Thang Dao, Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona, recently completed a residency at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago where he created a new work titled “Nevermore.” In his own words, Dao describes his experience as an “ideal choreographic residency.”
Commissioned by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Dao was able to workshop the choreographic structure of “Nevermore” at the University of Arizona with the support of Dance Chair Duane Cyrus. This support allowed Dao to have a productive and rich experience at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.
Dao was impressed by the talent, sophistication, and intelligence of the dancers at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. He notes that the dancers have a genuine love, respect, and camaraderie for each other, which creates a safe space for everyone to be their unique selves while still being part of the creative energy and community.
The dancers at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago bring a unique energy to the process, absorbing, contextualizing, and analyzing movements with ease. Dao particularly loves the honesty and humanity the dancers bring to the movements and choreography, making his time at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago an incredible experience.
Thang Dao’s residency at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago was a successful and fulfilling experience, allowing him to create a work that allows his dual cultural identity to shine as an Asian American artist. The talent and energy of the dancers at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago made this residency a memorable one for Dao.
Video courtesy of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago