Pictured: Melissa Thodos.

Thodos Dance Chicago Founder and Artistic Director Melissa Thodos announced plans today for the company’s 25th Anniversary Season.

Kicking it off in just a few weeks (October 15-23) is a partnership with Chicago Children’s Theatre—Thodos Dance’s story ballet, A Light in the Dark: The Story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan. Conceived and choreographed by Melissa Thodos with longtime collaborator and Broadway legend, Ann Reinking, A Light in the Dark is a family-friendly mix of movement and music that tells the true story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan, the caring teacher who guided the young blind and deaf girl into a life as an internationally acclaimed writer and political activist.

The winter will bring a concert entitled TIMELESS MOTION, February 25th at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Highlights include a world premiere work by Melissa Thodos and the world premiere of Sunstroke by Brian Enos.

March 11th, the Auditorium Theatre will host FULL CIRCLE, an evening of dance celebrating a quarter century of the Thodos’s innovation and artistry. Program highlights include the Chicago premiere of Nos Duraturi, a commentary on mankind’s ability to endure by Bella Lewitzky. Nos Duraturi is the fourth iteration of Thodos’s American Dance Legacy Project, which is aimed to keep accomplishments of renowned American dance artists whose work is no long visible to the public alive. The program will also boast a new signature work by Melissa Thodos that promises to complete a trilogy when paired with two signature works from the company’s past.

“What an honor to be a part of Chicago’s thriving dance community! Our very special ‘ride to 25’ has been fueled in part by creating a platform for the hundreds of artists that have come through our doors, evolving and growing in ways that have enriched our community. We are excited to unveil an incredible season, marking 25 passionate years of dance with creativity, innovation and celebration,” says Thodos.

A gala benefit for the company will be held on February 4th.