Professional Dancer with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC), Mr. Craig D Black Jr is our Number 23. I met Craig on a Germany tour with HSDC in February 2020 and I immediately liked him. His cordial manner is unique – you were always greeted with a warm smile.

NDKD: Thanks again for taking part in our Adventcalendar-Blog, dear Craig. First – please describe yourself in one sentence and let us know three words that are related to dance/culture for you.

Craig Black (CB): I am an artist and human still in discovery. “Friends”, “inspiration”, and “transcendent” are my words.

NDKD: What was your first encounter with dance?

CB: My grandmother was the first person to introduce me to dance. She took me to see The Nutcracker, and as I'm told, I was dancing up and down the aisle the entire time.

NDKD: What does DANCE mean to you?

CB: Dance is my everything. Not in a cheesy way necessarily, but in a way that just lives in me. I count myself lucky to be able to work with incredible artists that I call friends. I can express myself through movement and connect to so many people through this incredible artform that I am a part of. Dance allows me to transcend to another level of myself.

NDKD: What is your connection to the Norddeutsche Konzertdirektion?

CB: I am grateful to relate to Norddeutsche Konzertdirektion through a HSDC tour to Germany.

NDKD: Why did you become a dancer?

CB: I think dance caught me early on. When I was younger, I thought dancing was just a fun pastime. Once I learned it could also be my career, I was set on doing just that!

NDKD: How do you work exactly?

CB: I think my way of working has changed over the years. Now I have been focused on really listening and watching my peers. Trying to take in all the wonderful attributes they bring to the table and learning from them. 

NDKD: What role does music play in connection with dance for you and why?

CB: Music is huge for me. I think my taste changes constantly because of how different music makes me feel. Certain beats give me so many different feelings. At the same time, I think it is interesting to make your own music whether external or internal.

NDKD: Who or what inspires you and why?

CB: I have many inspirations. The thing that really keeps me going is my husband, Kevin, who dances with me in Hubbard Street. He is my number one supporter and fan, and I am not sure where I'd be without his love and support both in and out of the studio.

NDKD: Your favorite choreography that you have danced yourself?

CB: My favorite piece would have to be A Picture of You Falling by Crystal Pite 

NDKD: How and where are you spending Christmas this year?

CB: We definitely want to see our families and have yet to really make permanent plans.

NDKD: What is your favorite Christmas candy?

CB: Normally we get chocolate oranges as a Christmas tradition in my family. 

NDKD: Do you have a special Christmas tradition?

CB: That above haha, otherwise I can't think of anything too special.

NDKD: Why did you choose this photo, is there a story about it 😊?

CB: This is the most recent dance photo of myself, and I think it sums up where I am at in my life.

NDKD: Do you have a particular thought that you would like to share with us?

CB: I am so thankful to be doing what I love and hope that more people can experience the incredible artform that is dance. There is so much to love about dance! Also, hope to be touring to destinations like Germany again soon!

NDKD: Thank you, dear Craig – we hope to see you soon, again on tour with us in Germany! Merry Christmas!

Photo by Frank Ishman