Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has a rich history that began in 1977 at the Lou Conte Dance Studio on LaSalle and Hubbard Streets. Originally, it was a small ensemble of four dancers performing in senior centers across Chicago under the direction of Lou Conte. The company’s early journey was shaped by its first Executive Director, Barbara G. Cohen.

Over the years, under Conte’s 23-year leadership, the company fostered relationships with a diverse range of artists, including notable figures such as Nacho Duato, Daniel Ezralow, Jiří Kylián, Ohad Naharin, Lynne Taylor-Corbett, and Twyla Tharp.

Jim Vincent succeeded Conte and expanded the company’s international presence. He initiated collaborations with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and encouraged growth from within, introducing the Inside/Out Choreographic Workshop and inviting Resident Choreographer Alejandro Cerrudo to create his first piece.

For 23 years, Gail Kalver provided executive leadership, offering continuity until 2006/07 when Jason Palmquist became the Executive Director. In 2009, Glenn Edgerton became Artistic Director and, along with Palmquist, continued to build on the company’s legacy.

In 2021, former company dancer Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell assumed the role of Artistic Director, marking a new chapter for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Her goal for Season 44: RE/CHARGE was to diversify the company’s repertoire and ensemble while upholding the organization’s stellar reputation.

With David McDermott as the Executive Director since 2017, the company is actively working to expand its audience base and enhance its reputation at local, national, and global levels. The upcoming Fall Series: Of Peace is set to kick off the 46th season, featuring newly appointed Resident Artist Aszure Barton. The program includes company revivals of audience favorites and a company premiere by Barton.

Throughout the summer, the company garnered attention, from gracing the cover of Dance Magazine to receiving prestigious awards, such as the Princess Grace Award and Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition. Currently, they are gearing up for their fall engagement, “Of Peace,” at the Harris Theater for Music & Dance from November 2-5.

Find tickets here.

For more Stories From The 78, follow @tombarnas78 on Instagram and @storiesfromthe78 on TikTok.