RECOMMENDED
Hats off to Hubbard Street for adding a Summer program to their season. Now that the Midwest has finally thawed, folks are venturing out, calling in, cooking out and—I hope—getting out to see some dance. And this is the month for it people—starting with Chicago’s best-known contemporary dance company, which presents three strong works this weekend. “Slipstream,” a new work by Hubbard Street artistic director Jim Vincent, moves across the stage in elegant waves and eddies, riding the strings in Benjamin Britten’s “Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge.” In contrast, the revival of Nacho Duato’s “Gnawa” surges and heaves in tribal ensemble movements; slithers, entwines and blossoms in an organic, hypnotic duet. The Summer Series also provides a second opportunity to see Alejandro Cerrudo’s extremely appealing “Extremely Close;” the clean lines, black-and-white mise en scene and downright sexy pas de deux make Cerrudo’s work accessible yet gracefully sophisticated. (Sharon Hoyer)
At the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph (312)334-7777. June 4-7; Thurs at 7:30, Friday at 6:30, Sat at 8 and Sun at 3pm. $25-$86.