Dance Fitness classes took a field trip March 6 to watch the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Auditorium Theater. 

“[This] is one of my favorite companies to watch,” Dance Fitness teacher Brittany Sidoti said. “The choreographic storytelling and athleticism of the dancers is moving and awe-inspiring.”

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was established in 1958 to create a multi-racial company that uplifts African American culture. Their goal is to explore cultural experiences and preserve American modern dance tradition. The company is based in New York but travels for performances.

“We are hoping students will be moved by this performance and want to continue to watch, study, and create dance,” Sidoti said. 

The Auditorium Theater offers student matinees for select shows, allowing the Dance Fitness program to get tickets to this year’s performance. In addition to the performance the dance classes had lunch. 

“As a dance teacher, it is important to provide opportunities for students to view society and culture through an artistic lens, inspiring them to explore and create their own artistic expression,” Sidoti said.

The Auditorium Theater is a national historic landmark built in 1889 and the first multi-use building ever designed. The Theater hosted four other shows in Chicago from March 7-9. 

“Since I have taught here at LT, we try to bring the dance students to see a professional dance production at least every other year,” Sidoti said.

Last spring the Dance Fitness program was planning to see the Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Sidoti said. The performance took place in the evening, conflicting with student schedules and making it impossible to attend. 

“We learn different ways to take up space and different forms of dance, so our routines are busy and creative,” Dance Fitness student Kate Kahler ‘26 said about the program in general. “I have learned how to better my posture and form for various poses in dance.”

Recently, Dance Fitness students have choreographed Zumba dances blending dance and fitness, Kahler said. They work in groups and do team bonding activities.

“You have to have a lot of creativity in the class,” Dance Fitness student Annie Posey ‘26 said. “I have learned problem-solving skills and how to collaborate with my classmates.”