River North Dance Chicago

Originally from Havana by way of Miami, Chaves joined River North Dance Chicago in 1993 as Associate Director, and became Co-Artistic Director with Sherry Zunker in 1994. In May 2001, Chaves assumed sole Artistic Directorship of RNDC. Since then, he has created over 20 critically-acclaimed works in the Company's repertoire. An international choreographer and teacher, Chaves has also created numerous works for other companies including Spectrum Dance Theatre, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Point Park College for the Performing Arts, Barat Repertory Dance Company, Kaleidoscope Dancers, Pori Dance Company (Finland) and the National Choreographers Initiative (twice invited). Chaves' theatrical commissions include work for Steppenwolf Theatre and the Cleveland Playhouse. As a performer, Chaves has danced with Ballet Concerto of Miami, New York's Ballet Hispanico, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, and six years with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. In 2000, Chaves received a Ruth Page Dance Achievement Award for Mission, co-created with Sherry Zunker, in honor of the Company's 10th anniversary. He has also been recognized with a 2008 Choo-San Goh Award for Choreography from the Choo-San Goh & H. Robert Magee Foundation for Tuscan Rift. Chaves is an Adjunct Professor of Dance for Western Michigan University.  The 2012-13 season marked his 20th Anniversary with the Company.