Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s (HSDC) 2020/21 43rd season will begin Thursday, Oct. 22 a 6 p.m. with a virtual premiere presentation of new work from former Hubbard Street dancer and acclaimed choreographer Rena Butler.  The piece will be streamed again Saturday, Oct. 24 at 6 and Sunday, October 25 at 2.

Butler’s 25-minute work, entitled “A Tale of Two,” was filmed by Talia Koylass. It features music by composer Darryl Joseph, as well as songs by vocalists Shawnee Dez and Alencia Norris. The work is performed by the full HSDC company, featuring cameos from former HSDC dancer Jessica Tong, recently named HSDC’s Associate Artistic Director, Jonathan Emanuell Alsberry, HSDC Artistic Liaison, as well as Butler. In addition to the presentation of the filmed piece, there will be a live, interactive conversation with Butler and other members of the creative team. The choreography, casting, rehearsals and filming all taking place during the pandemic required the dancers to perform outdoors at a distance from one another, or in groups of dancers who reside together, while wearing masks.