Winter Series | Hubbard Street Dance Chicago | Season 48

FEB 26–MAR 1, 2026

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Harris Theater for Music and Dance resides on the traditional homelands of the Council of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations. Many other tribes such as the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac, and Fox have also called this area home. The region has long been a center for Indigenous people to gather, trade, and maintain kinship ties. Today, one of the largest urban American Indian communities in the United States resides in Chicago, and members of this community continue to contribute to the life and culture of this city.

To learn more about the practice of land acknowledgement and the importance of honoring native land, visit usdac.us. The Chicagoland region is home to over 65,000 American Indians and the country’s oldest urban-based Native membership community center, American Indian Center Chicago (AIC). Visit aicchicago.org to learn more about AIC’s mission to foster physical and spiritual health in the community, an active connection with traditional values and practices, stronger families with multigenerational bonds, and a rising generation of educated, articulate, and visionary youth.

Welcome to Season 48: Winter Series

My beautiful people,

We are so grateful that you’ve joined us here at our Chicago home, the beautiful Harris Theater for Music and Dance, to experience Season 48’s Winter Series

This is a particularly meaningful series for me personally, as it marks five years since I was appointed artistic director of this incredible company. It has been such an honor to guide the company’s evolution over these past five years, and I so appreciate all of you who have come along for the journey. But don’t rest on your laurels quite yet; we’ve got plenty more new and exciting things on offer for you in the pipeline as we approach our 50th anniversary season.

For today’s program, we welcome back the vivacious As the Wind Blows from the bookedand-busy Amy Hall Garner, one of the first new choreographers I commissioned when I joined Hubbard Street. Touch & Agree by Juel D. Lane is sure to move you as it moved me when I first encountered it in 2017, and we invite you to lean all the way in and let the experience of the piece and the music wash over you. Finally, we are so proud to present Gnawa by Nacho Duato, a creation made for Hubbard Street back in 2005 and favorite of artists and audiences alike. Special thank you to former Hubbard Street Artistic Director Jim Vincent for coming back to stage the work on the company, with the assistance of former Hubbard Street Dancer Cheryl Mann.

What’s next? Well, you won’t want to miss the dance party of the year—our annual Spotlight Ball— coming up on Saturday, May 16. Tickets are already available, as well as for our Spring Series when we will see you right back here at the Harris.

For now, please enjoy our Winter Series!

Yours in motion,

Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell Artistic Director

Thank you to our Season Partners

This program is funded in part by the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Theater rental and services have been underwritten through the support of the Harris Theater for Music and Dance.

Gnawa was originally commissioned for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago in 2005 with the support of Karen and Peter Lennon.

Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts

Presenting Sponsor—Touch & Agree

ABOUT HUBBARD STREET DANCE CHICAGO

The mission of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is to awaken the human spirit through contemporary dance.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago grew out of the Lou Conte Dance Studio at LaSalle and Hubbard Streets in 1977, when Lou Conte gathered an ensemble of four dancers to perform in senior centers across Chicago. Barbara G. Cohen soon joined the company as its first Executive Director. Conte continued to direct the company for 23 years, during which he initiated and grew relationships with both emerging and established artists including Nacho Duato, Daniel Ezralow, Jiří Kylián, Ohad Naharin, Lynne Taylor-Corbett, and Twyla Tharp.

Conte’s successor Jim Vincent widened Hubbard Street’s international focus, began Hubbard Street’s collaboration with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and cultivated growth from within, launching the Inside/Out Choreographic Workshop and inviting Resident Choreographer Alejandro Cerrudo to make his first work.

Gail Kalver’s 23 years of executive leadership provided continuity from 1984 through the 2006/07 season, when Executive Director Jason Palmquist joined the organization. Glenn Edgerton became Artistic Director in 2009 and, together with Palmquist, moved this legacy forward on multiple fronts.

In 2021, former company dancer Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell was named the fourth Artistic Director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Season 44: RE/CHARGE marked her debut season as the artistic leader of the organization, with the goal of continuing to diversify the company’s repertoire and ensemble while building on the incredible legacy and reputation that HSDC has already established. Along with David McDermott, Executive Director since 2017, the company is looking forward to expanding its audience reach and increasing the local, national, and global reputation of Hubbard Street.

For 48 years, Hubbard Street has been one of the most original forces in contemporary dance—bringing top choreographers and works to Chicago and beyond. Hubbard Street’s ever-evolving repertory, created by today’s leading choreographic voices, makes us a company that dancers aspire to join and performance venues all over the world are eager to present. To date, the main company has performed globally in 19 countries and 44 U.S. states.

At home in Chicago, Hubbard Street performs 20 times a year and delivers renowned education programs in 50 classrooms across 17 Chicagoland schools. HSDC Education utilizes the choreographic process to teach essential problemsolving skills, creativity, and collaboration—expanding our reach beyond traditional concert dance audiences, ensuring that everyone has access to worldclass dance and instruction.

HUBBARD STREET DANCE CHICAGO Season 48: Winter Series

As the Wind Blows by Amy Hall Garner

Touch & Agree by Juel D. Lane (Company Premiere)

Gnawa by Nacho Duato

Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, Artistic Director

David McDermott, Executive Director

Lou Conte, Founder

The Company

Kyle Anders

Alexandria Best*

Dominick Brown

Jacqueline Burnett*

Aaron Choate

Morgan Clune

Michele Dooley

Elliot Hammans

Bianca Melidor

Shota Miyoshi

Andrew Murdock

David Schultz*

Simone Stevens

Cyrie Topete*

Seasonal Guest Artist

Malachi Ashley Stevens

*Denotes Princess Grace Award Recipient

As the Wind Blows (2022)

Amy Hall Garner, Choreography

Laura Nashman, Carl Craig, Aaron Copland, Francesco Tristano, Music

Nathan Rohrer, Costume Design

Harrison Pearse-Pollack, Lighting Design

Dancers: The Company

Music: Syrinx, for solo flute, L. 129 performed by Laura Nashman; Technology by Carl Craig, performed by Carl Craig, Francesco Tristano, François-Xavier Roth, Les Siècles; Four Piano Blues: III. For William Kapell by Aaron Copland, performed by Mark Anderson; A Soft Shell Groove by Francesco Tristano, performed by Alice Sara Ott, Francesco Tristano, produced by Friedemann Engelbrecht.

15-MINUTE INTERMISSION

Touch & Agree (2017)

COMPANY PREMIERE

Juel D. Lane, Choreography

James Blake, Byrell The Great, Daryl Camper, Sam Cooke, H.E.R., Juel D. Lane, Justin Love, Gabi Wilson, Munir Zakke, Music

Jarrod Barnes, Costume Design

Stephen Smart*, Lighting Design

Gabrielle Loren, Assistant to the Choreographer

Dancers: The Company

Music: You Send Me written and performed by Sam Cooke. Untitled original composition by Juel D. Lane, performed by percussionist Munir Zakke, mastered by Reggie Croslan. I’ll Stay by James Blake. Focus written by Daryl Camper, Justin Love, and Gabi Wilson, performed by H.E.R. Legendary Children performed by Byrell The Great.

15-MINUTE INTERMISSION

Learn more about the choreographers and the works on stage on pages 25–27.

Gnawa (2005)

Nacho Duato, Choreography

Nacho Duato, Set Design

Jim Vincent, Stager

Cheryl Mann, Assistant Stager

Hassan Hakmoun and Adam Rudolph, Music

Modesto Lomba, Costume Design

Nicolás Fischtel, Lighting Design

Carlos Iturrioz, Production Supervisor

Madison Moser, Rehearsal Assistant

Dancers: The Company

Music: Ma’Bud Allah by Hassan Hakmoun and Adam Rudolph.

