Sault dancer joins Chicago main dance company
Thursday, September 13, 2012 by: SooToday.com Staff
ABRIDGED NEWS RELEASE
HUBBARD STREET
DANCE CHICAGO
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Hubbard Street Dance Chicago adds three members to main company
CHICAGO - Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, led by Artistic Director Glenn Edgerton, introduces three new artists joining its main performing Company, each fluent and highly accomplished in both classical and contemporary dance.
The total number of members is now 18.
Johnny McMillan, Quinn Wharton and Laura O’Malley are all cast for the world premiere of One Thousand Pieces, a full-length work created by Hubbard Street Resident Choreographer Alejandro Cerrudo.
The piece, inspired by Marc Chagall’s America Windows, launches the Company’s Landmark 35th Anniversary Season October 18–21, 2012 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park.
“I’m happy to have a company of 18 dancers this season,” says Terence Marling, Hubbard Street rehearsal director. “I think of our dancers as facets to the Company’s diamond. Each of our three new members brings something different to stage. Hubbard Street has always been a Company of strong, knowable personalities and we continue that tradition as we begin our 35th season.”
After two years with Hubbard Street 2, 20-year-old Johnny McMillan joined the main Company in April 2012.
He performed most recently during its 2012 Summer Series, dancing William Forsythe’s Quintett as well as Resident Choreographer Alejandro Cerrudo’s Malditos.
During the sixth annual Chicago Dancing Festival, McMillan appeared with Hubbard Street in SCARLATTI by Twyla Tharp and Tabula Rasa by Ohad Naharin.
Also a choreographer, McMillan has premiered three original works since joining HS2, most recently Little Penny and the Shimmy Boys, seen at Hubbard Street’s 2012 Inside/Out Choreographic Workshop.
McMillan began his training at age 12 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
He graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy, receiving its Young Artists’ Award in dance.
He has trained at the San Francisco Conservatory, Bartholin International Ballet Seminar and at Hubbard Street and worked with Gleich Dances under the direction of Julia Gleich.
In 2010, McMillan won First Place in both the classical and contemporary divisions of the American Ballet Competition.
His classical résumé includes Arthur Saint-Léon’s Coppélia, August Bournonville’s La Sylphide and Frederick Ashton’s Les Patineurs; contemporary choreographers whose work he’s danced include Randy Duncan, Patrick Corbin, Kim Robards and Hannah Baumgarten.
McMillan joined Hubbard Street 2 as an apprentice in September 2010, became a Hubbard Street 2 company member in August 2011 and was promoted in April 2012 to the main Company.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, under the artistic leadership of Glenn Edgerton, celebrates 35 years in the 2012-2013 season as one of the most original forces in contemporary dance.
As one of the world’s most important contemporary dance companies, Hubbard Street encompasses a vast array of techniques and forms, as well as an understanding of abstract artistry and the emotional nuances of movement.
Critically acclaimed for its exuberant, athletic, and innovative repertoire, Hubbard Street presents performances that inspire, challenge, and engage audiences worldwide.
The company’s ensemble of dancers displays unparalleled versatility and virtuosity, allowing Hubbard Street to expand its eclectic repertoire with works by master American and international choreographers.
Since Lou Conte founded the company in 1977, Hubbard Street has expanded beyond its main company to include: Hubbard Street 2, which cultivates young professional dancers and choreographers; extensive Education and Community Programs; Youth Dance Classes (ages 9 months-13 years), including Creative Movement and various dance technique classes at Hubbard Street Dance Center; and the Lou Conte Dance Studio, which offers a wide variety of classes weekly in jazz, ballet, modern, tap, African, hip hop, yoga, Pilates, and Zumba at levels from basic to professional, as well as workshops and master classes.
For more information visit hubbardstreetdance.com.
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