Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

For residents across the Illinois region, particularly those who appreciate the vibrant arts and culture scene of Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago stands as a paramount "point of interest." Recognized globally as one of the most original and innovative forces in contemporary dance, Hubbard Street has been captivating audiences for over 47 years. It’s a company celebrated for its unique blend of modern, jazz, and ballet styles, performed with remarkable athleticism and profound emotional nuance. Beyond its stunning mainstage performances, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is deeply committed to engaging with the community through extensive education and outreach programs, making world-class dance accessible to all.

This comprehensive article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, highlighting its artistic excellence, its educational initiatives, and the multifaceted ways it contributes to the cultural fabric of Illinois. We'll explore its central location, the diverse range of services it offers for both aspiring dancers and the wider public, and the key features that have earned it critical acclaim and a devoted following. Our goal is to present a factual yet inspiring picture from the perspective of an Illinois local eager to experience cutting-edge dance, support artistic development, and engage with a cornerstone of Chicago’s performing arts community.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is primarily located at 835 Michigan Ave 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. This prestigious address places it within the iconic Water Tower Place building, right on the magnificent mile in downtown Chicago. This central location offers exceptional accessibility for residents throughout Chicago and the wider Illinois metropolitan area. Being on Michigan Avenue means it is easily reachable by car, though urban parking can be a consideration. More importantly, its proximity to multiple public transportation options is a significant advantage. It is well-served by numerous CTA bus routes along Michigan Avenue and nearby streets, and is within walking distance of the CTA Red Line (Chicago station). This makes the company's administrative offices, and their performance venues (such as the Harris Theater in Millennium Park, where they frequently perform), highly convenient for audiences using public transit, ensuring that a diverse audience from all parts of Illinois can easily access their world-class performances and educational offerings.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago offers a comprehensive range of services that extend beyond just performance, encompassing education, community engagement, and artist development.

• Contemporary Dance Performances: The core of Hubbard Street's offerings are its captivating mainstage performances. The company is renowned for its ever-evolving repertoire, featuring works by leading American and international choreographers. They showcase a diverse range of styles, from the athletic and innovative to the emotionally nuanced, often including landmark pieces and new commissions. These performances take place at various prestigious venues, including the Harris Theater in Millennium Park, and are presented to audiences globally.
• Dance Education Programs: Hubbard Street is deeply committed to dance education for all ages and abilities. Their programs include:
  • Lou Conte Dance Studio: Offering open classes for dancers of all levels, from beginner to advanced professional, in styles like contemporary, jazz, ballet, and more. This studio serves as a training ground for aspiring dancers and a recreational outlet for adults.
  • Summer Intensives: Acclaimed and competitive programs for dancers aged 13-24, offering intensive training, opportunities to create new works, and exploration of contemporary movement with diverse creative voices.
  • Adaptive Dance Programs (Parkinson's Project & Autism Project): Pioneering programs tailored for individuals with differing abilities, creating supportive environments where all can experience the benefits of dance. This includes in-school residencies and free video resources.
• Community Engagement & Public Programs: Hubbard Street actively connects with the broader community through:
  • Free community dance classes and discussions.
  • Dance residencies in schools, transforming classrooms into dynamic spaces for self-expression and empowered learning, utilizing the choreographic process to teach problem-solving and collaboration.
  • Public workshops and events that deepen understanding of dance and the company's repertoire.
• Online Resources: Offering an expanding library of videos and study guides for teachers and students, helping to integrate the arts into the curriculum and challenge analytical thinking.
• Artist Development: The company is committed to cultivating the next generation of dancers and choreographers, fostering artistic growth within its ranks and in the wider dance community.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is celebrated for numerous distinctive features and highlights that firmly establish its reputation as a global leader in contemporary dance and a vital cultural institution in Illinois.

• World-Renowned Repertory: Hubbard Street is distinguished by its vibrant, athletic, and often avant-garde repertoire. They are known for commissioning new works from some of the most sought-after choreographers worldwide, while also featuring pieces by legendary artists. Notably, they are the only authorized dance company in the world to include works by the legendary Bob Fosse in their repertoire, such as "Sweet Gwen Suite" and "Percussion IV," a significant highlight for dance enthusiasts.
• Exceptional Dancers: The company is critically acclaimed for its exceptionally talented dancers who demonstrate fluency in a wide range of techniques and forms, combined with deep comprehension of abstract artistry and emotional nuance. Their performances are often described as "sublime" and "hypnotizing."
• Innovative Artistic Leadership: Under the artistic direction of Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, a former Alvin Ailey dancer, the company maintains its trajectory of presenting groundbreaking new work while honoring its classic contemporary roots.
• Holistic Approach to Dance Education: Beyond professional performance, Hubbard Street's commitment to education is a major highlight. Their Lou Conte Dance Studio offers classes for all levels, and their pioneering adaptive dance programs for individuals with Parkinson's and Autism underscore their dedication to making dance accessible and beneficial for everyone.
• Extensive Community Impact: Hubbard Street performs for over 80,000 people worldwide each year, with over 17,000 in Chicago. Their education programs reach 50 classrooms across 17 Chicagoland schools, impacting over 4,000 students directly in schools and over 5,000 dance students at the Lou Conte Dance Studio. This broad reach highlights their profound community engagement.
• Critical Acclaim and Longevity: Celebrating over 47 years, Hubbard Street has consistently received glowing reviews from prestigious publications like The New York Times, which once suggested the company "ought to bottle itself as a cure for the ills of the era." This longevity and consistent critical praise speak volumes about their enduring artistic quality.
• Vibrant Performance Spaces: When attending performances, patrons often praise the venues (like the Harris Theater) for their excellent facilities, ample bar services, and overall cool atmosphere, contributing to a positive audience experience.

For those looking to experience a performance, enroll in a class, or learn more about Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, contact information is readily available.

Address: 835 Michigan Ave 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Phone: (312) 850-9744

Mobile Phone: +1 312-850-9744

You are encouraged to visit their official website for the most up-to-date performance schedules, ticket purchasing options, and detailed information about their diverse educational and community programs at the Lou Conte Dance Studio. Direct phone contact is also available for specific inquiries regarding classes, performances, or partnerships.

In conclusion, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is an indispensable "point of interest" for locals in Chicago, IL, and across the wider Illinois region. Its suitability for residents is rooted in its multifaceted contribution to the community: delivering world-class contemporary dance performances that are both exhilarating and thought-provoking, providing unparalleled dance education for all ages and abilities through the Lou Conte Dance Studio, and engaging deeply with schools and underserved communities. While isolated instances of facility-related issues might occur, the overwhelming consensus points to the company's artistic brilliance and its dedication to the broader impact of dance. For Illinois residents seeking to engage with a globally recognized artistic institution, nurture a love for dance, or support programs that awaken the human spirit through movement, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago offers an unparalleled and enriching experience. It stands as a vibrant testament to Chicago's rich cultural landscape, continuously evolving while honoring its legacy as a truly original force in the world of dance.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

835 Michigan Ave 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USA