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The Chicago Dancing Festival '08 kicks off Monday, Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m. with “20th Century Masters,” a free performance event at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance 205 E. Randolph Dr., in Millennium Park. Audiences will have the unprecedented opportunity to see Martha Graham Dance Company and Limón Dance Company on the same stage performing landmark works by their legendary founders, Martha Graham and José Limón. The evening will also feature works by other notable American choreographers performed by dancers from some of America’s most respected dance companies including Oregon Ballet Theatre, among others. For reservations or more information call the Harris Theater box office at 312.334.7777. The Festival continues Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. with "Artists Up Close," an exploration of two of modern dance’s most legendary choreographers, Martha Graham and José Limón. Janet Eilber, artistic director, Martha Graham Dance Company, Carla Maxwell, artistic director, the Limón Dance Company, and dancers from their companies participate in this free lecture demonstration about the birth of American modern dance. For reservations or more information call the MCA box office at 312-397-4010. The Festival culminates with “A Celebration of American Dancers,” a free performance under the stars at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Programming will include an all-star lineup of dancers from some of the country’s most acclaimed dance companies including Chicago’s own Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet and Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago. American Ballet Theatre’s Yuriko Kajiya and Jared Matthews, who brought last year’s Festival audience to their feet with their dazzling technique, will be back by popular demand. Programming will also feature the Chicago premiere of Ballet Tech Kids Dance performing Eliot Feld’s choreography, and additional works performed by dancers and companies to be announced at a later date. In light of last year’s overflow attendance, 1000 additional seats are being added for what will be this year’s must-see summer dance event. No reservation is required. Programming and artists for the 2008 Chicago Dancing Festival are subject to change. Detailed programming will be announced at a later date. For more information about the 2008 Chicago Dancing Festival or the Chicago Dancing Company visit www.chicagodancingfestival.com or email info@chicagodancingfestival.com.