Q: Tell us about one of your favorite projects.
My favorite projects that I’ve worked on in my internship with Hubbard Street 2 have been my involvement in the creation of two brand new dance pieces. Hubbard Street annually holds a National Choreographic Competition through which they choose two emerging and talented choreographers to create work on the second company. This year we worked with American choreographer Loni Landon, as well as Brazilian choreographer Alex Soares, each for a two week period. It was amazing to be directly involved in the process of creation with both choreographers alongside the dancers of Hubbard Street 2. The knowledge and experience I gleaned from those four weeks alone was truly immense and unforgettable.
Q: What is your favorite place to go in Chicago?
My favorite place to go in Chicago would have to be around Millennium Park to see Cloud Gate (or, as it is commonly known, The Bean). It is very tourist-y, yet somehow I am struck again and again by how beautiful the Chicago skyline is in that stretched and skewed reflection. It reminds me how exciting it is to be living in this big, beautiful city.
Q: Tell us about an interesting moment you have experienced during your program.
Every day that I’m with Hubbard Street 2 has had both its funny and interesting moments. One interesting experience that stands out for me was collaborating with the Art Institute of Chicago in a performance celebrating and exploring the works of the Old Masters. It was a completely unique experience because we performed in the actual galleries, full of priceless paintings, with an audience watching from only a few feet away. This is a completely different experience than the usual dancing on a stage, where lights make the audience look like deep black nothingness. Dancing at the AIC was extremely close and intimate, and something I’ll never forget!
Q: What is your favorite new food you have tried in the United States?
Coming from Canada, essentially all of the food available is the same as in the U.S. However, I have been delighted with Chicago’s particular affinity for Brunch! One amazing restaurant that I discovered around my neighborhood is called Longman and Eagle. Although they also offer a dinner and extensive drink menu, their brunch is truly phenomenal. (I recommend their smoked Scottish salmon benedict on pumpernickel rye, for any who are interested!)
Q: What has been your favorite cultural activity so far?
So far, my favorite cultural activity in Chicago has been being able to see The Second City of Chicago on two separate occasions. Sketchy comedy and Improv is big in Chicago, and The Second City is definitely the ultimate destination for it. I saw two revues (‘A Clown Car Named Desire’ and ‘Let Them Eat Chaos’), both of which were hilarious and completely inspiring!
See some of Adrienne’s works here:
