Festivals, Fairs & Special Events
La Femme Dance Festival
La Femme Dance Festival is a powerful tribute to the brilliance, resilience and global impact of Black women in dance. Now entering its 5th edition, this biennial festival, curated by Red Clay Dance Company’s Vershawn Sanders‑Ward, has become both an essential Chicago arts event and a national platform for choreographic excellence rooted in the Black/African Diaspora.
2026 Festival Schedule
Friday, March 27 — Masterclass with Rena Butler (Red Clay Dance Center, 11:00 AM)
Internationally acclaimed choreographer and former Gibney Company artistic associate Rena Butler leads a high‑energy, movement‑driven masterclass designed for professional and pre‑professional dancers. Space is limited to 28 participants.
Saturday, March 28 — Pre‑Show Choreographers’ Talk & Mainstage Performance (Harris Theater, 7:30 PM)
The festival culminates in an electric evening of performance that showcases some of the most exciting voices in contemporary dance. Works include a world premiere by Rena Butler for Red Clay Dance Company, signature repertory by Vershawn Sanders‑Ward (Unconditional Conditions and Love Letters to Chi‑IL), and guest performances by Chloé Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies and South Chicago Dance Theatre – performing work by choreographer Kia Smith.
Tickets from $24.20-$70.20
Learn more about the area
Venue
Special Event Venues, Theaters & Cultural Venues
The Harris Theater for Music and Dance
The Harris Theater offers a state of the art performance facility and a spectacular environment for special events in the heart of Millennium Park.
Neighborhood
Loop
This city center is home to some of Chicago’s most iconic attractions and architecture.
Learn more about the area
Venue
Special Event Venues, Theaters & Cultural Venues
The Harris Theater for Music and Dance
The Harris Theater offers a state of the art performance facility and a spectacular environment for special events in the heart of Millennium Park.
Neighborhood
Loop
This city center is home to some of Chicago’s most iconic attractions and architecture.
