Dancing with Cows

In the 1933 film Duck Soup, Groucho Marx said, "I could dance with you till the cows come home. Better still, I'll dance with the cows and you come home."

I’m not sure what meaning that has, but it inspired me to write about dancing – and also cows. Since I have two left feet and can’t dance, I’ve included some ballet options. But, for those who can, here are a few places to groove, swing, or just dance.

The Hubbard Street Dance Company has been internationally and locally celebrated for years. Their latest performance is called 27’ 52". “This performance takes the viewer along for a game of seeking and being sought, of holding and being held, pulling and pushing, a game in which the dancer must ultimately exit the stage solo” - Jirí Kylián (Choreographer). They will be at the Auditorium theatre October 1st – 4th.

On October 2nd – 4th the Miami City Ballet will be making their Chicago debut at the Auditorium Theatre. They have captivated audiences around the world with a thrilling company of dancers and broad repertoire that includes George Balanchine's masterworks and works by contemporary choreographers such as Paul Taylor and Twyla Tharp. The company will perform Balanchine's "Symphony in Three Movements" and "Valse Fantasie," Marius Ivanovich Petipa's "Black Swan Pas de Deux" from Swan Lake, and Tharp's "In the Upper Room."

The Joeffrey Ballet will be opening their new season on October 14th with Othello at the Auditorium Theatre. Chicago-born Lubovitch makes his Joeffrey debut by bringing his rhapsodic interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic tale of passion, jealousy, ambition and betrayal. Lubovitch’s compelling synthesis of classical and modern movement is heightened by a powerful score by Academy Award winner Elliot Goldenthal.

For those who can dance, or think they can dance, here are a few clubs to choose from. Every Tuesday at the Green Dolphin, approx. 10 minute cab ride, there is a Latin jazz band. It is a great place to lounge, groove and eat. Martini Park, located in River North, just a 5 minute taxi ride away, transforms itself into a speakeasy every Tuesday night offering dining, cocktails, and live swing music. Lastly, there is Avila, a Latin-centric nightclub. The club's look takes its inspiration from the Spanish city of Avila and plays music from Rock en Espanol to bachata and salsa every Wednesday through Sunday.

Now I come to dancing with the cows. There might be a few of us who remember the cow parade of ’99, where Chicago had nearly 320 art cows on display throughout the city. They are almost all gone now, but a bronze cow still stands in front of the cultural center on Randolph Street. Dance with it, hop on its back, just take a picture because I’m sure it will look funny. More can be found at Wrigley Field, Damen Ave. in Bucktown, the Talbott Hotel, O’Hare Airport, and Harry Carey’s on Kinzie. You can also find cows, live ones, at the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free everyday. They stay in the barn at the John Deere Farm located at the southern portion of the zoo. I’m not sure if you can dance with them without alarming some large security guard, but it is worth a shot. Again, take a picture because I would love to see it.