Maureen Janson of See Chicago Dance reviews South Chicago Dance Theatre premiere of "Lamentations for Peace" at the Dance Center of Columbia College in December 2025.
Holiday entertainment typically aims to lift spirits and evoke joy. It rarely addresses a downside. In South Chicago Dance Theatre’s “Lamentations for Peace,” it’s best to leave behind any preconceived ideas of Christmas dance concerts. Although this story is not a downer, it realizes that holidays are not always bright for everyone. Choreographer Kia Smith delves into the negative effect that adult actions can have on young children and also reflects on how community can lift one up in dark times.
Presented at The Dance Center of Columbia College this past weekend, “Lamentations for Peace” runs the gamut of emotions. It delights and digs deep into some of the more serious and difficult aspects of holidays with equal measure. Thankfully, good will prevails in this unique and dynamic perspective of the season.
To tell her story in its premiere, Smith has assembled a top tier corps of dancers, supported by the silky smooth a capella singing harmonies of the Bourné Family and a delightful bunch of young dancers from the Hyde Park School of Dance. The work is complex and challenging, and the athletic movement vocabulary falls second to energy and emotion. This is dance not only to watch, but to feel and experience.
“Smith tackles something special here. In the end, “Lamentations for Peace” succeeds in being about the power of others to impact and shape us. It is uplifting to see angels on earth who help and support each other and bring joy to the audience and to the world.”
Set in a nonspecific era with muted-color costumes hinting at vintage 1940s with suspenders and A-line dresses, a wonder-filled child (beautifully danced by the promising Peter Westergaard) sets the dance in motion…
Banner images and images in gallery: South Chicago Dance Theatre’s Lamentations for Peace, photography by William Frederking.
