THE LOOP — Roosevelt University announced Thursday that the largest dance studio in its year-old dance facility at 218 S. Wabash Ave. will be named in honor of Chicago dancer and choreographer Lou Conte, founder of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.
Conte, who Roosevelt Trustee Charles Gardner called "the Michael Jordan of dance," will be honored at the new Lou Conte Studio's ribbon-cutting reception Tuesday at the entrance to what was formerly Room 308.
The building was the site of Lou Conte’s studio's headquarters from 1981-1998. Today, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is headquartered at 1147 W. Jackson Blvd.
Gardner, who currently sits on the advisory board of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, is financially supporting the studio along with his wife, Patti Selander Eylar, according to the university. Eylar, who took classes in Conte's studio when it was housed in the Wabash Avenue location, said in a statement that "it's interesting and vital" to keep memories of the site's history alive.
In fall 2013, Roosevelt University's College of Performing Arts expanded into 218 S. Wabash Ave. and Conte's former dance space to house its new Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre dance concentration program.
"Support for the facility in which we are teaching this program is particularly meaningful to us," said Henry Fogel, dean of Roosevelt University's performing arts college.
Fogel called the naming gift "a strong affirmation by a donor of the value and importance of the new program we are offering for a degree in music theatre with a dance emphasis."
A quote from Conte engraved on a plaque outside the studio says the longtime dancer is "proud of all we accomplished during our 17 years in this location."
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