*United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829 of the IATSE is the union representing Scenic, Costume, Lighting, Sound, and Projection designers in Live Performance

2025–26 LEADERSHIP & ARTISTIC PROFILES

Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell (Artistic Director, she/her) is the Artistic Director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, appointed in 2021 after an extraordinary career as a professional dance artist and educator. Her appointment marked a historic first: she is the company’s first alumna, woman, and person of color to lead the organization. Under her visionary leadership, Hubbard Street has experienced a revival, returning to pre-pandemic vibrancy with sleek, memorable programming and a renewed era of artistic excellence. Her impact has been recognized in The New York Times (“At Hubbard Street: Making a Place for ‘the Other Folks’”) and on the cover of Dance Magazine (August 2023, “Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is Returning to Stability—And Its Roots”). Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Fisher-Harrell trained at the Baltimore School for the Arts with Sylvester Campbell and Stephanie Powell, apprenticed with the Capitol Ballet under Doris Jones, and studied on full fellowship at The Ailey School before attending The Juilliard School. She began her professional career with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago at the invitation of founder Lou Conte. She performed with the company for 3 years before becoming a Principal Dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, under the legendary Judith Jamison. During her 13-year tenure with Ailey, Fisher-Harrell toured globally and was featured in works by Alvin Ailey, John Butler, Ronald K. Brown, Ulysses Dove, Rennie Harris, Judith Jamison, Alonzo King, Lar Lubovitch, Donald McKayle, Elisa Monte, and Dwight Rhoden. Career highlights include guest artist performances at Les Étoiles du 21e Siècle in Paris and Toronto, World Stars of the Opera in Budapest, and special appearances at the White House State Dinner in honor of the President of Kenya and the Kennedy Center’s 12th Annual Gala alongside Nancy Wilson and Liza Minnelli. As an educator and leader, Fisher-Harrell has had a profound impact in her hometown of Baltimore. A Professor of Dance at Towson University since 2005, she also served on the faculty of the Baltimore School for the Arts, served as director, founder, and principal grant writer for AileyCamp Baltimore at Towson University, and facilitated nine Ailey II residencies at Towson University. Her mentorship has shaped the next generation of artists, many of whom now perform in professional companies and productions worldwide. Fisher-Harrell holds an MFA in Dance from Hollins University. Her pedagogy is dual focused, the Lester Horton Technique and an ABT® Certified Ballet Teacher; she remains a sought-after instructor for universities, companies, and organizations nationwide. Her scholarship includes the entry “Alvin Ailey” in the Routledge Encyclopedia of Modernism. In 2025, she was honored with the Martha Hill Mid-Career Award for her artistic excellence, visionary leadership, and enduring impact on the dance field.

2025–26 LEADERSHIP & ARTISTIC PROFILES

David McDermott (Executive Director, he/him) leads Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s organization-wide strategy and administration, overseeing the company’s finances, operations, marketing, and development. Before joining Hubbard Street, he served as First Deputy Commissioner at the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, where he managed daily operations and helped shape major initiatives including the Chicago Cultural Plan and the launch of the Chicago Architecture Biennial. Earlier in his career, McDermott served as Political and Community Outreach Director for U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and managed political campaigns at the congressional, county, and municipal levels. He is a graduate of Trinity College at the University of Dublin with a degree in Public Policy and recently completed a fellowship at the University of Chicago’s Civic Leadership Academy.

2025–26 LEADERSHIP & ARTISTIC PROFILES

Lou Conte (Founding Artistic Director, he/him) after a performing career that included roles in Broadway musicals such as Cabaret, Mame and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, established the Lou Conte Dance Studio in 1974. Three years later, he founded what is now Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Originally the company’s sole choreographer, he developed relationships with emerging and world-renowned dancemakers Lynne Taylor-Corbett, Margo Sappington and Daniel Ezralow as the company grew. He continued to build Hubbard Street’s repertoire by forging a key relationship with Twyla Tharp in the 1990s, acquiring seven of her works as well as original choreography. It then became an international enterprise with the inclusion of works by Jiří Kylián, Nacho Duato and Ohad Naharin. Throughout his 23 years as the company’s artistic director, he received numerous awards including the first Ruth Page Artistic Achievements Award in 1986, the Sidney R. Yates Arts Advocacy Award in 1995, and a Chicagoan of the Year award from Chicago magazine in 1999. In 2003, he was inducted as a laureate into the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, the state’s highest honor, and in 2014, was named one of five inaugural recipients of the City of Chicago’s Fifth Star Award. He has been credited by many for helping raise Chicago’s international cultural profile and for creating a welcoming climate for dance in the city, where the art form now thrives.

Jonathan E. Alsberry (Senior Rehearsal Director & Director of Summer Intensives, he/him). As Senior Rehearsal Director and Director of Summer Intensives, Jonathan shapes the daily practice of the company dancers while fostering connectivity across departments. He designs physically mindful schedules that ensure seamless transitions between repertory stagings, new creations, and performances. He also leads morning company classes rooted in wellness, joy, and excellence. As Director of Summer Intensives, he curates four dynamic programs, bringing in diverse choreographers and instructors, highlighting Chicago’s cultural richness, and attracting aspiring dancers ages 13–25 from across the globe. Jonathan’s dance journey began at his mother’s Agape Dance Center, continued at The Chicago Academy for the Arts, and led to a BFA from The Juilliard School, where formative collaborations with Aszure Barton and Lar Lubovitch launched long-standing creative partnerships. Affectionately known as “Jojo,” he is a Creative Associate with Aszure Barton & Artists, assisting on works for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Hamburg Ballet, Malpaso Dance Company, and Teatro alla Scala. He also performed with the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company for over a decade, continuing his work as a stager and teaching artist. He has performed internationally with legends including Mikhail Baryshnikov and Alessandra Ferri, and with organizations such as Despertares, The Metropolitan Opera Ballet, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and LA Opera. Other collaborations include Luna Negra Dance Theater,

2025–26 LEADERSHIP & ARTISTIC PROFILES

Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company, The Chase Brock Experience, and Pier Group Dance. Now in his ninth season with Hubbard Street, Jonathan brings joy, rigor, and artistry into every space he enters. Through partnerships with organizations like Springboard Danse, Arts Umbrella, and the Chicago Dance Health Fund, he remains committed to nurturing the next generation and uplifting the spirit of dance.

Craig D. Black Jr. (Rehearsal Director, he/they) from San Jose, CA is a dancer, educator, stager, and the Rehearsal Director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. He was appointed to this role in 2022 for the company’s 45th Anniversary: Sapphire Season. At the age of ten Craig began dancing at South Bay Dance Center and continued his dance training at Abraham Lincoln High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. In 2011, Craig received his BFA from The Juilliard School. He obtained additional training at Springboard Danse Montréal, Nederlands Dans Theater, and the School at Jacob’s Pillow. Craig is a recipient of the 2010 Princess Grace Award in Dance as well as the 2011 Lorna Strassler Award for Student Excellence from the School at Jacob’s Pillow. For six seasons Craig performed and toured with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet under the direction of Tom Mossbrucker and Jean-Philippe Malaty. In 2017, Craig joined Hubbard Street Dance Chicago where he danced for five seasons before transitioning into the HSDC Rehearsal Director position. Now in his fourth season as rehearsal director, Craig has been a guest artist with HSDC and the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, a guest rehearsal director for FLOCK, and a stager for Alejandro Cerrudo. He has had the privilege of dancing works by Kyle Abraham, Aszure Barton, Cherice Barton, Rena Butler, Alejandro Cerrudo, Peter Chu, Nacho Duato, Jorma Elo, William Forsythe, Rennie Harris, Johan Inger, Jirí Kylián, Fernando Melo, Robyn Mineko-Williams, Ohad Naharin, Crystal Pite, and Cayetano Soto Ramirez among many others. Craig has had the pleasure of co-choreographing and rehearsal directing Cardi B and Offset’s 2019 BET Awards performance as well as assisting Robyn Mineko-Williams with the official music video for Sen Morimoto’s Pressure on the Pulse. Craig is a passionate teacher and mentor. He is certified in IMAGE TECH for Dancers™ introductory through advanced level. He has been a guest company class instructor for DanceAspen, Giordano Dance Chicago, and South Chicago Dance Theatre. Additionally, Craig is on faculty for Dupree Dance and has served as guest faculty for the Hubbard Street Professional Program, The Joffrey Academy, New York City Dance Alliance, Peridance Center, and Steps on Broadway.

CHOREOGRAPHER + STAGER PROFILES

NACHO DUATO, born in Valencia, Spain, started professional ballet training with the Rambert School in London at eighteen, expanding studies at Maurice Béjart’s Mudra School in Brussels and completing his dance education at The Alvin Ailey American Dance Centre in New York. In 1980 Duato signed his first professional contract with the Cullberg Ballet in Stockholm and a year later Jirí Kylián brought him to the Nederlands Dans Theater in Holland, where he was quickly incorporated into company and repertoire. His first choreographic attempt in 1983 turned into a major success: Jardí Tancat to Spanish/Catalan music by compatriot Ma del Mar Bonet won him the first prize at the International Choreographic Workshop (Internationaler Choreographischer Wettbewerb) at Cologne. Duato has created more than a dozen works for the two companies of Nederlands Dans Theater and in 1988 was named Resident Choreographer next to Hans van Manen and Jirí Kylián. His ballets form part of the repertoire of companies like Paris Opera, Cullberg Ballet, Nederlands Dans Theater, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Deutche Opera Ballet, Australian Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, Ballet Gulbenkian, Finish Opera Ballet, The Royal Ballet, The Singapore Ballet, Tulsa Ballet Theatre, Pacific Northwest Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, The Washington Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, North Carolina Dance Thatre, The Boston Ballet, The Gothemburg Ballet, The Royal Swedish Ballet, The Royal Danish Ballet, The Northen Ballet, Ballet du Capitole, Ballet du Rhin, Teatro Comunale Florence, National Ballet of Portugal, The Norweigian Ballet, National Theatre Tokio, The Universal Ballet, Stars Foundation Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Tulsa Ballet Theatre, Staats Theater Berlin, Bolshoi Ballet, etc. Since June 1990 and until July 2010 Nacho Duato is Artistic Director of Compañía Nacional de Danza (Madrid-Spain). In 1995 he received the grade of Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres which is annually given by the French Embassy in Spain. In 1998 the Spanish Government rewarded him the Golden Medal for the Merit in the Fine Arts. At the Stuttgart Opera he was offered the Benois de la Danse, one of the most prestigious international awards for choreography, presented by the International Dace Association for his Ballet Multiplicity, Forms of Silence and Emptiness, in April, 2000. From January 2011 he was the position of Artistic Director of Mikhailowsky Ballet (Saint Petersburgs-Russia). From 2014 he becomes Intendant and Artistic Director of Berlin State Ballet (Germany).

