Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) announced that former company member Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell has been named artistic director of the contemporary dance company, effective March 1.
A native of Baltimore, Fisher-Harrell began her dance training at the Baltimore School for the Arts and later studied at The Juilliard School. In 1989, she was invited to join HSDC and was quickly given featured roles in pieces including Daniel Ezralow's Read My Hips, Margo Sappington's Mirage, Twyla Tharp's Baker's Dozen and The Golden Section, and many more. In 1992, she became a principal dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater under the direction of Judith Jamison, where she had the honor of performing several iconic lead roles with the company during her 13-year tenure.
Since 2005 she has focused on education, passing on her knowledge and experience to future artists of all ages. She has served as a professor at Towson University, as an instructor at the Baltimore School for the Arts, and as a mentor to middle school students as Director of Ailey Camp Baltimore. She earned a Masters of Fine Arts from Hollins University in 2007.
"I am excited to get started," Fisher-Harrell said in a statement. "My vision for Hubbard Street includes creating a more accessible, exciting and diverse future for the company. Together we will continue to push contemporary dance and society forward by presenting challenging and diverse voices."