Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is getting ready to take the stage at Chicago's Harris Theater for Music and Dance with two world premiere works by Rena Butler and Kyle Abraham. Here's what HSDC dancer Craig D. Black told us about creating these two new works:
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:
One of the reasons that Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is known all over the world is because they perform all over the world. Just this summer, audiences in Mexico, Canada, and across the United State have seen them, but when it gets to be the middle of August, if you want to see Hubbard Street perform you have to come to Chicago, and it's been like that for twenty-seven years. Thats how long Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has been performing at Dance for Life -- since the first Dance for Life, and once again this year, they'll be at Dance for Life
The weekend is nearly upon us, which means many of Chicago's dance professionals are gearing up for Dance for Life 2017 - a one-night only dance benefit concert at The Auditorium Theater. One company taking the stage this Saturday night is none other than Visceral Dance Chicago, who will close the series of company performances with 'Ruff Celts', choreographed by Marguerite Donlon.