CHOREOGRAPHER + STAGER PROFILES

AMY HALL GARNER is a native of Huntsville, Alabama, and a graduate of The Juilliard School. Her work has been praised internationally and commissioned by Ailey II, ABT Studio Company, Collage Dance Collective, The Juilliard School, The Ailey School, Barnard College, The University of the Arts, Columbia Ballet Collaborative, Point Park University, and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Recently, she has received virtual commissions from BalletX, Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Guggenheim Museum’s Works & Process Digital Series, ABT Studio Company, Boulder Ballet and a virtual collaboration between Miami City Ballet and Paul Taylor American Modern Dance. She personally coached Grammy Award winner Beyoncé, providing additional choreography for The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. Theatrical choreography credits include: The Color Purple (Milwaukee Repertory Theater) and Invisible Thread, associate choreographer (Second Stage Theater, NYC). In 2018, she was selected to participate in Alvin Ailey’s New Directions Choreography Lab supported by the Ford Foundation. Garner was one of the first recipients of the Joffrey Ballet’s Choreography of Color Award (now titled Winning Works). Recently, she created a new children’s ballet titled Rita Finds Home for Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet and reimagined Baltimore School for the Arts’ new production of The Nutcracker. Amy is an adjunct professor at New York University’s New Studio on Broadway at Tisch School of the Arts and is the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Choreographer-in-Residence at BalletX.

JUEL D. LANE is a renaissance artist known for his boundless creativity. He has performed with renowned companies like Ronald K. Brown/Evidence and Camille A. Brown & Dancers. Lane’s captivating works have graced prestigious companies including Ailey II, Dallas Black Dance Theater, BODYTRAFFIC, Carolyn Dorfman, Atlanta Ballet, and numerous universities. Lane is the director of The UNCSA Choreographic Institute and executive artistic associate at the Black Acting Methods Studio, where he continues to inspire others. As a passionate lover of dance films, Juel D. Lane has been honored as a Bronzelens Film Festival award winner for his remarkable film The Maestro, which pays homage to the iconic Ernie Barnes. Lane recently co-directed and choreographed the music video Only-1 with Roc Nation artist Dixson. Follow @ jueldlane for more.

CHOREOGRAPHER + STAGER PROFILES

JIM VINCENT is a freelance artist and creative consultant working as ONE-DER-BOX, LLC, with more than 35 years of experience across dance, theater, music, film, special events, theme parks, and sitespecific installations. He spent the first 25 years of his career in Europe as a dancer, rehearsal director, and choreographer with Nederlands Dans Theater, and in leadership roles at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, the National Opera of Lyon, and Compañía Nacional de Danza. During this period, he collaborated with leading choreographers including Jiří Kylián, William Forsythe, Ohad Naharin, Mats Ek, and Nacho Duato. In 2000, Vincent returned to the United States to become Artistic Director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Over his nine-year tenure, he commissioned and developed works by many of today’s foremost American and international choreographers, collaborated extensively with major North American orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, founded the Inside/Out choreographic workshop (2002), and named Alejandro Cerrudo the company’s first resident choreographer (2008). From 2009 to 2012, he served as Artistic Director of Nederlands Dans Theater, commissioning new works for both NDT I and NDT II by choreographers including Crystal Pite, Aszure Barton, Alexander Ekman, Lightfoot-León, Jiří Kylián, Ohad Naharin, Alejandro Cerrudo, and Andrea Miller. From 2012 to 2018, Vincent was Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment. Since 2018, he has remained actively engaged internationally in creating, re-staging, teaching, consulting, and adjudicating with professional companies, universities, and arts institutions in the U.S. and abroad.

CHERYL MANN began her professional career at age 17 at Walt Disney World before earning a degree in dance from Point Park University. While in Pittsburgh, she performed the role of “Liat”in South Pacific with the Civic Light Opera under the direction of Robby Marshall. After moving to Chicago, she danced with River North Chicago Dance Company and spent 10 years as a company member dancing all over the world with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago under Lou Conte and Jim Vincent. An accomplished leader and creative, Cheryl served as the Artistic Associate of Visceral Dance Chicago and later as the Executive Director of Ate9 Dance Company in Los Angeles. Through her company, Cheryl Mann Productions, she has traveled globally setting works for renowned choreographers including Ohad Naharin, Nacho Duato, and Alejandro Cerrudo. Her diverse creative portfolio also includes choreographing Moby’s “Motherless Child” music video, serving on the creative team for NBC’s Little Big Shots, and associate choreographing Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Live at the Hollywood Bowl. Most recently, she produced and choreographed the talent for Barbie in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Cheryl is also a dance photographer, serving as the official photographer for the Joffrey Ballet Chicago and Los Angeles Ballet. She currently serves as the Assistant Dean of the School of Dance at CalArts. It has been truly meaningful to return back to Hubbard Street to work with the current dancers on Gnawa. This company will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Harris Theater Information

COVID Protocols:

All audience members attending performances inside the Theater will be required to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the facility. In addition, all audience members will be required to wear a mask while inside the venue, regardless of vaccination status. For more information, visit harristheaterchicago.org/faqs.

In Consideration of Other Patrons and the Performers:

In Consideration of Other Patrons and the Performers: Photography is not permitted in the Theater at any time and texting during performance is strictly prohibited. Film or digital images will be confiscated or deleted by the Harris Theater house staff; violators will be subject to a fine. Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the house management. Smoking is prohibited within the Harris Theater. Allowance of personal items and baggage into the auditorium space is at the sole discretion of house management.

For Your Safety: Please take a moment and note the nearest exit. In the event of an emergency, follow the directions of the Harris Theater house staff. In the event of an illness or injury, inform the Harris Theater Front of House Manager.

Please turn off all cell phones. Photography is not permitted in the Theater at any time and texting during performance is strictly prohibited. Film or digital images will be confiscated or deleted by the Harris Theater house staff; violators will be subject to a fine. Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the house management. Smoking is prohibited within the Harris Theater. Allowance of personal items and baggage into the auditorium space is at the sole discretion of house management.

For Your Safety:

Please take a moment and note the nearest exit. In the event of an emergency, follow the directions of the Harris Theater house staff. In the event of an illness or injury, inform the Harris Theater Front of House Manager.

Accessibility:

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible seating locations, swing arm aisle seating, and inclusive/wheelchair accessible restrooms are available on all auditorium seating levels. The Harris is also equipped with an FM Assistive Listening Device system. Headsets are available for check out with a valid ID. Please call the Box Office in advance at 312.334.7777 regarding ticketing and accessible seating questions. If inquiring on any additional accommodation requests to enhance your performance experience, please reach out to access@harristheaterchicago.org or call 312.334.2486 at least two weeks in advance.

Parking: Discounted parking validation is available for all ticket holders using the Millennium Park Garage. A validation machine is located on Lobby Level 5 (Upper Randolph).

Rental Information: If you have any questions about the Harris Theater, including rental of the facility, group tours, or volunteer opportunities, please email rentals@harristheaterchicago.org.

Wheelchair accessible seating locations, swing arm aisle seating, and inclusive/wheelchair accessible restrooms are available on all auditorium seating levels. The Harris is also equipped with an Infrared Assistive Listening Device system. Headsets are available for check out with a valid ID. Large print programs are available for all Harris Theater Presents engagements. Please call the Box Office in advance at 312.334.7777 regarding ticketing and accessible seating questions. If inquiring on any additional accommodation requests to enhance your performance experience, please reach out to access@harristheaterchicago.org or call 312.334.2486 at least two weeks in advance.

About

Parking:

the Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance

Discounted parking validation is available for all ticket holders using the Millennium Park Garage. A validation machine is located on Lobby Level 5 (Upper Randolph).

Rental Information:

If you have any questions about the Harris Theater, including rental of the facility, group tours, or volunteer opportunities, please email rentals@harristheaterchicago.org.

Harris Theater Mission:

The Harris Theater is Chicago’s home for music and dance, connecting diverse audiences with artists from across the city, the nation, and the world. An anchor institution of Millennium Park and the first multi-use performance venue built in downtown Chicago since 1929, the Harris was established in 2003 to create a much-needed home for the city’s vibrant community of midsize performing arts organizations. Today, the nonprofit Harris Theater features some of the most diverse arts and culture offerings in the city, from its Chicago-based Resident Companies to the world-renowned visiting artists who perform on its stage through the Harris Theater Presents series.

