Mission

To use multiple artistic forms (primarily dance and music) and the combined talents of our diverse company to convey intense personal narratives. We are proudly and visibly multicultural, exploring the intersection of heritage, culture, and identity through high quality art. Our unique culture of collaboration and diversity fosters magnetic connections between artists and audiences.

What We Do

Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre explores authentic personal stories at the crossroads of heritage, culture, and identity, opening paths for empathy and understanding.

Co-founder and Artistic Director Wilfredo Rivera is a Honduran native whose unique life and artistic experiences shape the company. He models Cerqua Rivera after a healthy forest, thriving because of the diversity and unique contributions of everyone in it.

Cerqua Rivera's award-winning work - called "blended magic" by See Chicago Dance and "immersive alchemy" by New City Stage - is made and performed by a multicultural company reflecting their hometown of Chicago; rooted in thorough research, inquiry and collaboration; and brought to life by fusing dance with other art forms to engage the mind and heart.

Our season culminates in a spring concert series where the year's new work debuts in full production, performed by our 8-member Dance Ensemble and 10-piece Jazz Band.

We produce an interactive series called Inside/Out, perform and provide workshops in community and school settings, and perform our repertoire in concert.