I never heard Frankie Knuckles spin at the Warehouse. I missed the Pumpkins at Tower Records in ’93. I passed on an invite to see Chance play Reggies in 2012, but… I was at the Harper Theater in the fall of 2015 to witness the birth of the Civic Leadership Academy.
The first morning of CLA had all the markings of a decisive moment, the vibration of new relationships, the sparks of ideas connecting with their intended community, the expectations of our shared future. When we, as people, look back at these trajectory-changing moments, we have a tendency to think of them as when it all started. But talk to any leader with an idea that has “blown-up overnight” and they’ll tell you they’ve been “grinding for years.”
It was fitting that Linda Ginzel and Harry Davis spoke about perception that morning; how to increase self-awareness by viewing yourself from the mezzanine and the power of the green pen in ongoing self-assessment. This internal work is the invisible grind behind real change. To be honest, I didn’t think deeply about these messages at the time, but they’ve come to be defining touch points for my work as a person and as Executive Director at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.
Hubbard Street is one of Chicago’s cultural gems. Widely considered one of the world’s premier contemporary dance companies, the choreographic choices of Hubbard Street shape how our art form is perceived across the world. At our core, we believe dance is more than an art, but a universal mode of communication in which no form or style is intrinsically more valuable than another. It is a simple idea, but one that challenges not only the power structure of dance, but also the power structure of society.
Hang on… let me get up on the mezzanine level and look down on myself opining about the power of art to change the world. I see myself surrounded by so many amazing CLA leaders on the front lines, working in government, social service, public safety and a couple of you are giving me the side eye. Part of the beauty of CLA is our power to continue to hold each other accountable in a space of respect and love. So, let me say this, Hubbard Street is not going to change the world alone, we are a part of a change ecosystem.
It’s a change ecosystem that is, in part, powered by the teachings and frameworks of CLA. Not a week goes by that I don’t use what I learned in CLA. From storytelling to negotiating tactics, from long range planning strategy to community organizing, CLA and the members of our community continue to shape and reshape me as a leader.
In a few years, I hope all the folks who have made CLA so amazing can share a moment of joy and a knowing chuckle that Harry Davis’ recontextualization of the performing arts into lessons for CLA ended up playing a pivotal role in changing the perception of dance in America.
Originally Published by the Harris School of Public Policy