For over forty years, Jacob’s Pillow has served as a cherished artistic home for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, a leading name in contemporary dance. Founded in 1977 by the visionary dancer and choreographer Lou Conte, this groundbreaking company was built on a mission to connect artists, art forms, and audiences. Through the transformative power of dance, Hubbard Street aims to enrich lives, foster engagement, provide education, and inspire change. Indeed, The New York Times has lauded Hubbard Street Dance Chicago as “a cure for the ills of the era,” a testament to their captivating and vital performances. The deep-rooted relationship between Hubbard Street and Jacob’s Pillow is evident in their extensive history together, marked by more than a dozen engagements since 1983, including an exceptional two-week residency in 1990.
The company’s current trajectory is guided by Artistic Director Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, appointed in 2021. Fisher-Harrell brings a wealth of experience to the role, transitioning from a distinguished career as a professional dance artist and educator. Her history with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago includes three seasons as a dancer, followed by a prominent position as a principal dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, among other significant achievements. Her leadership ensures the company remains at the forefront of contemporary dance.
Their recent program at Jacob’s Pillow showcased the breadth and dynamism of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s repertoire. The performance featured Amy Hall Garner’s As the Wind Blows, Ohad Naharin’s compelling B/olero, and Lar Lubovitch’s delicate Little Rhapsodies. Adding to the evening’s impact was Aszure Barton’s deeply moving BUSK, hailed by WTTW Chicago as “nothing short of phenomenal.” Barton, recognized for her innovative approach to form, has an impressive choreographic portfolio that includes collaborations with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the English National Ballet, and the National Ballet of Canada. These diverse pieces highlighted the company’s versatility and commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.
Dive Deeper into Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Explore the Post-Show Conversation
Gain further insights by watching the Post-Show Talk featuring Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s Artistic Director Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, alongside Rehearsal Director Jonathan E. Alsberry, and company dancer Jacqueline Burnett. They joined Scholar-in-Residence Maura Keefe for a captivating discussion in the Ted Shawn Theatre on August 12, 2022. This conversation offers a unique perspective on the company’s artistic process and vision.
Access Program Details and PillowNotes
For comprehensive information about the performance, including dancer biographies and choreographic notes, access the program and PillowNotes. These resources provide valuable context and enhance appreciation for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s artistry.
Critical Acclaim in the Boston Globe
Discover what critics are saying. Janine Parker of the Boston Globe captures the essence of their performance, noting, “These artists have the skills to communicate on many levels, and along with a great sense of humor within “Busk,” there is also humanity, and thus compassion, for those hard-working artists, but for their audiences as well.” Read the full review in the Boston Globe.
Uncover More with Jacob’s Pillow Dance Interactive
Delve into the extensive archives of Jacob’s Pillow Dance Interactive. This ever-expanding digital collection houses a wealth of dance videos filmed at Jacob’s Pillow, spanning from the 1930s to the present day, accompanied by insightful illustrated essays. Explore more about dance history and performance on Jacob’s Pillow Dance Interactive and potentially find past performances by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.
Watch Hubbard Street Dance Chicago on Jacob’s Pillow Dance Interactive:
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago continues to be a vital force in contemporary dance, and their enduring relationship with Jacob’s Pillow underscores their significance in the dance world. Their performances offer audiences a chance to witness groundbreaking choreography and exceptional artistry, solidifying their place as a leading dance company.
