Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) hosted “Studio 63,” a gala benefit patterned after New York City’s legendary 1970s nightclub Studio 54, at the Ravenswood Event Center, 4021 N. Ravenswood Ave., on Saturday, Feb. 21. More than 250 guests attended the celebratory event that raised more than $230,000 to support the Giordano Dance Chicago Dancer Fund. The benefit chair was Brandon Stith alongside committee members Kyle Barrettsmith and Jonathan Motto, Tara Cope, Chris and Christine D’hondt, Paula and Tim Friedman, Leslie Glazier, Kip Helverson and Trey Gonzales, Candace and Chuck Jordan, Jennifer and Kevin Kastenholz and Matt Roma.
Festivities began at 7 p.m. Upon arrival, guests were greeted on the red carpet with an ovation by GDC dancers before mixing and mingling during a festive reception with open bar, sponsored by Breakthru Beverage & Moët Hennessy.
Pictured: The evening's honorees, Lee and Sandy Golub, make their entrance down the red carpet. Photo by Beth Anne Anderson
Following a lavish buffet, the evening’s program began with the critically acclaimed GDC dancers performing selections from’ Ray Leeper's “Red & Black” and a sneak peek of Jon Rua’s “namuH,” which will have its world premiere at the company’s upcoming April engagement at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Following the Star Opening number featuring a special appearance by Stith, Board President Chris D’hondt and GDC Artistic Director Nan Giordano presented the GDC Legacy Award to Sandy and Lee Golub, before dancers returned to the stage one last time to give guests a taste of GDC resident choreographer Al Blackstone’s “Dumb Luck!,” also premiering at the April Harris Theater engagement. A live auction and energetic paddle raise conducted by D’hondt and Helverson followed. Dessert and open dancing to vibes by DJ Ferragamo rounded out the evening.
“Studio 63” was made possible through the support of Liz and Matt Connelly, Sandy & Lee Golub - Golub Family Foundation, Breakthru Beverage, Modern Luxury/CS, Moët Hennessy, Ravenswood Event Center, Smith’s Men’s Store and Anna Held Floral Studio.
The “Studio 63” benefit preceded Giordano Dance Chicago’s spring performances of their 63rd season “Ignite the Soul” engagement, April 10-11 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St. The program will feature three world premieres: “Dumb Luck!,” choreographed by GDC Resident Choreographer and Emmy Award-winner Al Blackstone; “namuH,” choreographed by Broadway, commercial, and stage choreographer Jon Rua; and “My Kind of Girl,” a new tap duet choreographed by DanceOne Convention Executive Director and founder of Tapaholics, Mike Minery, and performed by Minery with GDC company dancer Erina Ueda. For tickets or more information, visit www.harristheaterchicago.org.
America's original jazz dance company electrifies into their 63rd season with radiance and infinite horizons. Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) is an iconic cultural institution with deep roots in Chicago and around the globe (28 countries, 47 states, and more than 1,300 cities). From founder Gus Giordano's vision, the company continues to honor the past while pushing the art form forward. Nan Giordano celebrates 41 years as an artistic leader responsible for commissioning innovative choreographic works and mentoring thousands of dancers. Alongside Nan, Associate Artistic Director, Cesar G. Salinas and the magnificent dancers are an integral part of the GDC legacy. Al Blackstone serves as Resident Choreographer, truly a testament that the art form of jazz dance is thriving. The company is one of the few in the world that has a foundational technique, Nan Giordano Certification Program®, with certified teachers in nine countries and 36 states. GDC is committed to Youth Arts Education at home and on tour through mentorships, scholarships, and our free Chicago Public Schools and park programs. GDC is proud to be one of the longest running dance companies in the world, continuing to enrich lives through dance. For more information visit www.giordanodance.org.