Frank Chaves, a renowned choreographer and former artistic director of River North Dance Company, is a testament to the indomitable spirit of dance and resilience.
At 65, Chaves directs a group of eight young dancers from his motorized wheelchair, evoking memories of his vibrant past as a dancer.
Gone are the sharp edges of his physique, replaced with a set of clunky shoes featuring Velcro straps to accommodate swollen feet, a reminder of the rare spinal condition that has confined him to a wheelchair.
During a recent rehearsal at the Red Clay Dance Company studio in Woodlawn, he passionately expresses a desire for his dancers to convey emotions rooted in anger, frustration, and an unvoiced scream, reflecting not only the inspiration from his mother’s tragic passing but also the challenges he faces in his own life.
Chaves is currently in Chicago for a brief period, rehearsing his piece, “Temporal Trance,” with the South Chicago Dance Theatre, culminating in a performance on May 3 at The Auditorium, where he will also receive a Cultural Hero Hall of Fame award.
The journey to this point has been arduous, spanning three days in a specially equipped minivan from his home in Sarasota, Florida.
Despite these challenges, Chaves maintains a vibrant outlook on life, stating that this season feels like a gift from the universe.
For him, dance is the best medicine, infusing joy and life into his existence.
Frank Chaves’ journey into dance began in 1993 when he was a striking young dancer, a movie-star handsome figure with a passion for movement.
He recalls how the rhythm of music ignited a creative fire within him, leading him to discover the world of dance after taking a jazz class in college.
Born in Cuba and later moving to Miami, Chaves immerses himself in the world of salsa and merengue before training rigorously in dance.
His career began in Miami, which eventually led him to perform with notable companies like Ballet Hispanico, followed by stints in Philadelphia, and culminating in his arrival in Chicago in 1985 with Hubbard Street Dance.
Chaves captivated audiences with his physical prowess, particularly in dynamic duets characterized by leaps, catches, and a unique blend of strength and artistry.
Mark Reeves, Chaves’ partner for over three decades, fondly remembers Chaves’ remarkable strength and skill on stage.
As a well-regarded dancer in Hubbard Street, Chaves traveled extensively, showcasing his talent until an unexpected physical condition began to hinder him.
Suffering from pain that stemmed from strenuous performances, he underwent exploratory surgery, but was eventually diagnosed with syringomyelia in 2005—a condition causing fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord.
This diagnosis marked a turning point in Chaves’ life.
In his 2009 documentary, “Every Dancer Has a Story,” he poignantly expressed his hopes of continuing to create beautiful art despite the challenges.
Amidst multiple surgeries attempting to manage his condition, Chaves faced the emotional turmoil of losing mobility—a devastating reality for anyone, especially a dancer.
In April 2015, after years of struggling with his condition, he announced his retirement from River North Dance, having made significant contributions to the company’s evolution as the artistic director.
He wished to refocus on his health while continuing to nurture his imagination as a choreographer.
The farewell performance by River North at The Auditorium in 2015 featured Chaves’ hallmark piece, “Temporal Trance,” highlighting the connection he maintains with his art.
Although River North eventually dissolved, Chaves’ passion for choreography remained undeterred.
In 2021, he and Reeves relocated to Florida, adapting their living space for Chaves’ needs while navigating the complexities of daily life.
He still engages in choreography, recently creating a new piece for Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre, bridging the gap between his physical limitations and creative vision.
Kia Smith, the founder of South Chicago Dance, was a student of Chaves’ in 2009, recalling the influence his choreography had on her.
This connection inspired her to stage “Temporal Trance” in Chicago, and she sought Chaves’ involvement, emphasizing the necessity of his presence in mounting the piece.
Despite years of uncertainty surrounding travel due to his condition, Chaves demonstrated unwavering determination, embarking on the journey to Chicago with Reeves.
Upon arriving at the Red Clay Dance studio, Chaves was warmly welcomed by the dancers, prompting him to dive into the rehearsal process with enthusiasm.
Utilizing his keen artistic eye and years of experience despite his physical limitations, he provided detailed guidance and artistry to the dancers, emphasizing clarity and emotional intensity in their movements.
Chaves’ unique approach to choreography, cultivated through necessity, allows him to convey intricate nuances of dance without physically performing them.
As rehearsals progressed, the dancers responded wholeheartedly, eager to honor his work and ensure it was presented to its fullest potential at the upcoming performance.
Before the conclusion of the day’s rehearsal, Chaves encouraged the dancers, celebrating their accomplishments and the artistry they brought to the experience.
His journey exemplifies the powerful connection between a dancer’s spirit and the art form itself, underscoring the idea that dance transcends physical constraints, continuing to inspire and foster creativity even in the face of adversity.
image source from：https://chicago.suntimes.com/dance/2025/04/25/frank-chaves-choreographer-wheelchair-bound-creating-beautiful-dance
