Hubbard Street presents Spring Series 47 at Harris Theater

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s (HSDC) Spring Series 47 at the Harris Theater on May 17 offered an evening of compelling contrasts and emotional resonance. The program paid homage to dance history while venturing into contemporary innovation: “Sweet Gwen Suite,” a tribute to the legendary Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon; “Beauty Chasing,” a world premiere by acclaimed choreographer Matthew Rushing; and “Blue Soup,” the company premiere of a vibrant work by resident choreographer Aszure Barton.

“Sweet Gwen Suite” is a dazzling revival of Fosse and Verdon’s choreography for television from the 1960s. Lovingly reconstructed by Linda Haberman, Fosse’s former assistant, the piece featured Alexandria Best, Elliot Hammans and Andrew Murdock, their sharp hip swings, controlled body isolations and seductive flair remaining faithful to the distinct vocabulary that defines Fosse’s legacy. Harrison Pearse Burke’s lighting design further enhanced the suite, using dramatic shadow and light to highlight the dancers’ isolation of body parts—a core element of Fosse’s choreography. This recreated intimacy, once seen on small television screens, felt expansive and immersive onstage.

Matthew Rushing’s “Beauty Chasing” followed with a profound exploration of identity and transformation. The piece began in silence and simplicity, with dancers dressed in nude undergarments, evoking raw vulnerability. This opening visual suggested a universal, unfiltered state of beauty—before cultural or personal adornments. The performers added layers—pants, beaded jewelry—symbolizing the growing complexity of self-image and societal influence. Music evolved in tandem, from sparse ambient textures to richly rhythmic compositions, reflecting an expanding expressive and beautiful world.

Rushing’s choreography was fluid and expressive, unfolding as a contemplative journey from simplicity to nuance. His use of lyrical phrasing and dynamic group interactions mirrored an inner and collective search for meaning in beauty. The dancers moved with affective authenticity, capturing the shifting perceptions and layered realities of personal identity. “Beauty Chasing” invited the audience to consider beauty not as a fixed ideal but as a process—ever-changing and intricately tied to one’s evolving sense of self.

“Blue Soup,” a bold, unpredictable work by Aszure Barton, is infused with her signature blend of eccentricity, abstraction and physical intensity, set to an eclectic soundtrack ranging from Randy Newman, Paul Simon, Maya Angelou’s spoken word and Bulgarian choir vocals. The dancers wore oversized blue suits, instantly striking a tone of surrealism. The opening—a male dancer lip-syncing the 1950s hit “Sh-Boom”—set a playful mood that quickly shifted into a whirlwind. In a wild, animalistic sequence set to Paul Simon’s “Pigs, Sheep and Wolves,” dancers took on creature-like movements that blurred the line between satire and raw instinct. They feigned a final bow—only to burst back into an explosive encore. This surprise ending captured Barton’s genius for upending conventions while celebrating the thrill of performance.

Despite “Blue Soup’s” abstract nature, its connections to “Sweet Gwen Suite” were striking. Like Fosse, Barton isolates body parts and plays with distortions in silhouette and gesture. The exaggerated lines created by the blue suits echoed Fosse’s visual distortions, while both choreographers shared a fascination with theatricality and stylized expressiveness.

Together, the three pieces formed a cohesive arc that highlighted HSDC’s remarkable versatility as they navigated seamlessly between distinct choreographic voices. “Sweet Gwen Suite” offered crisp, historic sophistication; “Beauty Chasing” brought lyrical introspection and heartfelt depth; and “Blue Soup” unleashed courageous experimentation and joyous unpredictability. Through these works, HSDC demonstrated its ability not only to perform across genres but to embody a wide range of emotional and artistic intentions. Spring Series 47 left audiences invigorated and introspective—honoring the past, engaging with the present and imagining new futures for dance.

For more information about Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, visit hubbardstreetdance.com.