The Harris Theater is Chicago’s home for music and dance, connecting diverse audiences with artists from across the city, the nation, and the world. Opened in 2003 in Millennium Park, the Theater was the first multi-use performance venue built in downtown Chicago since 1929, and fulfilled the city’s need for a shared home for mid-size performing arts organizations. Today, the Harris features some of the most diverse arts and culture offerings of any venue in the city, and is a distinctive model for artistic quality, collaboration, and making the performing arts relevant and accessible to the widest possible audience.

Founded on the principle of serving Chicago’s vibrant creative community, the Theater is the home venue of more than 25 not-for-profit arts and culture organizations. The Harris Theater Presents series has featured world-renowned artists and ensembles including Laurie Anderson, Batsheva Dance, English National Ballet, Joshua Bell, Renée Fleming, Sir John Eliot Gardiner and the Monteverdi Choir, Angélique Kidjo, and Paris Opéra Ballet. The Theater’s community engagement initiatives build bridges between artists and community members, providing master classes, artist talks, and free tickets for more than 35 partner organizations throughout Chicago.

The Harris represents a distinctive model for artistic excellence, collaboration, and creative symbiosis, making the performing arts relevant and accessible to the widest possible audience. Acting as both a home base for and a supportive partner of its Resident Companies, the Harris provides stateof-the-art performance space and ongoing support to nearly 30 Chicago-based performing arts organizations. Its 1,500-seat multi-use theater brings innovative and boundary-pushing productions from more than 32 countries across six continents to Chicago, creating unique opportunities for dialogue between Chicagoans and the world’s leading artists, thinkers, and innovators. The organization’s signature Harris Theater Presents series has featured acclaimed artists and ensembles including Batsheva Dance, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, English National Ballet, Joshua Bell, Joyce DiDonato, Sir John Eliot Gardiner and the Monteverdi Choir, Angélique Kidjo, and Paris Opéra Ballet. The Theater’s education and community engagement initiatives build bridges between artists and community members, providing master classes, artist talks, and free tickets for more than 35 partner organizations throughout Chicago.

To learn more about the Harris Theater, Chicago’s state-of-the-art 1,500-seat performance venue in Millennium Park, visit harristheaterchicago.org.

To learn more about the Harris Theater, Chicago’s home for music and dance in Millennium Park, visit harristheaterchicago.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

2025–26 COMPANY DANCERS

2025–26 DANCER PROFILES

Kyle Anders (he/him, Sykesville, MD) is from Sykesville, Maryland where he began his training at Savage Dance Company under the direction of Nichole Savage and Brandy Fry for thirteen years. He is a 2024 graduate of The University of Arizona, where he received his BFA in Dance and BSBA in Business Management. Within his four years studying at Arizona, Kyle received numerous performance opportunities, such as being a featured soloist in Thang Dao’s Nevermore, performing in Duane Cyrus’ Bolero at The Joyce Theater, alongside roles in works by Martha Graham, Frank Chavez, Paul Taylor, Jason Hortin, and more. He is additionally an alumni of The School at Jacob’s Pillow Contemporary Program, directed by Milton Myers, and attended Orsolina28, focusing on Marco Goecke repertoire.

Alexandria Best (she/her, Raleigh, NC) is a native of Raleigh, North Carolina where she began her pre-professional dance training. During this time, she acquired knowledge from instructors across programs such as American Ballet Theatre, Arts Umbrella, Carolina Ballet, DamianiDance, French Academie of Ballet, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. She is a 2021 graduate of Pace University where she earned her BFA in dance, with a concentration in performance and pedagogy, and a minor in business. Immediately following post-grad, Alexandria joined Hubbard Street Dance Chicago as a Company Artist under the direction of Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell. Now going into her fifth season, she has had the opportunity to perform a diverse body of repertoire by many greatminded artists. She is honored to be named a 2023 Princess Grace Foundation Award winner in Dance and to be joining its legacy of artists. Alexandria is thrilled to continue her time growing her artistry and community with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago in its upcoming season.

Dominick Brown (he/they, Oklahoma City, OK) is a professional dance artist originally from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dominick began training under the direction of CeCe Farha. While training, Dominick attended summer intensives with The Washington School of Ballet and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Dominick received a BFA from the University of The Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania under the direction of Donna Faye Burchfeild as a Directors Scholar in 2021. While at the university, Dominick worked with Ballet Preljocaj in Aix en Provence, France. Dominick also attended The American Dance Festival in Durham, North Carolina. Dominick has previously danced as a company artist with Kun Yang Lin Dancers and SALT Contemporary Dance. Dominick joined Hubbard Street Dance Chicago as a main company dancer in 2024. Dominick has performed works by Merce Cunningham, Ihsan Rustem, Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon, Ohad Naharin, Aszure Barton, Mathew Rushing, James Gregg, Johan Inger, and Peter Chu. Dominick is thrilled to embark on their second season with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.

Jacqueline Burnett (she/her, Pocatello, ID) received her formative classical ballet training in her hometown of Pocatello, Idaho, from Romanian Ballet Master Marius Zirra. She moved to New York City in 2005 to pursue the Ailey School/Fordham University joint BFA degree, graduating magna cum laude with departmental honors in 2009. She joined Hubbard Street Dance Chicago in January 2008 as a Center Apprentice while completing her degree and became a member of the main company in August 2009. She received a 2011 Princess Grace Honorarium for Dance and was a member of the HSDC contingent for DanceMotion USA 2013, a U.S. State Department/Brooklyn Academy of Music cultural diplomacy tour in Algeria, Morocco, and Spain. In addition to dancing with HSDC, she also teaches company class, has choreographed for the Create Summer Intensive, serves as a repetiteur for choreographies by Penny Saunders (Ballet Idaho, Grand Rapids Ballet, Seattle Dance Collective, Royal New Zealand Ballet), and is a freelance dancer with Robyn Mineko Williams and Artists. Her choreography has been commissioned by Chicago Movement Collective for the Claire Bataille Legacy Program, Danza Visual in Mexico City, and Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s production of Murder on the Orient Express under the direction of Annika Boras.

2025–26 DANCER PROFILES

Aaron Choate (they/them, Lexington, KY) is a graduate of The Juilliard School class of 2022. After studying at Diana Evans School of Dance in Kentucky, they were named a 2018 Presidential Scholar in the Arts. They have performed the works of renowned choreographers, such as Kyle Abraham, Aszure Barton, Bob Fosse/ Gwen Verdon, Ohad Naharin, Justin Peck, Matthew Rushing, Jamar Roberts, Bobbi Jene Smith, Rennie Harris, Lar Lubovitch, and Ted Shawn. They are also an avid choreographer. In 2025 they were an Emerging Choreographer for Springboard Danse Pittsburgh’s 25th anniversary. In the same year they created a work for the composition department of Princeton for their semi-annual “Sound Kitchen”. Summer of 2023 they had a process at Gibney Dance called the Moving Towards Justice Fellowship created by Scott Autry and in 2022, they presented a work at 92nd Street Y as a part of the Future Dance Festival.

Morgan Clune (she/her, Barrington, IL) graduated from The Chicago Academy for the Arts in 2018. She was recognized as a National YoungArts Winner in New York for Contemporary dance in 2018 where she performed solo at Baryshnikov Arts Center. Morgan attended the Juilliard School under direction of Alicia Graf Mack between 2018-2022 where she worked with renowned choreographers such as Bobbi Jene Smith, Justin Peck, Jamar Roberts, Ohad Naharin, and more. Upon graduation from Juilliard, Morgan was awarded the Martha Hill Prize for her achievement and leadership in Dance as well as a Juilliard Career Advancement Fellowship for her promise as an entrepreneur and her engagement in the arts. She is an emerging choreographer, choreographing at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s CREATE Summer Intensives (2023 & 2024) and The Juilliard School Summer Dance Intensive in 2023. Morgan is currently in her fourth season with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago under the direction of Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell.

Michele Dooley (she/he/they, Philadelphia, PA) is a dance artist and teacher from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Michele began training at The Institute of the Arts, continued studying at The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, and later earned a BFA in Dance from The University of the Arts. Michele has had the pleasure of working with numerous choreographers throughout their professional career, such as Gary Jeter, Tommie-Waheed Evans, Donald Byrd, Aszure Barton, Jermaine Spivey, Spenser Theberge, and Matthew Rushing, amongst others. Michele has worked with Eleone Dance Theatre and Spectrum Dance Theater, and they are beyond thrilled to continue their artistic journey with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago!

