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Medici Mondays: Piper Northburg By Charlie Snyder, Arizona Arts

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Sunday, December 1, 2024
College of Fine Arts, School of Dance

Piper Northburg participated in Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s four-week ‘Explore Intensive,’ last summer, thanks to support from the College of Fine Arts Medici Circle.

Piper, a third-year BFA student in dance, was immersed in a wide range of dance techniques and learned Hubbard Street repertoire by esteemed choreographers such as Aszure Barton, Johan Inger, and FLOCK.

At the end of the intensive, Piper was selected to join Hubbard Street’s Fellow Program for demonstrating outstanding excellence, exemplary qualities, and a strong desire to learn by Jonathan Alsberry, director of summer intensives, and Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, Hubbard artistic director.

Piper Northburg (left); Piper with Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, Hubbard artistic director, after Piper was selected to the Hubbard Dance Fellows Program this past summer.

Students: Become a Medici Scholar. | Supporters: Join the Medici Circle.

“I am so honored to be returning to perform alongside the company members in choreographer Aszure Barton’s work, return to patience. Dancing with a company like Hubbard Street has always been a dream of mine, and I am deeply grateful for this incredible opportunity.”

Practice, Process, People

The emphasis throughout the four weeks was on “practice, process, people”—being dedicated to the practice, diving into the process, and contributing positively to the community.

“What I took away from this experience was not only an expansion of my technical skills but a deeper sense of artistic exploration and collaboration. The rigorous environment challenged me to grow as a dancer and as a creative individual. I gained invaluable new perspectives through the opportunity to take classes and learn repertoire from a diverse range of teachers and company members, each bringing their unique approach and insight.

“Being surrounded by such passionate and dedicated artists was incredibly inspiring. In just a month, I made connections that will last a lifetime.” 

Students: Become a Medici Scholar. | Supporters: Join the Medici Circle.

Piper training in rehearsal and performing on stage.

Medici Circle Appreciation

“A heartfelt thank you to my donors, Patricia Engels and Richard Medland, for making this transformative experience possible. Your generosity has allowed me to further my artistic journey and grow as a dancer.” 

Medici Circle support allows talented artists and scholars like Piper to pursue an educational summer project beyond the classroom. 

Previously on “Medici Mondays”