Posted 17 hours ago in Arts & Culture, Fun events, Theatre
5 MIN READ: The Chicago National Landmark formerly known as The Auditorium Theatre, unveils a new identity as The Auditorium. The Auditorium also released their 2025-2026 dance season Celebrating Women Leaders in Dance. This season will showcase Five Female-led companies breaking barriers and paving the way for future dance generations. Featuring Tyler Peck and Friends, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Martha Grahm Dance Company, Trinity Irish Dance Company and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.
A new identity
The National Historic Landmark officially unveils its new identity as The Auditorium, better representing the evolution of diversified, contemporary programming on its world-class stage. Under the direction of CEO Rich Regan since 2019, The Auditorium programming model has dramatically and purposefully evolved to incorporate a broad range of concert, film, and speaker series programming along with the venue’s long-time signature dance, theater, and orchestral music presentations.
The Auditorium Board Chair Thomas Baryl notes, “As we continue to broaden the scope of cultural offerings on our stage, we will always value our role as one of Chicago’s primary dance presenters. The Auditorium is proud and privileged to celebrate women leaders in dance during our 2025/2026 season. These women have each broken barriers and paved the way for future generations of dancers, choreographers, and company leaders. Celebrating these leaders not only honors their achievements but also highlights the ongoing importance of diversity and inclusion in the arts, an integral part of The Auditorium’s mission.”
2025-2026 dance season offerings
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater
Saturday, November 15, 2025, | 7:30PM
Tickets: $30-$90
Founded in 1975 by Artistic Director Dame Libby Komaiko, this world-renowned Chicago dance company is dedicated to preserving the traditions of Spanish dance with a repertoire of classical, folkloric, and flamenco dance forms showcasing the depth and diversity of Spain’s cultural heritage. Artistic Director Irma Suárez Ruiz – who began dancing with Dame Libby in 1979 – has established her own legacy of excellence and prominence and is recognized throughout the cultural community as a dancer, choreographer, and arts leader. To learn more about the program click here.
*Photo credit Dean Paul
Martha Graham Dance Company
Saturday, January 24, 2026, | 7:30PM
Tickets: $35-$130
Legendary dancer and choreographer Martha Graham established her eponymous dance company in 1926 with her technique, known for its focus on contraction and release, becoming a cornerstone of modern dance. Since its founding, the company has consistently produced some of the most groundbreaking works in the dance world. Now, as the company celebrates its 100th anniversary with Executive Director LaRue Allen and Artistic Director Janet Eilber at the helm since 2005, it continues to honor Graham's legacy while pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance. To learn more about the program click here.
*Photo credit M Sherwood
Trinity Irish Dance Company
February 28, 2026, | 7:30PM
Tickets: $35-$95
Celebrating its 35th Anniversary, Chicago's internationally-renowned Trinity Irish Dance Company (TIDC) returns to The Auditorium. The program will celebrate three world premiere works: Founding Artistic Director Mark Howard and Associate Artistic Director Chelsea Hoy's reinvention of Johnny (1991), Howard's iconic work that ushered in a new era for Irish Step Dance; and new works by guest choreographers Michelle Dorrance, and Jamey Hampton and Ashley Roland of BodyVox. The program will also feature original live music performed by TIDC’s band, fronted by Killarney-native, New York-based Brenoshea. To learn more about the program click here.
*Photo credit Chelsea Hoy
Turn It Out with Tiler Peck & Friends
March 7-8, 2026 – Sat 7:30PM | Sun 3PM
Tickets: $35-$130
Award-winning New York City Ballet Principal dancer Tiler Peck embraces the role of director with the 2024 Olivier Award-nominated, Turn It Out with Tiler Peck & Friends. With complete freedom to design her own evening, Peck has assembled some of today’s most exciting dance artists and musicians for a virtuosic, deeply personal program. The performance begins with Peck’s own Thousandth Orange, set to live music by Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Shaw. Peck sought out West Coast legend Alonzo King to create the electric pas de deux with Roman Mejia, Swift Arrow, and joins forces with her longtime friend (and tap dance star) Michelle Dorrance alongside Jillian Meyers on Time Spell. The program closes with The Barre Project, Blake Works II, a piece originally created for film that marked the first creative partnership between Peck and choreographer William Forsythe. To learn more about the program click here.
*Photo credit Rosalie O'Connor
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
April 24-26, 2026 – Fri 7:30PM | Sat 1PM | Sat 7:30PM | Sun 3PM
Tickets: $40-$150
An icon of American dance, Alvin Ailey pioneered a company that has become an enduring symbol of artistic excellence and a powerful voice for African American culture. The Auditorium proudly welcomes back the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to its Chicago home as the company celebrates its next chapter with new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack. A former Ailey dancer and only the fourth person in the company’s 66-year history to hold this prestigious role, Mack brings her celebrated artistry and leadership to continue the legacy of those who came before her. To learn more about the program click here.
*Photo credit Paul Kolnik
