Elijah Richardson is a Filipino-Mexican-American dance artist based in Chicago. Originally from San Jose, California, he earned his BFA in Dance Performance from Chapman University in 2018. Supplemental training includes San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, Hubbard Street, and “OBOC” Countertechnique Intensive in Amsterdam. Elijah’s professional credits include DanceWorks Chicago (2018-2021), Giordano Dance Chicago | Dance for Life, Chicago Opera Theater, Collage Dance Collective, and Anaheim Ballet. Since 2021, he has danced with South Chicago Dance Theatre, featured in works by Kia S. Smith, Ron De Jesus, Monique Haley, Donald Byrd, Tsai His Hung, Crystal Michelle Perkins, Frank Chaves, among others. An emerging choreographer, Elijah has presented works at Loyola University Chicago, Trifecta Dance Festival, Harvest Dance Festival, Zion Dance Project, Chapman University, San Jose State University, South Chicago Dance Festival, Second City Dance Ministry, Iowa International ScreenDance Festival, and four times at Mobile Dance Film Festival. As a guest educator, he has taught classes at University of Chicago, Western Michigan University, University of Michigan, Zion Dance Project, and studios across the Chicagoland area. Elijah has the honor of being listed on both Dance Magazine’s 2023 “Top 25 to Watch” and NewCity Magazine’s “Players 50” for 2025.
“TAK-R-EZ,” shorthand for “Take Her Easy,” is a contemporary jazz evening length dance piece that explores the bond between my father and his late brother, a Vietnam War veteran and rock musician—a story of brotherhood through wartime, mental health, and enduring love. The work is set to a soundtrack of rock, jazz, and blues music from the 1960s–80s, which helps narrate their journey. The residency serves as a creative playground to generate a movement language focusing on character development and the ensemble as a physical and imaginative space. Elijah Richardsom aims to produce a high quality, accessible, and clear vision culminating into a public work-in-progress sharing by the end of the residency. “TAK-R-EZ” plans to premiere in Summer 2026.
