hubbard street dance company

Hubbard Street 2 Kicks Off The Season With A Challenging Triple Play

December 9, 2014 by 4dancers

Hubbard Street Second Company — Hubbard Street 2 Dancer Andrea Thompson. Photo by Todd Rosenberg Photography 2014.

by Andrea Thompson

I am now in my second year with Hubbard Street 2 (HS2), and it has been quite the season so far. We’ve already created two new works through the International Commissioning Project (IC Project) which we just premiered on tour at Broward College, and we’re working on our third right now, which will debut at the Harris Theater as part of Eat + Drink to the Beat on December 16. Not to mention HS2 also collaborated with Hubbard Street’s main company and The Second City on the world premiere of The Art of Falling back in October. Here’s how all of that action has gone down in the studio: [Read more…]

Secret Weapons

October 25, 2013 by 4dancers

Hubbard Street 2 alumni Johnny McMillan and Justin Ronald Mock with HS2 dancer Lissa Smith, at Soul Cycle. Photo courtesy of Lissa Smith.

by Lissa Smith

For a dancer, staying strong and healthy is key to a long career. Though mine has only just begun, I take very seriously the care and upkeep of my body. I am still learning many things in the areas of daily diet, warm-up regimens and exercises, but I’m happy to offer here some insights, tips and tricks that have helped thus far with the demands and challenges that come with being a member of Hubbard Street 2.

A moderate menu
When it comes to eating, after much experimentation throughout the years, I have come to realize that moderation is answer — too much of anything is not a good thing. A healthy balance of all food groups is what fuels and propels me at work, and allows me to do my best. Eating every three to four hours keeps my metabolism on pace. I try to include a carbohydrate, healthy fat, protein, vegetable and fruit at each meal. Carbs that I have grown to love are oatmeal (whole grain rolled oats), quinoa (high in protein), sprouted bread and brown rice cakes.

Healthy fats that I incorporate into my daily diet are avocados, nuts, nut butters, flaxseeds and chia seeds. When it comes to fruit, my favorites are berries (high in antioxidants), grapefruits, apples and bananas (a great source of potassium). I need protein, and fish, egg whites, Greek yogurt and turkey and chicken breast provide lots of it! I can’t even begin to list all of the veggies I love — this post would go on forever.

Of course, like everyone else, I do love to indulge. My favorites are frozen yogurt and — on occasion — white chocolate caramel macadamia nut cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. [Read more…]

Reflecting Chagall: Hubbard Street’s “One Thousand Pieces”

October 19, 2012 by 4dancers

by Catherine L. Tully

The world premiere of Alejandro Cerrudo’s One Thousand Pieces was the first full-length work ever presented by Hubbard Street Dance Company, and it is indeed a reflection of Marc Chagall’s America Windows in the very best sense of the word. Despite using the artist’s famous blue panels of stained glass as his inspiration, the piece is conceptual, shaking off any literal interpretation in favor of a multifaceted offering of mood and emotion.

This performance kicks off Hubbard Street’s 35th Anniversary Season, and Cerrudo appropriately uses a large cast of dancers, including members of Hubbard Street 2. Rarely are all of them on stage at once–he seems to prefer more intimate numbers for choreography using two, three or four dancers at a time. Even so, there were moments where the entire group took to the stage and it was a powerful sight to see all of these talented dancers move in unison.

Costumes were kept simple but the set design changed throughout and Thomas Mika’s work here contributes to the atmosphere considerably. The “windows” are represented by a series of mirrored rectangles that are intermittently raised, lowered and even spun, adding impact by occasionally catching the light like a shard of glass in the sunshine, or in this case, moonlight. The subtle yet brilliant lighting design by Michael Korsch meshes perfectly with every dance sequence, complimenting the group work and adding intensity to duets and solos.

Throughout the piece there is no doubt that Cerrudo is the force behind the choreography; his signature touches are everywhere–from the tender partnering with its distinct flow to the dancers appearing and disappearing quickly and quietly. Even so, he succeeds in remaining fresh by delivering the unexpected, such as raising the curtain to reveal a stage floor drizzled with water, with three misty “waterfalls” serving as the scenery. Until this moment, only the music of Philip Glass accompanied the dancers, but then the sound of bodies kicking up spray and sliding through puddles is added to the mix as well.

Cerrudo plays with the idea of light and reflection through the choreography, crafting a vision complete with mirror-like movements and even some kaleidoscopic imagery. Bodies come together, transform and change shape in a variety of pretty patterns with a progression that is uninterrupted and exceedingly graceful. So often the movement and shapes created by Cerrudo seem as if they are the most natural thing the body could do–despite the obvious complexity. The match is a perfect one since the skilled dancers in this company have no trouble making it all look easy.

One’s reflection in a window is never quite an exact replica–the light is never as bright and the features blend more easily, revealing a doppelganger that is far more abstract than real. Although this shadowy image is never a true duplicate of the original–sometimes the filter of softness and mystery actually makes it more beautiful.

That is certainly the case here.

One Thousand Pieces is at the Harris Theater through October 21st.

Behind the scenes at Hubbard Street:

Dance For Life Chicago 2011

August 5, 2011 by 4dancers

Dance for Life Chicago Tickets are now available.

