Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, whose current artistic director Jim Vincent is leaving to take the helm at Nederlands Dans Theater, has appointed Glenn Edgerton, a former artistic director of the same Dutch company to take his place. And if you’re wondering what’s so great about about NDT, it just so happens that they’re performing in Chicago next week at Auditorium Theatre.

Here’s the press release from Hubbard Street:

GLENN EDGERTON APPOINTED AS THE THIRD ARTISTIC DIRECTOR IN HUBBARD STREET DANCE CHICAGO’S 32-YEAR HISTORY

Nation’s Foremost Contemporary Dance Repertory Company to be led by Former Artistic Director of Nederlands Dans Theater I

CHICAGO – June 10, 2009 – Today, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) announced the appointment of internationally renowned artistic leader and dancer, Glenn Edgerton, to the role of artistic director.  Edgerton’s appointment results from an international search conducted by the board during the last several months following the announcement of the departure this summer of Jim Vincent, HSDC’s artistic director of nine years.

Edgerton, 49, brings over 30 years of experience working with the great dance institutions of the world including the Nederlands Dans Theater, The Colburn School of Performing Arts and The Joffrey Ballet.

“Glenn’s extraordinary background combined with his ability to inspire others through dance is a perfect combination for Hubbard Street” said board chairman David Mekemson, “We are thrilled to have him lead the company into its next era.”

Edgerton began his dancing career at The Joffrey Ballet where, mentored by Robert Joffrey, he performed leading roles in the company’s contemporary and classical repertoire for 11 years.  In 1989, Edgerton joined the acclaimed Nederlands Dans Theater, and after dancing for five years retired from performing to become artistic director of the main company, leading NDT1 for a decade and presenting the works of Ji_í Kylián, Hans van Manen, William Forsythe, Ohad Naharin, Mats Ek, Nacho Duato, Jorma Elo, Johan Inger, Paul Lightfoot and Sol Leon, among others.  From 2006 to 2008, he directed The Colburn Dance Institute at The Colburn School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles.  In 2007, Edgerton initiated a series of collaborations between The Colburn School and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and joined HSDC’s artistic leadership team fully as associate artistic director in 2008.

“I am proud to be given the opportunity to build on more than three decades of vision and artistic leadership from both Lou Conte and Jim Vincent” said Glenn Edgerton. “Their extraordinary work has established Hubbard Street as a leader in dance performance, education and appreciation.  I look forward to inspiring our artists and audiences, and to realizing more moments of discovery that come from innovative dance and interesting collaboration.”

“There isn’t a more qualified individual on the scene today”, said Jim Vincent, current and departing artistic director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, “Glenn’s demand for artistic excellence and vision for the future of Hubbard Street as a leading force in contemporary dance are unmatched.”

Glenn Edgerton’s appointment is effective August 2009.

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Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) celebrates over 30 years as one of the most original forces in contemporary dance. Critically acclaimed for its exuberant, athletic and innovative repertoire, HSDC presents performances that inspire, challenge and engage audiences worldwide. The company’s ensemble of dancers displays unparalleled versatility and virtuosity, allowing HSDC to expand its eclectic repertoire with works by master American and international choreographers. HSDC also contributes to dance’s evolution by developing new choreographic talent and collaborating with artists in music, visual art and theatre. Since Lou Conte founded the company in 1977, HSDC has expanded beyond its main company to include Hubbard Street 2, which cultivates young professional dancers and choreographers, serves as the foundation of HSDC’s education initiatives and performs nationally and internationally with a diverse and engaging repertoire; extensive Education & Community Programs which offer city- and state-accredited professional development for teachers to incorporate movement into curricula and expose young people to dance; and the Lou Conte Dance Studio, which offers a wide variety of classes weekly in jazz, ballet, modern, tap, African, hip-hop and Pilates at levels from basic to professional, as well as workshops and master classes. All programming is subject to change. For information, visit hubbardstreetdance.com.
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