The project, begun in 2002 and intended to launch gifted young Chicago-area chorographers, allows those choreographers to collaborate on new works with dancers from established companies such as the Joffrey Ballet, Luna Negra Dance Theatre, River North Chicago Dance Company, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Melissa Thodos & Dancers, and Stars of Dance Chicago.

This year's recipients are Ron De Jesus, Lauri Stallings, Jon Lehrer, Altin Naska, James Gregg, and Dmitri Peskov. Their works will be performed over the course of the opening weekend, along with works by other choreographers and companies. A gala performance and party for Dance Chicago's 10th anniversary follows on November 9.

Dance Chicago, founded in 1995 by John Schmitz and Fred Solari, is an all-Chicago performance festival designed to build audiences for dance in the city and to increase awareness of Chicago dance for the general public. This year's festival features performances by over 200 local dance groups in every genre of dance, from ballet to modern to hip-hop to jazz.

The festival, which takes place at the Athanaeum Theatre, runs through December 5.