Aszure Barton's Final Unruly Dance for Hubbard Street

Julia Wagner · 2026-05-14

Choreographer Aszure Barton has always pushed boundaries, and her final commission for Hubbard Street Chicago is no exception. Titled "Unruly," this piece marks the end of an era for both the artist and the company. It's a bold, messy, and deeply human exploration of movement that refuses to be boxed in. For dance professionals, this is a masterclass in creative risk-taking. ### The Heart of 'Unruly' At its core, "Unruly" is about breaking free from expectations. Barton doesn't give her dancers clean lines or predictable rhythms. Instead, she asks them to find beauty in chaos. The choreography is raw, full of sudden stops, awkward angles, and moments of pure vulnerability. It feels less like a polished performance and more like watching someone think out loud with their body. That's what makes it so captivating. ### What Dance Studios Can Learn If you run a dance studio or choreograph for a company, there's a lot to take away from Barton's approach. She doesn't play it safe. Here are a few takeaways: - **Embrace imperfection.** Not every move has to be pretty. Sometimes the most powerful moments come from a stumble or a fall. - **Let your dancers lead.** Barton often builds pieces around her performers' strengths, not against them. Trust your team. - **Break the rules.** If you're stuck in a creative rut, try doing the opposite of what feels right. See what happens. ### The Final Bow This commission is Barton's last for Hubbard Street, but it's far from a goodbye. It's a statement. She's showing that even at the end, you can still be unruly. The piece runs at about 20 minutes, but its impact lingers long after the curtain drops. For anyone in the dance world, it's a reminder that art doesn't have to be tidy to be meaningful. > "Art should be a little dangerous," Barton once said. "If it's too comfortable, you're not growing." ### Why This Matters for Professionals Whether you're a studio owner, a choreographer, or a dancer, "Unruly" challenges you to rethink your own work. It's not about copying Barton's style. It's about finding your own version of unruly. Maybe that means experimenting with new music, mixing genres, or letting your dancers improvise more. The point is to stay curious and keep pushing. In a field that often prizes perfection, Barton reminds us that the best art is alive, messy, and a little unpredictable. And that's exactly what makes it unforgettable.