In ten years, Luna Negra Dance Theater has established itself as a significant and vital component of Chicago’s arts and cultural community. Since Eduardo Vilaro founded Luna Negra in 1999, the Company has served as a springboard for Latino contemporary choreographers to give expression to their stories and bring new life to the cultures of their communities. Steering away from stereotypes and folkloric representations, Luna Negra brings to audiences modern Latino expressions with energy, power and passion, reflecting through dance the immense cultural shift that is shaping America in the 21st century.

The Company has received enthusiastic acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Sid Smith of the Chicago Tribune said “Artistic director Eduardo Vilaro and his beguiling dancers are an established, respected and treasured troupe on our arts landscape” and Hedy Weiss of the Chicago Sun-Times noted “This is a company that moves with sensational energy and panache.” Luna Negra makes its home in Chicago at the Harris Theater and performs regularly at the Ravinia Festival. The Company also tours extensively nationally and internationally.

As we look back at our growth in the last ten years, it is clear that the risks we have taken in bringing Latino choreographers to the forefront have catapulted Luna Negra onto the national cultural arts landscape and have solidified our presence as a cultural arts organization in Chicago and nationwide.