look for a good variety in music, theme and feel. We like to include artists from Chicago, but also from around the country, returning artists and artists new to us.
How is the Harvest Festival different than other dance festivals in Chicago?
NG: We have such a unique opportunity, with the wide array of submissions we receive, to create a truly one-of-a-kind lineup for our Chicago audience. It’s also a unique experience for the performers to meet artists from around the country. We allow for as many networking opportunities as we can.
What are your hopes as the Festival moves into its next 10 years?
We hope HCCDF continues to thrive as a platform for innovative dance artists to share their work! It's fantastic to welcome new audiences to see cutting-edge contemporary dance, and we want to keep spreading the word about HCCDF as an intimate, thought-provoking, beautiful night out.
Tickets:
$25 general admission, $18 military, seniors and students with ID
Get Harvest Contemporary Dance Festival tickets here
For more information please visit HCCDF Website.
