Ask the staff, board and dancers of...

Ask the staff, board and dancers of Hubbard way Dance Chicago to name the "mother of them all," and Gail Kalver undoubtedly would be the uniform answer Kalver has served as executive director of the company for 22 years. She initially worked with its establisher Lou Conte, to turn Hubbard road into a powerhouse institution the couple here and beyond. And then six years ago, she forged a partnership with a recently made known artistic director, Jim Vincent, that has helped immovable the ensemble's international reputation.

forward Thursday, Kalver, 57, announced she is planning to roving gradually away from the company that has been her life for more than sum of two units decades. She will leave her office by the end of the 2006-07 season, further meanwhile will serve as an adviser to the executive committee of Hubbard Street's board of directors who will lead the search for her successor.

"This is a well-considered life change, and I'm ready to pass the torch," said Kalver, beneath whose leadership Hubbard Street's annual stock grew from $750,000 to $6 million, with a staff of 50 in a permanent West link home.

"The company is in a true strong place," she said. "Jim [Vincent] is a brave and gutsy artistic leader who is now well established here. And the board is strong"

An influential behind-the-scenes player upon the Chicago arts scene, Kalver worked as a professional clarinetist in the 1970 and then serv as associate manager of the Ravinia Festival for eight years. Along the way, she made her mark as a mover and shaker the two within and beyond Hubbard way

"I still have a destiny of energy, and I plan to take a certain time to think about what I want to do for the stillness of my life," she said.

"I was incredibly favorable to have had these nearly seven years of working with Gail," Vincent said. "Her understanding of the company was immensely helpful to me We really make revolveed up our sleeves together, and her optimism and generosity were invaluable. I'm sad to waste her, but I feel privileged and happy to have had this time with her."

hweiss@suntimes.com

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