Telmo Moreira’s “Memento Mori” – Photo Credit: The Joffrey Studio Company and Academy Trainees in the 8th Annual Winning Works program. Photo by Cheryl Mann

BTSCelebs was given the special opportunity to review “The 8th Annual Winning Works“ this weekend. Gifted choreographers Luis Vazquez, Telmo Moreira, Claudia Schreier and Omar Roman De Jesus all showcased a colorful interpretation of their own personal dances.

This year, all the choreographers were tied in their own races for perfection. Their central theme was celebrating diversity and finding one’s voice in a world of conformity. The majority of the performances had more of a modern dance feel than classic ballet. Telmo Moreira’s “Memento Mori” was like watching a trendy music video unfold in front of your eyes, after a tribal theme opening. Luis Vazquez’s “Sea of Comets” and Omar Roman De Jesus’ “BoA” thrived on the active stage that had many different dances occurring at the same time. The latter had more of a dark theme with strong Latin elements, but it showed off wonderful equality in the wardrobe department. I love women and men’s wardrobe to mirroring each other rather than one wearing much less than the other.

Omar Román De Jesús’ “BOA”- The Joffrey Studio Company and Academy Trainees in the 8th Annual Winning Works program. Photo by Cheryl Mann

I do believe that Claudia Schreier’s “Night Vision” stood out in “Winning Works” with her choreography mixing classic and a slight acrobatics.

Claudia Schreier’s “Night Vision” – The Joffrey Studio Company and Academy Trainees in the 8th Annual Winning Works program. Photo by Cheryl Mann

“The 8th Annual Winning Works“ was tailor-made for modern dance lovers and those looking for the ultimate surprise to usher in the Spring. It runs through tomorrow at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago.

*A Special Thanks to The Silverman Group and The Joffrey Ballet for the press passes*