Shannon Alvis

Shannon Alvis

Originally from Greenwood, Indiana, Shannon received her training at Butler University and the University of Utah. She began her career with the second company of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and then went on to dance and perform professionally with HSDC for nine years. In 2009, Shannon went on to further her growth as a dancer at Nederlands Dans Theater under the direction of Jim Vincent and Paul Lightfoot. During her time in Chicago and Europe, Shannon toured internationally, dancing works by many world renowned choreographers such as: Jiri Kylian, Nacho Duato, William Forsythe, Ohad Naharin, Jorma Elo, and Crystal Pite. Having since returned to Chicago (and after having given birth to a little baby girl!) Shannon is once again sharing her artistry with the community. She has appeared in six productions at the Lyric Opera, including Rob Ashford's Carousel, Susan Stroman's The Merry Widow, and Les Troyens with Helen Pickett. She has been on faculty at the Joffrey Academy, Interlochen School for the Arts summer faculty, and Visceral Dance Center. Shannon is also very happy to be exploring her creativity through works of her own. She has choreographed for Visceral Dance Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago, and DanceWorks Chicago and was a recipient of the Joffrey Ballet’s Winning Work’s Choreographic Competition. She feels very fortunate for every one of these opportunities. Being able to find inspiration for her work in all of the things that she loves is a true gift.
Lou Conte rehearsing The 40's (Photo Courtesy of Cheryl Mann)
5 Questions With ...Choreography and Concert Dance

5 Questions With Lou Conte About Creating A Legend

August 15, 2018

Lou Conte not only has a name that is important to the Chicago dance community, but as the founder of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago he is someone who has changed the history of contemporary dance. He created what is today an internationally acclaimed company that dancers from all over the world dream of being a part of. I myself was one of those young dancers, and Lou helped make my dream come true by bringing me into the company just before he stepped down as director in 2000.  Lou will forever hold a special place in my heart, and not only by having initiated my entire dance career. With his values and the standards to which he held his work and company, he helped shape who I am today as a dancer, artist, and now choreographer. Lou is being honored at Chicago's Dance for Life this year, and when I was given the opportunity to talk with him and ask him a few questions, I couldn't help but be thrilled at the thought. Here's what he shared with me:

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