The Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s season finale showcases ‘LubDub,’ a captivating piece by choreographer Aszure Barton. The performance runs until Sunday at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Barton presents this piece as part of a three-year residency at Hubbard Street, and hopes remain for her continued presence in Chicago.
The performance lasts nearly 30 minutes and immerses the audience in a journey through the heart’s chambers. ‘LubDub’ refers to the sound of heart valves opening and closing, as heard through a stethoscope. While Barton’s intention may not be to teach anatomy, her 14 dancers resemble red blood cells navigating the body, creating intricate paths on stage.
The piece explores the thrill of rhythm in the body, enhanced by a powerful soundtrack. The score includes macabre, cinematic opening tones and transitions into Africanist percussion, featuring compositions by Jlin and the Kronos Quartet. Jlin, also known as Jerrilynn Patton from Gary, Indiana, contributes significantly to the music, alongside Kara-Lis Coverdale and Susanne Lundeng.
Barton’s aesthetic is uniquely identifiable, building on her earlier work, ‘Busk,’ which joined Hubbard Street’s repertoire in 2021. The design includes dim lighting by Jim French and costumes by Barton and Jenah Hensel, with dancers in oversized maroon ensembles. The choreography blends seriousness with humor without becoming overly emotional.
Opening the evening are two pieces from Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon, highlighting Hubbard Street’s partnership with the Verdon Fosse Legacy. A standout performance by Shota Miyoshi in Fosse’s ‘Percussion IV’ showcases his jazz dance training. With minimal lighting and costume elements, this solo places Miyoshi’s technical prowess in the spotlight.
Following Fosse, Chanel DaSilva presents ‘Atlas,’ her first commission for Hubbard Street. DaSilva, familiar to Chicago audiences, depicts Atlas through a trio of women interacting with shimmering exercise balls. Despite elegant moments, ‘Atlas’ may lack depth compared to its surrounding performances.
The Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Spring Series runs through Sunday with tickets priced between $47 and $101. The venue is the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, located at 205 E. Randolph St. For more information, contact 312-334-7777 or visit harristheaterchicago.org.