Elliot Hammans (he/him, Santa Fe, NM) began his formal dance training in 2008 with Robert SherMachherndl and continued his ballet and modern dance education with Moving People Dance in Santa Fe, NM, under the direction of Curtis Uhlemann. He joined Moving People Dance Company as an apprentice in 2010, trained on full scholarship at the Alonzo King LINES Dance Center in San Francisco, and attended Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s 2011 and 2012 Summer Intensives. Following studies abroad at Austria’s Tanzzentrum SEAD (Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance), he earned his BFA in Dance in 2014 from Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. He joined Hubbard Street 2 in August 2014 and was promoted to Hubbard Street’s main company in August 2016. Elliot also works at Athletico Physical Therapy as a Rehabilitation Aide and enjoys practicing and teaching somatic methods.

2025–26 DANCER PROFILES

Bianca Melidor (she/her, Dacula, GA) comes from Atlanta where she received her dance training at the Gwinnett Ballet Theater under the artistic direction of Lisa Sheppard Robson and Wade Walthall. Melidor then furthered her training in jazz at Point Park University under the direction of Ruben Graciani and Garfield Lemonius. In addition, she has spent many of her summers training at intensives with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Mark Morris Dance Group, Ballet West, Atlanta Ballet and Dallas Black Dance Theatre. She graduated from Point Park University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, Magna Cum Laude and soon after joined Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s DBDT: Encore! with the artistic direction of Nycole Ray. After three seasons, she joined the main company of Dallas Black Dance Theatre with Melissa Young as artistic director and performed in countless programs by Matthew Rushing, Christopher Huggins, Darrell Grand Moultrie, and many more. Bianca is delighted to continue her professional career with HSDC.

Shota Miyoshi (he/him, Kanagawa, Japan) trained extensively in jazz, ballet, tap, and hip-hop before moving to the United States to pursue his studies at SUNY Purchase College, where he earned his BFA in Dance in 2022. Upon graduation, he joined Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, performing works by acclaimed choreographers including Aszure Barton, Ohad Naharin, Matthew Rushing, Rena Butler, FLOCK (Alice Klock and Florian Lochner), and James Gregg, among others. Expanding his artistry into choreography, Shota was commissioned to create new works for The Joffrey Ballet’s Winning Works 2025 and New Dances 2025. For more information, please visit https://shotamiyoshi. wixsite.com/shota-miyoshi-dance.

Andrew Murdock (he/him, St. Alberta, AB, Canada) is a Canadian dancer, stager, stagehand, teaching artist, and rehearsal director based out of Chicago, IL, USA. He holds a BFA from The Juilliard School and has spent the majority of his dancing career at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Aszure Barton & Artists, Ballets Jazz Montréal, and Robyn Mineko Williams & Artists. He is a former Rehearsal Director for Ballets Jazz Montréal, guest Rehearsal Director for Para.Mar Dance Theatre, and he provides company classes and pre-professional training in the Chicagoland area. He has also staged work and assisted creations for Springboard Danse Montréal, AB&A, Ballet Jazz Montréal, RMW&A, Para.Mar Dance Theatre, Moonwater Dance Project, Arts Umbrella, American Ballet Theatre, National Ballet School of Canada, Ballet BC, Oklahoma City Ballet, Orlando Ballet, STEPS Repertory Ensemble, New York University, and is a former Artistic Lead for Hubbard Street Summer Intensives and Inside/Out choreographic workshop.

David Schultz (he/him, Grand Rapids, MI) began his training in Michigan with the School of the Grand Rapids Ballet, where he then performed for four seasons with its company, the Grand Rapids Ballet. He joined Hubbard Street 2 in 2009 and was promoted to the main company, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, in 2011 where he has worked with many of the world’s leading contemporary choreographers. He is a recipient of a 2012 Princess Grace Award. As a choreographer he has had the honor of creating works for DanceWorks Chicago, Chambered Squared, Boston University, and a Co-choreographed piece with Jacqueline Burnett for Danza Visual in Mexico City. When he is not dancing, or choreographing, he has spent many years studying music and has performed and scored many pieces for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago as well as for his own works.

2025–26 DANCER PROFILES

Simone Stevens (she/her, Atlanta, GA) received her dance training in her hometown of Stone Mountain, GA at En Pointe School of Dance before graduating from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Minor in Anthropology. Upon moving to Chicago, Simone studied on scholarship at the Lou Conte Dance Studio, receiving mentorship from the incomparable Claire Bataille, Laura Wade, and Ethan Kirschbaum. Simultaneously, she performed as a freelance artist throughout the city, working closely with Hanna Brictson and Katlin Bourgeouis, among others. In addition to performing with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Simone has been recognized as one of Dance Magazine’s 25 To Watch; served as creative Lead for the company’s Summer Intensives; and expanded her network as an instructor at The Rooted Space, Red Clay Dance Center, and her alma mater. Forever grateful for the spaces and communities that continue to welcome and uplift her, Simone looks forward to embarking on a fifth year with the company.

Cyrie Topete (she/they, Peoria, AZ) is from Peoria, Arizona. Following her father, she began as a break-dancer and started training in competitive dance at the age of thirteen. She was recognized as a YoungArts Merit winner in 2018 before moving to New York City. She graduated with a BFA from The Juilliard School in 2022, where she received the FENDI Vanguard Award. Following graduation, Cyrie was featured in an On Running brand ad choreographed by Justin Peck and joined Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s Company. Entering her fourth season, she’s had the opportunity to perform works by Aszure Barton, Johan Inger, Ohad Naharin, Bob Fosse & Gwen Verdon, James Gregg, Rennie Harris, Kyle Abraham, FLOCK, Rena Butler, and more. She’s been featured in Dance Magazine’s “On the Rise” and choreographed for the HSDC Create Summer Intensive in 2024 & 2025. She is ecstatic to be announced as a 2025 Princess Grace Honoraria Recipient and to be a part of a prestigious community of artists. Cyrie is honored to contribute to the enduring and impactful legacy that Hubbard Street carries forward.

Malachi Ashley Stevens (they/them, Abingdon, MD) is a multidisciplinary artist, blending dance, choreography, and poetry to tell powerful stories. Their journey began in the church, where movement became a spiritual expression and foundation for their artistic voice. They trained at Divine Dance Institute and graduated from the Baltimore School for the Arts (Class of 2021), later earning a BFA from USC Kaufman with a minor in Communication and receiving the Artistic Excellence scholarship. They have performed works by renowned choreographers including Kyle Abraham, Hope Boykin, Tassandra Chavez, Peter Chu, E. Moncell Durden, Micaela Taylor, Justin Peck, Helen Pickett, and Jiří Kylián. Their training includes prestigious programs such as Jacob’s Pillow Contemporary, Nederlands Dans Theater, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, Gallim dance company, and Springboard Pittsburgh. They are passionate about blending physicality and narrative to move and challenge audiences—and they are thrilled to begin their professional career with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.

OUR INCREDIBLE DANCERS ARE

ESSENTIAL TO WHO WE ARE

but they are only part of our story.

The other part is Y O U — however you show up for Hubbard Street, your support is essential for us to fulfill our mission of awakening the human spirit through contemporary dance, envisioning a dance landscape that is relevant and accessible to all.

YOU MAKE AN IMPACT: YOUR SUPPORT

brings groundbreaking ARTISTRY to

• Over 12,000 Chicagoans and 18 audiences on tour across the U.S.

• 28 Chicago community organizations via over 1,000 free tickets

• 19,000 students throughout the U.S. through free community matinees

shapes a dance landscape where everyone BELONGS by

• Engaging 5,000 students across 215 Chicago classrooms in award-winning dance education

• Bringing innovative and adaptive arts integration programming to 60 classrooms through the ‘Movement As Partnership: Name your Rate’ initiative

• Building new partnerships with organizations like Osher Lifelong Learning Institute to provide dance education programs to Chicago’s retiree community curates bold programming, igniting CURIOSITY through

• World premieres by visionary choreographers Aszure Barton and Chanel DaSilva

• Renewed partnership with the Verdon Fosse Legacy® making Hubbard Street the only dance company in the world performing work by Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon

• The artistry of the world’s finest Dancers

Scan the QR code to make a tax-deductible gift today.

DESIGNER PROFILES

As the Wind Blows

Nathan Rohrer (Costume Design) has been a successful costume designer for nearly 20 years, and his work has been seen in nearly 200 dance and theatrical productions. Nathan has designed for companies including Giordano Dance Chicago, Visceral Dance Chicago, Chicago Repertory Ballet, Deeply Rooted Productions, and many others. He has also worked with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, MarriottLincolnshire Theatre, Northwestern University, and countless other performing arts entities nationwide. Nathan is the Costume Shop Manager and an instructor at the University of Chicago, and he is an adjunct faculty member at Lake Forest College. He was the resident costume designer at Thodos Dance Chicago for nine years, and he is a founding member of Chicago Repertory Ballet. Nathan Received his design training from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. nathanrohrerdesigns.com.

