Hubbard Street Dance Chicago stands as a beacon of contemporary dance, dedicated to sparking the human spirit through movement. Founded in 1977, the company has grown from a small ensemble performing in local senior centers to an internationally recognized dance powerhouse.
The Genesis and Growth of a Dance Institution
The story of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago began at the Lou Conte Dance Studio, located at the corner of LaSalle and Hubbard Streets. It was there that Lou Conte, in 1977, brought together four dancers with a vision to share their art within the Chicago community. Their initial performances in senior centers laid the groundwork for what would become a major force in the dance world. Early on, Barbara G. Cohen joined as the first Executive Director, adding crucial leadership to the burgeoning company.
For 23 years, Lou Conte served as the Artistic Director, shaping the company’s identity and fostering collaborations with a diverse range of choreographic talents. He cultivated relationships with both emerging and established artists, including renowned names like Nacho Duato, Daniel Ezralow, Jiří Kylián, Ohad Naharin, Lynne Taylor-Corbett, and Twyla Tharp. These partnerships enriched Hubbard Street’s repertoire and exposed Chicago audiences to a broad spectrum of contemporary dance styles.
Jim Vincent succeeded Conte, expanding Hubbard Street’s international presence and initiating collaborations with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Vincent also focused on internal growth, establishing the Inside/Out Choreographic Workshop to nurture emerging choreographers within the company. Notably, he invited Alejandro Cerrudo, then a Resident Choreographer, to create his early works for Hubbard Street, further solidifying the company’s commitment to innovation.
Gail Kalver provided steady executive leadership for 23 years, ensuring continuity from 1984 through the 2006/07 season. Jason Palmquist then took over as Executive Director, and in 2009, Glenn Edgerton became Artistic Director. Together, Edgerton and Palmquist propelled Hubbard Street forward, building upon its established legacy.
A New Chapter: RE/CHARGE and Artistic Vision
In 2021, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago welcomed Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, a former company dancer, as its fourth Artistic Director. Her appointment marked a significant moment, bringing a fresh perspective rooted in deep familiarity with the company. Season 44, titled RE/CHARGE, served as her debut and signaled her intention to further diversify both the company’s repertoire and its ensemble of dancers. Fisher-Harrell aims to build upon Hubbard Street’s impressive history while pushing boundaries and exploring new artistic territories within contemporary dance.
Partnering with Executive Director David McDermott, who joined in 2017, Fisher-Harrell is focused on expanding Hubbard Street’s audience and strengthening its reputation on local, national, and international stages. Their combined leadership promises an exciting future for the company.
Global Reach and Local Impact
For over four decades, Hubbard Street has been a pioneering force in contemporary dance, bringing groundbreaking choreography to Chicago and the world. Its constantly evolving repertoire, shaped by today’s leading choreographic voices, makes Hubbard Street a sought-after company for dancers and performance venues alike. The main company has performed in 19 countries and 44 U.S. states, sharing its artistry with a global audience.
Closer to home in Chicago, Hubbard Street presents performances 20 times annually and runs impactful education programs in 50 classrooms across 17 Chicagoland schools. These programs utilize the choreographic process to cultivate essential skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. By extending its reach beyond traditional concert halls, Hubbard Street ensures that diverse communities have access to world-class dance and instruction. While rooted in contemporary forms, the spirit of innovation and accessibility echoes the dynamic energy found in various dance styles, aiming to resonate with a broad audience.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s journey reflects a commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance while making it accessible and engaging for all. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a leading international company, Hubbard Street continues to awaken the human spirit through the power of dance.
To delve deeper into Hubbard Street’s activities and achievements, explore their Press Room and Annual Report.
