"The next big thing"
— Chicago Tribune
"Most assuredly a company to watch"
— The Berkshire Eagle
"Meteoric is too mild a word for [their] rise"
— NewCity Stage
South Chicago Dance Theatre
October 2–3, 2026 at the Aronoff Center for the Arts
The highly buzzed-about South Chicago Dance Theatre makes its Cincinnati debut, presented by Mutual Dance Theatre's Jefferson James Contemporary Dance Theater Series! Led by Artistic Director Kia S. Smith, whose rise has been described as "meteoric," South Chicago Dance Theatre landed a spot on Dance Magazine's national "must-see" list and has been called “the next big thing” by the Chicago Tribune.Described as a "rare combination of rigor and vulnerability" (Third Cost Review), South Chicago Dance Theatre blends legacy with innovation and is the largest company in Mutual's 26-27 season.This program includes a short excerpt from Smith's Josephine Project, which traces her great-grandmother's journey north out of the Jim Crow South, documented by hand-written notes in a preserved suitcase used during the Great Migration.The Josephine Project is only one of five works in the concert. The presentation features another of Smith's choreographies called Suite on the Sahara, as well as works by a multi-cultural slate of guest choreographers: On a Lark by Stephanie Martinez, Slip Force by Natasha Adorlee, and Subject(s) Verb Object! by David Dorfman.Want to know more? See more? Join our email list here for deep insights, videos, photo, artist profiles, and more. You can also follow MDT on Instagram or Facebook.
POST-PERFORMANCE AUDIENCE TALK-BACK
Friday, October 2, 2026
Stick around after the show to learn more about the artists and their process.
PRE-SHOW HOSTED INTERVIEW
Saturday, October 3, 2026 7pm
Come early at 7pm to preface the performance with a discussion between Artistic Directors Kia S. Smith (SCDT) and Jeanne Mam-Luft (MDT).
MASTERCLASS FOR DANCERS
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 12-1:30pm
For experienced dancers, with Artistic Director Kia S. Smith! $20 pre-registered. $25 day-off. Click here to sign-up!
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION
Saturday, October 3, 2026 performance
Note that the interpreter will be standing just off-stage on the right side.
Performances
Fri • Oct 2, 2026
7:30pm performance
+ free post-show Q&A
Sat • Oct 3, 2026
7:30pm performance
+ 7:00pm free pre-show interview with Artistic Directors
Tickets
Starting at $39
Check out Director’s Choice seats, hand-picked by MDT’s Artistic Director as the best seats in the house
Purchase by September 6 for automatic $5 early bird discount
Senior and student discounts available with valid ID at the Aronoff Box Office located at 650 Walnut St.
LOCATION
Aronoff Center for the Arts
Jarson-Kaplan Theater
650 Walnut St
Cincinnati, OH 45202
More Information
Tickets: 513.621.ARTS (2787)
Content: hello@mutualarts.org
Age recommendation
While not inappropriate for children, this concert was not designed for children and may contain elements objectionable to some parents. In addition, the content and length of the performance may be challenging for children’s attention spans. Parents are encouraged to teach their children theater etiquette beforehand and exit to the lobby if children become too noisy to settle during the performance. For specific information, please email hello@mutualarts.org.
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for experienced dancers
MasterclasswithKia S. Smith
Dancers: enjoy a rare opportunity to take class in Cincinnati with a dance leader whose accomplishments have been called "meteoric," Kia S. Smith.
Saturday, October 3, 202612-1:30pmMutual Arts Center Hartwell Studio$20 pre-registered, $25 day-of registrationsCapped at 25 students
WATCH: Learn more about Smith in this profile of Kia by Kate Weare Company.