Harrison Pearse-Pollack (Lighting Design) is a Chicago-based Lighting Designer and Production Manager. Currently, Harrison is the Director of Production of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, where he has lit works by The Verdon/Fosse Legacy, Amy Hall Garner, and Spenser Theberge. Previously, Harrison has served as the Resident Lighting Designer of The Yard, Assistant Lighting Director of Boston Ballet, and the Dance Production Manager for Celebrity Series of Boston. His work can be seen onstage with Heather Stewart | Little House Dance, Jenna Pollack Projects, Ciro Collective, Subject:Matter, The Gottabees, and more. Harrison is a graduate of the Boston University School of Design & Production

Touch & Agree

Jarrod Barnes (Costume Design) Hubbard Street Dance Chicago: Touch and Agree. Atlanta Region: Theatrical Outfit, The Atlanta Opera, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company, Horizon Theater Company, Rob Jackson Presents, 7 Stages Theater, Dad’s Garage Theater, Synchronicity Theatre, ART Station Theatre, Dominion Entertainment, Impact Theatre Atlanta, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Theatrical Outfit Theater, Actors Express Theatre, The Aurora Theatre. Other Regional: The 5th Avenue Theatre, Nashville Rep Theatre, GEVA, KC Rep Theater, Latte Da, Je’Caryous Johnson Presents, The Studio Theatre. Educational Work: Tri-Cities High School Drama Dept, New Manchester High School Drama Dept., The Weber School Performing Arts. TV/Film: Netflix, Swirl Films, TVOne, BET, MGM Films, Orion Pictures. Dance: His Lane Productions, Body traffic Dance Company, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Art Official Pictures. Education: NC Central University, Bauder Fashion College, American Intercontinental University. IG: @Jarrods1977.

Stephen Smart (Lighting Design) (he/him/his) is a USA829 lighting designer based in NYC. His designs have been seen on stages such as New York City Center, Forestburgh Playhouse, IRT Theatre, Jersey City Theatre Center, and UNC School of the Arts. Stephen holds a BFA in Lighting Design & Technology from UNCSA, and in the summer of 2024 he was honored to work as a Hemsley Lighting Intern. Professionally, Stephen has assisted lighting designers such as Ryan O’Gara, Cory Pattak, Tim Deiling, Paul Miller, & Penny Jacobus. He has had the pleasure of working with companies such as Paper Mill Playhouse, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Teatro Nuovo, Berkshire Theatre Group, Playmakers Repertory Company, and Fletcher Opera Institute. When not in a theatre, Stephen can be found hiking, camping, or enjoying a good book.

Behind every curtain call is strength, resilience, and discipline. At Athletico, we understand the physical demands of the performing arts—because we treat performers every day. Whether you're on stage under the lights or taking it all in from the house, we’re here to help you keep moving with purpose.

SPOTLIGHT ON: AS THE WIND BLOWS Amy Hall Garner

The renowned choreographer of As the Wind Blows speaks on working with Hubbard Street and her specific creative process.

Tell us about your process—how do you create new works?

Any time I create movement, I have to find my score, my blueprint, my foundation—and that starts with the music. Then the movement comes in the moment. While I do have a specific point of view and sculpt the choreography around the vision that I have in my mind, I would say this particular work was very collaborative. This creative process was absolutely influenced by what the Hubbard Street dancers bring to the movement—their unique gifts and personalities.

What was it like to create this new work at Hubbard Street?

Effortless. It is effortless to create here at Hubbard Street. It is a joy to create with dancers who move together as one but who are also so different as individuals. They take the essence of something and extend it. As a creative person, you want to find a muse that does that—and all of these dancers, in their own way, are muses. I’ve never seen a group work so cohesively together—this entire group is collectively engaged at all times.

Open this QR code with your camera app to watch Amy’s episode of Inside the Studio!

SPOTLIGHT ON: Touch & Agree

Juel

D. Lane

Choreographer Juel D. Lane sat down to speak about the origin of this deep, rich work and what it was like getting to know the Hubbard Street Dancers.

Tell us about the genesis of Touch & Agree.

It was a prompt that a friend gave me to do a piece about sexuality. When I was paired with another dancer in Atlanta, what I found most interesting was that I was actually creating a blueprint for the navigation of love. Nobody teaches you about love—especially in the queer space—so this piece has been an impetus for how I show up in the world.

How was the experience of staging your piece on the Hubbard Street Dancers? With Hubbard, you know, you find out in about 15 minutes, like ‘OK, they’re all amazing—so what do I do next?’

Any time that a choreographer can walk into a studio and feel like there are so many different bodies, so many different inspirations...it’s been just an honor to be here. There’s no better job than just to come and say, ‘I’m going to go into the studio and play for so many hours.’ I love that everybody is open to process, and that they are willing to go deeper into the work.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Gnawa Nacho Duato

Open this QR code with your camera app to watch Jim’s episode of Inside the Studio!

We had the pleasure of welcoming back Former Hubbard Street Artistic Director Jim Vincent to stage the audience and artist favorite, Gnawa by Nacho Duato. Read on to learn about what to look forward to in this iconic piece.

What feels special or significant about Gnawa’s return to Hubbard Street?

I’m just very happy that the piece is back because it’s this company’s piece. It was created for this company, and it’s also a stunningly beautiful and moving piece. So I’m delighted to have it come back to the Company’s active repertory.

Is there anything you’d like the audience to specifically follow as they experience Gnawa?

I don’t think I want to suggest that the audience should look for anything in particular because it’s not a narrative, and yet the piece was deeply inspired by the cultures around the Mediterranean Sea...certain influences in architecture, and certainly in movement quality, and one can look for that architecture very clearly within the structure of the piece.

I don’t think I want to say anything more than that because the idea is that there’s enough clarity that you want to connect to it, you want to understand, and yet you have lots of space for your own individual interpretation.

As you enjoy today’s program, we invite you to Delve Into Dance with us and enrich your experience by considering some of the following questions before, during, and after the performance:

n How does the music/soundscape contribute to your experience of the piece?

n Do any of the pieces evoke other art forms or societal/cultural influences?

n What emotions do particular movements or moments bring up for you?

n Do you think the choreographers created their pieces with a specific message or story to convey? If so, what?

2025 SUMMER INTENSIVE FELLOWS

Welcome 2025 Summer Intensive Fellow, Maya Acuña-Taylor!

Since 2023, select dancers from HSDC’s Summer Intensives have been invited back annually for a World Premiere creation process or a performance week with the Company. Fellows get an exclusive opportunity to experience firsthand what it takes to be part of a professional dance company.

This Winter Series, 2025 Fellow Maya Acuña-Taylor is performing in As the Wind Blows at all four performances. Congratulations Maya— it’s been wonderful having you with us!

Maya Acuña-Taylor was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, where she began her classical ballet training at the Ballet Center of Fort Worth. There, she made her debut in several story ballet classics, including roles in The Nutcracker, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, and Swan Lake. In 2019, she joined the IM Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA under the direction of Christen Reyes, providing her with a creative space alongside choreographers like Ray Mercer, My’Kal Stromile, Patrick Coker, and Sean S. Smith, to name a few. In 2022, she joined the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program, where she has had the pleasure of working with renowned dance icons like Ronni Favors, PeiJu Chien-Pott, Kate Skarpetowska, Arcell Cabuag, Tamisha A. Guy, Elizabeth Roxas, Hope Boykin, and Keerati Jinakunwiphat. She is beyond grateful and humbled by the prestigious honor of being a recipient of the Hubbard Street Dance Intensive Fellowship for this opportunity. Your Practice. Your Process. Your People.

Video auditions are still being accepted on a case-by-base basis for dancers ages 13–25!

Learn more about our acclaimed programs and the audition process

NEW MEMBER BENEFITS OPPORTUNITIES

Whether you’re a current member looking to upgrade or considering membership for the rst time, we encourage you to learn more about our robust member bene ts and nd the level that’s right for you!

SUSTAINERS’ CIRCLE

$10+ monthly

Our monthly Sustaining members provide critical annual support which funds initiatives like Teaching Artists instruction in Chicago Public Schools and daily physical therapy to keep our Company Dancers healthy.

CIRCLE PLACES SOCIETY

$25 0 – 4,999

Our Circle Places members provide integral annual support which enables programs like our Summer Intensive Fellowships, and annual Community Matinee performance series.

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE

$5,000+

Our Director’s Circle members provide transformative support which increases opportunities to bring new work to the Hubbard Street repertoire and keep the world’s brightest talent right here at Hubbard Street.

Secure your membership and transform your Hubbard Street experience today!

www.hubbardstreetdance.com/support-us/become-a-member

SPOTLIGHT ON: HSDC Education Movement as Partnership

We partner with schools and community organizations across Chicago to provide access to our programs in support of our mission to awaken the human spirit through contemporary dance.

Interested in partnering with HSDC Education?

Open this QR code with your camera app to complete our Residency Interest form.

Visit hubbard.bsmgstores.com or scan the QR code to treat yourself or the dance enthusiast in your life to exclusive gifts and apparel. Shipping anywhere in the world. Color options may vary based on availability. New Infant and Youth items available now!

