Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s Season Finale Features ‘LubDub’ by Aszure Barton

The Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s season finale presents a captivating performance titled ‘LubDub,’ choreographed by Aszure Barton. This piece spans the entire second half of the show at Harris Theater for Music and Dance, running until Sunday. Barton’s ‘LubDub’ marks the culmination of her three-year residency, yet the terms of her stay remain open-ended, hopes high for an extended collaboration. The choreography offers audiences a visceral experience lasting nearly thirty minutes, revolving around the heart, inspired by its sound of valves flapping open and closed, heard through a stethoscope.

‘LubDub’ features a full-company work with dancers mimicking tiny erythrocytes journeying through the body’s intricate network. The dancers move in trembled formations and curvilinear paths, creating an enthralling visual narrative. This choreography explores the dynamics of a pulse driven by music, transitioning from a cinematic opening into Africanist percussion and sparse strings, courtesy of Jlin and Kronos Quartet’s ‘Maji.’

Jlin, an electronic composer from Gary, prominently contributes to ‘LubDub,’ alongside Kara-Lis Coverdale and Susanne Lundeng. Barton pays homage to her previous work ‘Busk,’ incorporating Jim French’s dim and shadowy lighting, maroon separates with pleated skirts designed by Barton and Jenah Hensel, and a distinct movement language, oscillating between serious and playful expressions.

The performance evening begins with pieces by Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon, reflecting Hubbard Street’s deepening partnership with the Verdon Fosse Legacy. Alexandria Best shines alongside Dominick Brown and Aaron Choate in ‘Sweet Gwen Suite.’ Shota Miyoshi captivates the audience with his jazz dancer skills in the solo ‘Percussion IV,’ highlighting precision without distraction due to minimal lighting by Harrison Pearse-Pollack and costume by Willa Kim.

Hubbard Street dancer Shota Miyoshi dazzles in ‘Percussion IV’ by Bob Fosse. (Michelle Reid)

Following Miyoshi’s stellar act, Chanel DaSilva debuts her commission for Hubbard Street titled ‘Atlas.’ The interpretation features a trio of women, Bianca Melidor, Simone Stevens, and Cyrie Topete, engaging with foil-lined exercise balls reminiscent of the mythical Atlas’s burden. Despite the beautiful solo crafted for Stevens, ‘Atlas’ struggles to eclipse Barton’s and Fosse’s works.

DaSilva’s piece may signify themes of womanhood, yet its literal presentation limits depth exploration. Her prior contributions to the Joffrey Ballet suggest her strong creative approach, warranting curiosity about future pieces.

Lauren Warnecke, a freelance critic, rated the spring series 3.5 stars. The performances run for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, including an intermission at Harris Theater, located at 205 E. Randolph St. Tickets range from $47-$101, available at 312-334-7777 and harristheaterchicago.org.