Hubbard Street Dance Chicago: A World-Class Dance Home in the Heart of the City

Hubbard Street Dance | Chicago Introduce

For nearly five decades, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has been a beacon of contemporary dance, not just in the city of Chicago, but on the world stage. What started as a small, local troupe has evolved into an internationally acclaimed dance company known for its bold, athletic, and innovative repertoire. For Chicagoans, it is more than a dance company; it’s a vital part of the city’s cultural landscape, a place where artistry and education come together to inspire and uplift. It's a place where you can witness breathtaking performances by world-class dancers and also a place where you can take your very first dance steps, all under the same roof. The organization’s mission is to bring artists, art, and audiences together to enrich, engage, educate, and change lives through the experience of dance.

The core philosophy of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is to be a space where dancers can grow, not only in their technique but in their confidence and creativity. The studio and its instructors create an environment that is both nurturing and challenging, helping students to build a strong foundation. As a former student beautifully shared in a review, the teachers are "incredible. Nurturing, talented, intelligent, and the best at what they do. They meet you exactly where you are." This personalized approach is a hallmark of the institution, fostering a supportive atmosphere where everyone, from beginners with limited training to professional-level dancers, can thrive. This dedication to the student experience and the love of dance is what has made Hubbard Street a cherished "dance home" for so many, a place where memories are made and where a lifelong journey with dance often begins.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is located at 835 Michigan Avenue on the 4th Floor in Chicago, IL 60611, within the iconic Water Tower Place. This prime location in the heart of the Magnificent Mile makes it an easily accessible destination for residents from all over the city and suburbs. It is a central and well-known address that is convenient for public transportation users, with the "Blue Line" (as mentioned in a review) and other L-trains and buses stopping nearby, and is also accessible for those who drive. The address itself, with its proximity to downtown attractions and the lakefront, adds to the prestige and convenience of the location.

Accessibility is a key priority for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. The building features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all members of the community can enter the studio with ease. The company also hosts performances in venues like the Harris Theater and the Museum of Contemporary Art, which have their own accessibility features, including wheelchair-accessible seating and other accommodations. The dedication to accessibility is further reflected in the company's commitment to "Inclusive Arts" programs, which are tailored for those with differing abilities, such as their Parkinson's and Autism Projects. This demonstrates that their mission of making dance accessible to all is not just a slogan but a foundational principle of their work.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago offers a comprehensive range of services, catering to a diverse audience of dancers, from casual enthusiasts to aspiring professionals.

Services Offered:

Dance Classes: The company operates the Lou Conte Dance Studio, which offers over 150 classes per week for dancers ages 14 and up. Classes range from basic to professional levels and include a variety of styles such as ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, tap, hip-hop, and more.
Youth Dance Program: For children and teens, the Youth Dance Program provides year-long, structured classes for dancers ages 18 months to 18 years, with opportunities to perform in annual shows.
Community and Education Programs: Hubbard Street extends its reach beyond the studio with a variety of public and in-school programs. This includes dance residencies in Chicagoland schools, as well as adaptive dance programs tailored for people with differing abilities, such as those with Parkinson's and autism.
Professional Company Performances: As an internationally recognized dance company, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago performs regularly, both in Chicago and on tour. This provides audiences with the opportunity to see world-class dance live, featuring a roster of highly talented company dancers.
Summer Intensives: For serious young dancers, the company offers acclaimed and competitive summer intensives that provide a diverse range of training options.
Workshops and Master Classes: The studio frequently hosts master classes and special workshops led by company members and guest artists, offering unique opportunities for dancers to learn from the best in the field.

Features / Highlights:

Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The studio’s commitment to inclusivity is highlighted by its wheelchair-accessible entrance, making it a welcoming space for everyone.
Payments: The studio accepts both credit cards and debit cards, providing convenient payment options for classes, workshops, and other services.
Good for Kids: The Youth Dance Program and the supportive atmosphere make this a great place for children to learn and grow. The focus is on building confidence and technique in a positive environment.
World-Class Instruction: The review praises the teachers as "nurturing, talented, intelligent, and the best at what they do." This high-quality instruction is a major draw for dancers of all levels.
Expansive and Clean Studios: The studio spaces are described as "stunning, bright, spacious, and always clean," providing an inspiring environment for dancers to train.
Live Accompaniment: The use of live piano accompaniment in ballet classes is a special feature that enhances the learning experience and is a unique highlight.
Vibrant Community: The studio is not just a place to dance; it's a place to form lasting relationships and create cherished memories. The review highlights the feeling of community and the sense of belonging that makes it a "dance home."
Artistic Excellence: Hubbard Street is a pioneer in contemporary dance, known for its bold and innovative repertoire. This commitment to artistic excellence is a significant feature that attracts dancers and audiences alike.

Contact Information:

Address: 835 Michigan Ave 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Phone: (312) 850-9744

For those in the Chicago area interested in learning more about the classes, performances, or community programs offered by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, the team is readily available. A simple phone call can provide a wealth of information about class schedules, registration, and upcoming events. The professional and knowledgeable staff is committed to helping prospective students and audience members navigate their offerings and find the perfect fit. This ease of contact and clear communication is a key part of the welcoming experience that the organization strives to provide. Whether you're a long-time fan of dance or considering your first class, reaching out to Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is the best way to begin your journey with a truly world-class institution.