HUBBARD STREET STAFF AND BOARD

Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell

Artistic Director

David McDermott

Executive Director

Artistic Staff

Jonathan E. Alsberry

Senior Rehearsal Director & Director of Summer Intensives

Craig D. Black, Jr.

Rehearsal Director

Shawn Lent Manager of Training Programs

Administrative Staff

Abby Olson

General Manager

Arts FMS

Financial Management Services

External Affairs

Mollie Alexander Director of Development

Haley Gillespie

Associate Director of Development

Erik Kaiko

Director of Marketing & Communications

Megan Moran

Associate Director of Marketing & Communications

Brandon Jones

Content Creation Specialist

Youth, Education, and Community Programs

Eboné Harden Director of Education

Learning Specialists

Jamie Brunson

Rebeca G. Griffin

Anne Kasdorf

Michelle Modrzejewski

Teaching Artist Faculty

Danielle “Dani” Kfoury

Mara Noguez

Daisy Rueda

Julia Rzonca

Molly Strom

June Tanoue

Desiree “Desi” VanDyke

Production

Harrison Pearse-Pollack Director of Production

Kate Darby

Stage Manager and Head of Props

Bill Green

Head of Audio

Jenah Hensel Head of Wardrobe

Jack Horwitch

Head Electrician

Kevin Upham

Head Carpenter

Board of Directors

Steven Collens Chair

Kristin Conley President

Jasminka Milpak Treasurer

Jodi Patt Secretary

Jen Mallamud VP of Development

Samir Mayekar VP of Membership

Directors at Large

Heather Caruso

Allyson Esposito

Mara S. Georges

Larry Gilbert^

Solange Sandy Lloyd

Diane Longoria

Mary Lou Marinas

Suzet McKinney, DrPH

Kristen Otterson

Alison Richards

Benna Wilde

Yasmine Winkler

Life Directors

John W. Ballantine^

Corinne Brophy*

Meg Callahan^

Edythe R. Cloonan^*

Pamela Crutchfield

Sondra Berman Epstein^*

Stanley M. Freehling*

Charles R. Gardner

Paul Gignilliat*

Sandra P. Guthman^

Gail Kalver

James Mabie^*

Marie E. O’Connor^*

Byron Pollock^**

Timothy Schwertfeger^

Jack D. Tovin

Randy White^

William N. Wood Prince^

^ Past Board Chair or President

*In Memoriam

Program Book

Erik Kaiko Editor

Communiqué Graphic Design Designer

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the following corporations, foundations, government agencies, and individuals who made gifts to Hubbard Street Dance Chicago between December 1, 2024, and January 31, 2026. Their support keeps the company moving and makes the performance you enjoy today possible.

Corporate, Foundation & Government Support

$100,000 and above

Athletico Physical Therapy

Good Chaos

Polk Bros. Foundation

The Shubert Foundation

$50,000–$99,999

Julius N. Frankel Foundation

Lloyd A. Fry Foundation

Illinois Arts Council Agency

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

$25,000–$49,999

Alphawood Foundation

Crown Family Philanthropies

Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

Anonymous (1)

$10,000–$24,999

Robert and Isabelle Bass Foundation Inc.

CIBC Commercial Banking

Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P.

John R. Halligan Charitable Fund

The Irving Harris Foundation

J&L Catering

Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts

Make It Better Foundation

Prince Charitable Trusts

Proctor & Gamble Company

Charles & M.R. Shapiro Foundation

The Siragusa Family Foundation

Verit Advisors

William Blair

Anonymous (1)

$5,000–$9,999

AbbVie

The Chicago Community Trust

Jenner & Block, LLP

Dr. Scholl Foundation

$1,000–$4,999

Arts FMS

Brown Brothers Harriman Co

Kovler Family Foundation

Quinn Family Foundation

Sahara Enterprises Inc.

Individual Support SUPPORT

$100,000 and above

Marla and Larry Gilbert

The Estate of

Nancy Lauter McDougal

$25,000—$99,999

Meg and Tim Callahan

Steven and Caralynn Collens

Cathleen McCarthy Cramer and Jim Suehr

Jana French and Peter Gotsch

Sandra and Jack Guthman

Kristen Otterson

Judy Wise and the Baskin Family Foundation

$10,000—$24,999

Sharon and Neil Book

Collens Family Fund at the Chicago Community Foundation

Kristin Conley and Andrew Sudds

Joel and Katie Cory

Pamela Crutchfield

Allyson Esposito

Ginger Farley

Siobhan Flynn and Alec Dike

Adrienne Foley

Patti Eylar and Charlie Gardner

Mara Georges and Michael Mutz

Ted Grady

Mirja Haffner

Jae Lee and Michael Heffernan

Krystyna Kiel and Alexander Templeton

Solange Sandy Lloyd and Arnold Schraa

Diane Marks Longoria and Jose Longoria

Ron and Elise Magers

Jen and Josh Mallamud

Mary Lou Marinas

Debra and Blake Moritz

Michael and Margo Oberman

Abby McCormick O’Neil and D. Carroll Joynes

Jodi Patt and Wesley Crampton

Alison Richards

Richard L. Rodes

Burton X. and Sheli Z. Rosenberg

Benna and Hal Wilde

Yasmine and George Winkler

Liza Yntema, In support of female leadership in dance

$5,000—$9,999

John and Caroline Ballantine

Cinda Berry and Arthur Krumrey

Ross B. Bricker and Nina Vinik

Carol Coletta

Michelle Collins

Damian Dolyniuk and Kelly Royer, Brown Brothers

Harriman & Co

Walter Mah

Marc Miller and Chris Horsman

Eleanor and William Revelle

Bill Staley

Jack Tovin

Nigel and Joanna Travis

Randy and Lisa White

Anonymous (2)

$2,500—$4,999

Joyce Chelberg

Brian and Tracy Coe

Jeff Corbin and Massimo Pacilli

Thomas Cramer

Bruce Crown

Scott Deininger

Adam Grymkowski

Bruce and Jamie Hague

Trish Harper

Samir Mayekar

Coco Meers

Sally and Ted Miller

Aaron Rudberg

Shreyas Shah

Deborah and Kelly Stonebraker

Sarah Whitford

Gary and Ladonna Wicklund

$1,000—$2,499

Greg Albiero and Mark Zampardo

Mollie Alexander and Frank Hogan

Charles Arnold

Michelle Atherton

Sandra Bass

Shaun and Andy Block

Howard and Carol Burnett

Heather Caruso

Drs. Helen and Paul Chang

Hugo and Catherine Chavez

Nancy Contel

Sandi Cooksey and Todd Clark

Rosemarie Eck

Jennifer Edgcomb

Cathy Ethridge

Randall and Ellen Frank

Martin and Laly Furrer

Delta Greene

Rachel and Devin Gross

Erin Harkey

Nancy Honeycutt

Kym and Darrell Hubbard

Lauren Huefner

Jastromb Family

Philanthropic Fund

Marsha Kamen

Kurtis Kossen

Janet Lang

Stephanie Letchinger

Susan Bass Marcus and Stephen D. Marcus

Kevin McGirr

Kathleen Miles

Jasminka Milpak and Daniel Lapish

Susan Miner

Geoff Myers

Jennifer Lynne Nelson

Stacey and Tom Newman

Denise Nitterhouse

Susan Nutson

Julie O’Connell

Eleanor Pollack

Suzie Pretekin

Anna Rappaport

Barbara Reed

Rich Regan

Lynn Ritchie

Janice Rodgers

Robert and Marsha Rosner

SUPPORT

Bonnie and Michael Rothman

Earl and Sandra Rusnak

Kim Schaffer and Don Sandler

Merry Schroeder

Elizabeth and Steven Schultz

Charles and Bea Schutz

Elisa K Spain and Art Beyda

Carol Stone

Richard Straub

Lyndon Taylor and Daphne Roscoe-Taylor

Peter Vale

Jay and Donna Williams

Carolyn Zaslaw and Stephen Miller

William Ziemann Anonymous (4)

$500—$999

Kyle Anders and Family

Peggy Beata

Linda Bierig

Jeanne Brett

Erin Kae Brown

Courtney Burk

Gerald Caporicci

Kellie and Dean Clune

Joseph Deal

Kathy DeHoff

Judy Desenis and Scott Peterson

Deanna Deutschman

Lori Dimun

Kimberly Dulac

Thomas Durica and Susan Jacob

Laura Eisen

Jennifer Elsener

Susan Feibus

Molly Flanagan

Carol Fox and Howard Girovich

Julie L. Gentes

Mary Guggenheim & Jon Will

Rusty Hernandez

Caroline and Mark Hinrichs

Chris and Paula Hoste

Chardai Johnson

Jayme and Mark Kaufmann

Gina Kennedy

Scott Klemm

Mark Larsen

Sandy Marks

David McDermott and Molly Graber

Cammie and Ian McLeod

Bill Melamed and Jamey Lundblad

Fabiana Barcelo Podesta

Kara Riggio

Barbara and David Roen

Steven and Erika Rossa

Mary Kay Shaw

Janet Carl Smith and Mel Smith

Jennifer Statler

Eric and Tammy Steele

Shiela Vinczeller

Paul Waas

Kathy Wassmann

Michael and Linda Welsh

Joanna Wozniak

Anonymous (2)

