Bespoke music, played live, is a luxury for most companies. Not Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, founded by choreographer Wilfredo Rivera and jazz musician Joe Cerqua. Every dance is a collaboration; every performance features live music. “New Works 2013,” celebrating CRDT’s 15 years, includes three premieres, two by CRDT members. Raphaelle Ziemba’s mercurial new sextet, Phenomenologie du Son, may sound academic—the title pays tribute to philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty. But it’s packed with everyday rhythms and gestures. Thoughtful, quirky music composed by CRDT woodwinds player Dan Hesler suggests four periods of the day, from early morning to late night. Ziemba likewise varies the mood, but both solo moments and group support remain constant, and reach their height in a closing tribute to retiring CRDT performer Kate Dempsey.
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9/14-9/15: Sat 7:30 PM, Sun 3 PM Ruth Page Center for the Arts 1016 N. Dearborn 312-243-9310cerquarivera.org $20-$40