What is worth choosing?

Choosing Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is choosing a rare and exceptional experience that seamlessly combines a world-renowned professional dance company with a top-tier educational institution. What makes this place truly worth choosing is its ability to inspire and empower individuals at every level of their dance journey. From a parent’s perspective, it’s a place where children can not only learn technique from the best but also build the confidence and discipline that will serve them for a lifetime. The heartfelt review from a former student, now a parent, perfectly encapsulates this, describing how the studio helped her grow as a person and even led to a beautiful life-changing moment.

The access to world-class teachers, the clean and inspiring studio spaces, and the diverse range of class styles make it a premier destination for anyone serious about dance, whether as a hobby or a profession. Furthermore, the company's commitment to accessibility and community outreach, including its adaptive dance programs, demonstrates a deep-seated belief that dance is a universal language that should be available to all. It's a place where you can feel the energy of a professional company while receiving the personal attention of a supportive school. When you choose Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, you are not just signing up for a class or buying a ticket to a show; you are becoming a part of a legacy of artistic excellence and community building that has defined the cultural landscape of Chicago for nearly 50 years. For a Chicagoan, it’s a true point of pride and a place that feels like home.

Hubbard Street Dance | Chicago Services

Dance Company
Company Dancers

Hubbard Street Dance | Chicago Details

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards

Children
Good for kids

Hubbard Street Dance | Chicago Photos

No photos available at the moment.

Hubbard Street Dance | Chicago Location

Hubbard Street Dance | Chicago

Illinois Cook County Chicago Streeterville Michigan Avenue

835 Michigan Ave 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Hubbard Street Dance | Chicago Reviews

An average rating of ★4.1 from 24 user reviews.

hip hop

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Adore. Adore. Adore. 💖 Hubbard Street Dance is my dance home. It's where my dance legacy began. I spent countless hours here, exploring almost every style of dance offered, all thanks to their partnership with my alma mater, Roosevelt University.The teachers are incredible. Nurturing, talented, intelligent, and the best at what they do. They meet you exactly where you are…most, except for hip hop - teachers were a bit rude from what I can remember. Other than that, I didn’t have much formal dance training before starting here, just a bit of ballet. But the warm, supportive environment helped me build both confidence and technique.The studios are stunning! Bright, spacious, and always clean. The entire school is expansive, and while some moments may seem small, they’ve stayed with me over the years. Lining up at the front desk to check in, changing into my leotard or ballet slippers, skipping up the stairs to wait for class. Peeking through the windows at other classes, stretching with fellow dancers in the hall, and feeling the rush of excitement when it was finally time to enter the studio.I’ll never forget how exhilarating it felt to leap across the huge studio floor in modern dance and ballet, with live piano accompaniment in ballet. Asking my teachers questions and having them respond thoughtfully, deepening my practice. Every class left me feeling empowered and revived, heading back to the Blue Line as the sun set, listening to music and reminiscing about how great the class was.One of those nights, I even met my husband. We ended up dancing even more with him and friends that night. Now, I look forward to bringing my children to Hubbard Street when we visit home and when the time is right.Thank you, Hubbard Street Dance, for everything. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way. 🧡
August 01 · Candace Lewis Laietmark
Absolutely love this venue! There are always plenty of bars so the lines aren't too long and the space is very cool.
May 19 · Derrick
The space is great and the classes are decent, not to mention they are over priced. The reason I do not recommend this place or would ever come back is because of their management. A couple of weeks ago I went there for class, like anyone else I change of clothes and shoes neatly setting it in the dressing room, when I came back after class someone had stolen my shoes and front desk nor the MANAGER where able to help out. They have cameras but refuse to check to see what could have happen, I am not the only person that this has happen, a few of my friends have mentioned that theft has happened to them. As a customer I would like to feel valued, I was not asking them to replace my shoes but to help me figure out how and why this happens so often. They are not trying to solve the problems that happen at this place, this is a form of bad management. Seams to me that they only want your money and not your opinion of safety.
September 29 · Emanuel Aviles
I went to the beginner hiphop class once, and the atmosphere was too hard/challenging for beginners. The instructor was too pressuring, not supportive to the newbies - even he seemed to believe his aggreasive teaching style is very new and fancy. I asked the instructor to repeat certain confusing instruction once again and he simple ignored me, turned around and said “NO, learn yourself!”. I was very motified publically and the experience became traumatic, so I’ve never visited this studio again since then. I even saw some students dropped out in the middle of that class.I know not all beginners class are like that - I had enjoyed going to this studio for several months. But that particular instructor was so rude that some people came talk to me after the class it could be a possible rac****. Before this experience, the studio has been very nice and supportive ambiance overall. But I don’t ever want to visit again.
October 07 · Jiyoon Hur
Took a hip hop class with some short chick instructor. Didnt feel welcomed at all. I definitely felt judged and scrutinized the whole time. She calls you out in front of everyone and makes faces & embarrassing comments. If you’re looking for a fun class to stay active and face your fears of dancing/try it out, keep it moving. They only want career dancers here.
May 13 · Tyra White