“Fall Series:Of Peace” Hubbard Street Dance reviewed by Julia W. Rath

****Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s “Fall Series: Of Peace” is comprised of three sets of dances, representing three different defined visions.

The first set is called “Dichotomy of a Journey” (2022) and consists of seven distinct parts. Choreographed by Darrell Grand Moultrie, the dance features various permutations and commutations of artists, with each part being disparate in terms of dance styles, from ballet to modern jazz. The music ranges from classical to soul music. Its composers are Ezio Bosso, Dmiti Shostakovich, V. Michael McKay, Nils Oliver Frahm, and Donald Lawrence, all in a very unique arrangement. This dramatic piece features the vigorousness of the dancers and their calisthenic prowess. All wear red costumes, designed by Branimira Ivanova; except during the last two parts, the dancers mainly wear white with spots or dashes of red. Lighting design by Michael Mazzola is interesting, particularly how different effects have been produced on the floor.

After a fifteen-minute intermission, the dancing resumed with “Coltrane’s Favorite Things” (2010). This company premiere is a mash-up of music by John Coltrane, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, where the song “My Favorite Things” (from the “Sound of Music”) is recognizable as played on the soprano saxophone. Behind the dancers is a famous Jackson Pollock painting: his Number 30, called “Autumn Rhythm.” Costume design pulls out colorful elements from the painting, such as gray, black, white, and gold, and especially in the gold high-topped flexible boots worn by all of the dancers. The “favorite things” seem to be the dancers’ joyfulness and verve of being in each other’s company. Unlike the diverse presentation in the first set, this dance is contained in one scene. As choreographer Lar Lubovitch notes in the playbill: “In this dance, I have sought to draw a parallel between Cotrane’s sheets of sound and Pollock’s field of action.”

Another fifteen-minute intermission followed and the evening of dance continued with “return to patience” (2015), a company premiere, choreographed by resident artist Aszure Barton. The music was written by Gustav LeGray, arranged by Caroline Shaw, and performed on piano by Ruogu Wen, and it consisted largely of distinct piano chords, which on occasion were strung together. A white background and white floor and white pajama-like garments, created by The Julliard School and designed by Fritz Masten, turned the scene into a sea of white. The shoeless company began the set facing the back corner of stage left to end by facing the back corner of stage right.

The first set was the longest of the three and the most complex—and, from my perspective, the most intriguing and novel. The pas de deux of classical ballet is but one segment of an extremely creative piece that merges so many different aspects of dance, choreography, and athleticism that it is difficult to write about without seeing the performance a second time.

Company members include Alexandria Best, Jacqueline Burnett, Aaron Choate, Morgan Clune, Michele Dooley, Abdiel Figueroa Reyes, Elliot Hammans, Jack Henderson, Alysia Johnson, Shota Miyoshi, David Schultz, Simone Stevens, Cyrie Topete, Matt Wenckowski. (Note that on opening night, the part of Jacqueline Burnett was danced by Michele Dooley.)

The series of spectacular performances by each of the company’s dancers could not have been better! The quality of the dance was magnificent, and the entire presentation was great! I always watch how well the children sit in their seats, and they were enchanted. At the end of the evening, all of the dancers received a standing ovation. And if you purchase a ticket to see the Hubbard Street dancer company, I guarantee that you will give them a standing ovation too!

Next dance program on the agenda: “Fall Series: Of Hope.”

“Fall Series: Of Peace”, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, is currently performing at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Street, at Chicago’s Millennium Park.

There are four performances only:

Thursday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 3 at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 4 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 5 at 3:00 p.m.*
*Performance includes ASL interpretation (Use promo code ASL to unlock seating reserved for best viewing.)

Tickets start at $55 each. Prices depend on day and seat location.

For more information about this show and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.hubbardstreetdance.com/season-46/about-season-46/fall-series-of-peace/?ref=SCD.

For general information and a list of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s other offerings, go to:
https://www.hubbardstreetdance.com/.

Please note: Masks are optional but strongly encouraged at the Harris Theater.