Chicago-based Hubbard Street Dance Company will bring their unique style and energy to The Plaza Arts Center this weekend in the Oconee Performing Arts Society’s final performance of the season.

Performing Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m., the dance company will bring to the Plaza stage a young and hip show by one of the most respected American modern dance companies today, according to Roman Terleckyj, executive director of OPAS.

“They’re young performers. Basically it’s a modern dance troupe. They’re very athletic,” he said. “I believe it’s one of the most interesting American dance companies.”

The Hubbard Street Dance Company’s mission is to “be America’s leading contemporary dance company, presenting eclectic, innovative and razor-sharp repertoire; promoting appreciation for contemporary dance; and contributing to the evolution of the art form,” according to the company’s Web site, www.hubbardstreetdance.com.

Established in 1977, HSDC has performed to audiences worldwide — more than 100,000 people annually. The group has performed nearly 80 works, including 53 world premieres. The group has also performed in 44 states and toured in 17 countries. HSDC is also the recipient of numerous awards including the Governor’s Award from the State of Illinois in 1986 and the Ruth Page/Chicago Dance Awards from the Chicago Dance and Music Alliance.

A recent article published in the Chicago Sun-Times heralds the dance company among the city’s best: “The Hubbard Street company … is dancing at the very peak of its powers at the moment,” writes Hendy Weiss in the Oct. 5 article. “…its superbly paced mixed bill of four works — all exploring the nature of male-female relationships in the most varied but uniformly sophisticated ways — was thrilling.”

This weekend’s performance at Lake Oconee is a part of the company’s fall series, which also featured a world premiere by Finnish choreographer Jorma Elo; audience favorite “Jardi Tancat” by Nacho Duato; “Lickety Split” by HSDC resident choreographer Alejandro Cerrudo; and Lucas Crandall’s “The Set.”

“At Hubbard Street, we’re building on our 32-year history by collaborating with the most important choreographers from around the world,” said Glenn Edgerton, HSDC artistic director in a press release on the fall season.

Formed in 2007, OPAS in a nonprofit cultural arts organization that brings live music, theatre and dance performances to the Lake Oconee region. OPAS opened its first season in December 2007.

The upcoming show is the final performance of the 2009 season for OPAS. The 2010 season will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We look forward to seeing everyone at these performances,” said Terleckyj.

Tickets for the upcoming show range from $25 to $55 and can be purchased at the OPAS box office. For more

information, call (706) 999-1518.