Chicago has a rich dance scene and one of the highlights of the year is always Dance For Life Chicago, a fundraiser for HIV/AIDS prevention and care that also promotes the art of dance in the city. Participating companies this year include Ron De Jesus Dance, River North Dance, The Joffrey Ballet, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago and Hubbard Street Dance.

If you have the chance to come out and support this event, please consider doing so. It benefits the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and the Dance For Life Fund – both are wonderful.

4:45 PM – 6:45 PM Gala Reception
7:30 PM Performance

Learn more about Dance For Life Chicago

10 Questions With…Claire Bataille

December 8, 2010 by 4dancers

Today’s “10 Questions With…” features a woman that I have a great deal of respect for. Claire Bataille was someone that I looked up to in my days at Hubbard Street Dance Company’s school, the Lou Conte Dance Studio. She was a powerful dancer with amazing technique and I loved taking her class. I’m thrilled to have her on the site with us today…

1. How did you become involved with dance?

Claire Bataille with Ron De Jesus — Claire Bataille (with Ron De Jesus)

I started taking ballet lessons when I was 3 years old and never stopped.

2. What are you currently doing in the field?

I am director of the Lou Conte Dance Studio and teach ballet and Pilates.

3. Would you share a special moment or two from your career?

HSDC’s first public performance in the tiny theater at the Cultural Center. We felt like we were at the Met.

Our first day in the studio with Twyla Tharp. I was in awe and it was so much fun!

The feeling I had being on stage again after my son was born. Performing was the only time I felt like I had time to myself and my only job was to focus on what I had to do. It was ironic. And at the same time becoming a mom put it all in perspective.

4. What is the best advice you have ever received regarding dance?

Lou Conte taught me how to really work. We had to give 100% every day. His rules were pretty simple: be on time, take the full ballet class everyday, take corrections, pay attention to details, be responsible.

As a choreographer and director he always made you look into the heart of the movement, no matter how simple. When he was disappointed in you he let you know and when he was moved you felt great, like you could do anything. I would not have had a career without Lou in my life. Definitely not like the one I had.

5. Do you have any advice for those who would like to dance professionally?

You have to physically and mentally strong, be prepared to stand tough against rejection, study ballet, jazz, modern, tap and any other discipline that’s interesting, take class every day, audition for everything and maintain a life away from dance. Read the newspaper, go to the movies, keep good friends close.

6. What advice can you offer for dance teachers?

Besides teaching a clean, strong technique combined with musicality and fluid movement quality, good teachers are much like good parents. You have to be willing to tell young dancers the truth and be ready to listen with compassion and heart.

7. What is it that you love so much about dance?

I love the dancer mentality. There is a dedication and emotional connection to the business that makes dancers good people no matter where their careers and life take them. A good dancer is a well balanced person.

8. What was it like to dance with Hubbard Street Dance Company?

Being in the company for the first 15 years, during the time of complete realization of what this company would become, was thrilling. Difficult and challenging at times but so good both in the rep that we did, the way a company could tour in those years and absolutely in the community we formed. That is what I miss the most. The dressing rooms, the hotel bar after a show, the open minded, love you no matter what, kind of people dancers are. I have good memories of what I did on stage but the best ones are backstage.

9. You have also choreographed. Can you talk a bit about that process?

I choreographed a few pieces, had some good ideas but it’s not where my strength is. I much prefer being a guide.

10. What is next for you?

I’m 58. At this point I just hope to be able to continue to help young dancers navigate their way into and through this difficult and glorious business.

BIO: CLAIRE BATAILLE was a leading dancer with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) from 1977-1992 performing works created by Lou Conte, Twyla Tharp, Lynne Taylor-Corbett, Daniel Ezralow, John McFall and Margo Sappington. She received the Ruth Page Award for Outstanding Dancer in 1992. Between the years of 1977 and 2001 Claire also served the company as assistant artistic director, ballet mistress and rehearsal director. As a resident choreographer she created 5 works for HSDC between 1978 and 1985. Claire toured internationally with HSDC and has performed and taught throughout the US, Canada, South America and Europe.

As a choreographer, Claire has created works for HSDC, Spectrum Dance Theater in Seattle, Akasha Dance Company in Chicago, Dancers in Company in Iowa, Point Park Dance Ensemble in Pittsburgh and the Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble. In 1993 Claire conceived, choreographed and directed “Lifetimes” for the WTTW (Chicago’s Public Television) production of “Love in 4 Acts” featuring 4 Chicago choreographers. She has restaged Lou Conte’s works for many companies including HSDC, Dublin City Ballet, Spectrum Dance Theater, Point Park, Western Michigan University, Civic Ballet of Chicago and the University of Georgia.

Claire began teaching at the Lou Conte Dance Studio in 1975 and has been teaching dance in Chicago ever since. She has been on the faculty of The Chicago Academy for the Arts, Gus Giordano Dance Center, Columbia College, Melissa Thodos and Dancers, Cirqua/Rivera Dance Theatre, The Ruth Page Foundation and HSDC. Currently she is on the faculty of the Lou Conte Dance Studio and River North Chicago Dance Co. and is a guest teacher for several Chicago companies. In 2003 she earned her certification in the Pilates Method in New York with Romana’s Pilates. In Sept. 2005, she was appointed associate director of the Lou Conte Dance Studio at the Hubbard St. Dance Center. In Sept. 2008 she was promoted to director.

The best job of all is being mom to her 2 sons, Isaac and Jack.

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