The Hubbard Street Dance Chicago season finale, held at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, showcases a dynamic program featuring ‘LubDub’ by choreographer Aszure Barton. This performance marks the third year of Barton’s residency with the company, delivering a compelling and intricate exploration of movement and creativity.
In ‘LubDub,’ Barton presents a full-company work that spans nearly 30 minutes, taking audiences on a visceral journey through the essence of the human heart. The title ‘LubDub’ refers to the sound of heart valves opening and closing, a concept that Barton explores through her choreography. The dancers embody the flow of blood through the heart’s chambers, expressing the rhythmic pulse with precision and imagination. Barton’s choreography is enhanced by music from Jlin, Kara-Lis Coverdale, and Susanne Lundeng, adding depth and intensity to the performance.
Barton’s unique aesthetic shines through in ‘LubDub,’ reminiscent of the earlier piece ‘Busk,’ which Hubbard Street adopted in 2021. Lighting designer Jim French creates a dim, atmospheric environment, while Barton and Jenah Hensel design costumes featuring maroon separates and unisex pleated skirts. The movement vocabulary oscillates between serious and playful, maintaining a balance that captivates the audience without resorting to sentimentality.
The evening’s program also honors choreographers Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon with performances as part of Hubbard Street’s partnership with the Verdon Fosse Legacy. The evening opens with ‘Sweet Gwen Suite,’ featuring dancers Alexandria Best, Dominick Brown, and Aaron Choate, followed by Shota Miyoshi in Fosse’s solo ‘Percussion IV.’ Miyoshi delivers a electrifying performance, showcasing his jazz training and technique, with lighting by Harrison Pearse-Pollack and costume design by Willa Kim.
The final piece, ‘Atlas’ by Chanel DaSilva, offers a fresh perspective. DaSilva, known for her work with Joffrey Ballet, presents a trio of female dancers, Bianca Melidor, Simone Stevens, and Cyrie Topete, engaging with shimmery exercise balls as a metaphor for the burden of the world. While there are moments of beauty, ‘Atlas’ struggles to match the intensity of the preceding performances and lacks the depth to convey a profound message.
Review: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Spring Series (3.5 stars)
The Spring Series runs through Sunday at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St.
Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes with an intermission.
Tickets: $47-$101 at 312-334-7777 and harristheaterchicago.org.
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