Photo By: Todd Rosenberg

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is readying for a powerful performance in Springfield early next month, as the first arts event of the 2004-05 Wittenberg Series. Some of the world’s most talented and spirited contemporary dancers will blow in from the windy city to wow audiences for the Series event at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 4, at Kuss Auditorium, Clark State Community College Performing Arts Center.

This will be the second time Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) has been part of the Wittenberg Series, the first was in 2000.

“If you came to our show, or any others that feature Hubbard Street, you already know this is a dance event you don’t want to miss,” said Corwin Georges, chair and professor of Wittenberg’s theatre and dance department. “We know this will be a different show than that of 2000, so come back for more or come for the first time, and prepare to be thrilled. Their artistry is mesmerizing, breathtaking and pure entertainment.”

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is under the leadership of artistic director Jim Vincent, who enjoyed an impressive two decades in Europe as a dancer, teacher, ballet master and choreographer. The ensemble is recognized as one of the most progressive forces in contemporary dance for its exuberant, athletic and eclectic repertory. Founded by choreographer Lou Conte in 1977 as an ensemble of four women, HSDC came under Vincent’s direction in 2000. The company has created 45 world premieres during its 27-year history.

Works by world-renowned choreographers performed by an ensemble of 21 dancers, at the top of their profession, are the hallmarks of the eclectic troupe. Featured on the program is a new work titled “Rooster,” showcasing the dancers’ zesty personalities, choreographed by Britain’s Christopher Bruce.

Another selection called “Kiss” showcases dancers performing while suspended with ropes.

“Hubbard Street Dance Chicago ought to bottle itself as a cure for the ills of the era,” said Jennifer Dunning, a reviewer with The New York Times.

Photo By: Todd Rosenberg

HSDC has performed for a national PBS special, appeared on NBC’s Today Show, received a Governor’s Award from the State of Illinois and toured internationally.

The Wittenberg Series performance is funded in part by the National Dance Project of the New England Foundation for the Arts, with lead funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Additional funding is provided by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Ford Foundation.

As is the case with all events of the Wittenberg Series, the Oct. 4 performance by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is offered to the community at no charge. Free tickets are available at the Benham-Pence Student Center on Wittenberg’s campus or at the Kuss Box Office at (937) 328-3874. A free shuttle will depart from the Student Center at 6:30 p.m. To learn more, contact Gwendolyn Scheffel, Series coordinator at (937) 327-7918 or visit the Wittenberg Series Web site.