$250—$499

Gene Amromin

Robert C. Anderson

Debi Bernstein-Siegel

Henry and Leigh Bienen

Bernadette Muller Broccolo and Timothy E. Broccolo

Therese and Christopher Brown

Elizabeth Burnett and Brian Orr

John and Sally Carton

April Clobes

Maureen A. Crowley

Barbara and Michael Davis

Cindy M. Delmar

Bruce and Maria Doughty

Sarah Eng

Edith and Gerald Falk

Alex Fraenkel

Leslie Glazier

Michael and Amy Gordon

Craig Griffith

Harry and Lynn Halme

Tiffany Henderson

Dr. Robert Henry

George and Andrea Hutchinson

John Jawor

Alisa Katzen

Nikki and Max Kaufman

Susan and Steve Kaufman

Del and Donna Kolacki

Pilar and Brian Korgel

Thomas Kruse

Benjamin Levinsky

Charles Loomis

Lucy Mallett

Michael McStraw and Andy Flaherty

Stephanie Medvigy

Mary Nasenbenny

Arts FMS

The O’Leary Family

Andrew and Judy L. Porte

Sarah Ricciardi

Anne Rogers

Linda Rosencranz

Emily Rosengren and Richard Lee

Steve Roy and Lloyd Kohler

Jonathan Ruiz and Cindy Chen

Mitchell Sabshon

JEMS

Allyson Sand

Sue Mowery-Schalk

Michael and Rhoda Schlesinger

Janelle Sevilis

Katherine Shank

Lauren Baznik Spahr

Patty Sternberg

Mary Toll and William Heimann

Dana Shepard Treister and Dr. Michael Roy Treister

Sandra Van Tilburg

Allan Waite and Greg Ostfeld

The Whitaker Family

Karen Wilmot

Amanda Woodward and Andrew Campbell

Manuela Zoninsein

Anonymous (1)

Hubbard Street appreciates the support of all its donors and regrets the inability to list those who contributed less than $250 due to space limitations.

For any corrections to program name listings please contact the Development Office at giving@hubbardstreetdance.com

Gifts in Honor and Memory

Tribute and Memorial gifts are a meaningful way to recognize individuals who have a connection to Hubbard Street. For more information or to make a gift please contact the Development Office at giving@hubbardstreetdance.com

In honor of Meg Callahan

From Mom, Kim, and Don

Deborah and Kelly Stonebraker

In honor of Steven Collens

Burton X. and Sheli Z. Rosenberg

In honor of Kristin Conley

Rachel and Devin Gross

In honor of Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell

Elizabeth Yntema and Mark Ferguson

Josianne Pennington

In honor of Paul Gignilliat

Randy and Lisa White

In honor of Mamie Dooley and Lula Calwise

Teresa Dooley

In honor of Charlie Gardner and Patti Eylar

Kevin McGirr

In honor of David McDermott

Ginny and Jeff Rogers

In honor of Marc Miller

Sally and Ted Miller

In honor of William N. Wood-Prince and Patrick B. Wood-Prince

Benna and Hal Wilde

In honor of and gratitude for all those who taught the adult dance classes at 218 S Wabash in the late 80s and early 90s

Denise Nitterhouse

In honor of the staff and dancers for a terrific day hosting the OLLI Creative Spark class and for your dedication to the arts...

Nancy Contel

Contributed Materials and Services

Athletico Physical Therapy

HMS Media

J&L Catering

Microsoft Corporation

Soundlight Entertainment

Tessitura

SUPPORT Special

Services

Allied Integrated Marketing

Advertising

Athletico Physical Therapy

Official Provider of Physical Therapy

Jeremy Harris, Jonathan Schang, Imogen Smith Accompanists

Sophie Allen, Jacqueline Burnett, Meredith

Dincolo, Cheryl Mann Del Cuore, Julie Nakagawa, Taryn Kaschock Russell, Kevin Shannon, Jessica Tomlinson, Jim Vincent, Laura Wade, DanceWorks Chicago*

Company Teachers

Savills

Real Estate

Quarles & Brady

Franczek P.C.

Legal Services

Michelle Reid

HSDC Resident Photographer; Season 48

Identity Photography

Frank Ishman

2021–23 Headshot Photography

Motion/Pictures Dance Project

Inside the Studio Production Team

Martin Wilde

Audio Description Services (3/1)

Veramarie Baldoza

ASL Interpretation Services (3/1)

Erin Pitts

Grant Writer

Campbell & Company

Fundraising Consulting

Gemini Graphics, Inc.

Print and Mail Services

MDR Creative, Inc. Event Management

Linelight Design Graphic Design

Communiqué Graphic Design

Graphic Design

*Community Class Partners

Lou Conte Founders Society

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is grateful to the following individuals who have included us in their estate plans. Our future is more secure because of their generosity.

Corinne Brophy*

Meg and Tim Callahan

Marge* and Lew Collens

Josephine H. Deutsch*

Charlie Gardner and Patti Eylar

Denise Stefan Ginascol and John Ginascol

Sandra L. Kuzlik

Edward T. Mack*

Walter Mah

Jane Ellen Murray*

Edward and Gayla Nieminen

Sarah J. Nolan

James F. Oates*

Edna K. Papazian*

Byron Pollock*

Alyssa J. Rapp

Richard L. Rodes

Richard Schieler*

Landon N. Stigall*

Sandra Van Tilburg

J. Randall White

*deceased

Donations of any size can be mailed to: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago | PO Box 778859 | Chicago, IL 60677-8859

SUPPORT Endowments

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the following donors to the Endowment for Health and Wellness and the Endowment for Artistic Programs, which was established with a generous grant from the Ford Foundation.

$100,000 and above

Meg and Tim Callahan

Pamela Crutchfield

The Davee Foundation

Josephine H. Deutsch Trust

The Ford Foundation

Jay Franke and David Herro

The John D. and Catherine T.

MacArthur Foundation

Jim* and Kay Mabie

Nancy A. Lauter & Alfred L.

McDougal Charitable Fund

Timothy R. Schwertfeger and Gail Waller

$50,000–$99,999

Sara Albrecht

John and Caroline Ballantine

Deborah Bricker

Sidney and Sondra Berman Epstein*

Sandra and Jack Guthman

Mrs. Eleanor Wood Prince

William N. Wood Prince

The Rhoades Foundation

Earl and Sandra Rusnak

Randy and Lisa White

$25,000–$49,999

Lew Collens

Harold Florsheim

Paul and Ellen Gignilliat

Bernard and Averill Leviton

Dale and Dana Machalleck

James F. Oates*

Randy White and Hope Wollman

$10,000–$24,999

Dean Balice

Katherine and Christopher Barber

Roger and Julie Baskes

Joseph and Anne Bohne

Janice Y. Burnham and Raymond B. Carney

James and Edie Cloonan

Joel and Katie Cory

Allan and Ellen Drebin

Susan and Bryan Erler

Trudy Giesel

Denise Stefan Ginascol and John Ginascol

Mary Louise Gorno

Jacqueline Hurlbutt and Norman Waite

Sarah J. Nolan

Dina Norris and Steve Young

Byron* and Judy Pollock

Sally and Ellis Regenbogen

Eleanor and William Revelle

Dana and Andre Rice

Kevin and Camille Rudge

Warren D. Shifferd Jr.

Richard and Ann Tomlinson

Robert and Nancy Unglaub

Earl and Susan Webb

Sallyan Windt

$5,000–$9,999

Julia Antonatos

Sanchen Barnum

William and Donna Barrows

The Sidney and June Barrows Foundation

Corinne Brophy*

Patti Eylar and Charles Gardner

Carla J. Eyre and Peter F. Gallagher

Judith Grubner and Craig Jobson

Stephanie Hickman

Linda Hutson

Marc Miller and Chris Horsman

Pat Pulido Sanchez and Manuel Sanchez

John Schwartz

Kenneth Shanoff and Steve Young

Deborah and Kelly Stonebraker

Jack and Niki Tovin

$1,000–$4,999

Kathy Catrambone

Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation

Carolyn Clift

Thomas and Lois Colberg

Jocelyn B. Hamlar and Leighton J. Toney

Jastromb Family Philanthropic Fund

Rachel Corn Kluge and Scott Kluge

David Mekemson and Irene Petruniak

Maureen Mosh

Donald Ratner

Patrick J. Schieble

Richard Turner and David Jenkins

$250–$999

Bill Nygren Foundation

Todd Magazine

Sheila Owens

Steven and Frances Shapiro

*deceased

Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, Artistic Director

David McDermott, Executive Director

Lou Conte, Founder

14, 15, + 17

Performing at