Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) returns to the Harris Theater with a joyous program and a beautiful new company of 13 dancers 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Oct. 23. This engagement also marks the final performances by 14-year veteran GDC Company dancer Zachary Heller with the company.
“Our return to the Harris stage is monumental for so many reasons,” says GDC Artistic Director Nan Giordano. “It is a new day for GDC and we can’t wait to celebrate the start of our 59th season. It’s been nearly two years since we’ve performed here, so we wanted to welcome our audience with a celebratory program that highlights Zachary Heller’s final performance with GDC.”
The program will feature the following works from GDC’s repertoire:
- Marinda Davis’ “Flickers” (2019). GDC Company dancer Heller is showcased in this full-company work by Davis, a renowned and inspirational choreographer whose work captures how dreams come true when buoyed by flickers of hope.
- Autumn Eckman’s “A Little Moonlight” (2010). Seasoned GDC veterans Adam Houston and Katie Rafferty are featured in this light hearted romp.
- Ray Mercer’s “Shirt Off My Back” (2015). This full-company work choreographed by award-winning choreographer Mercer explores the inherent sacrifices people make as they enter into a relationship.
- Joshua Blake Carter’s “Take a Gambol” (2018). Set to a score of 1960s jazz classics, “Take a Gambol” features the entire GDC ensemble dancers of 13 dancers. The work, originally premiered with a cast of eight men, has been completely reworked.
- Christopher Huggins “Pyrokinesis” (2007). Independent choreographer and former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater dancer Huggins’ work showcases the unique and specific strengths of the individual company members in two movements: one lyrical and flowing; the other, percussive and explosive. This is one of the first works Heller performed when he joined the company in 2007.
- COMPANY PREMIERE: “All For You” by Adam Houston. This pas de deux choreographed by GDC’s Houston, and performed by GDC dancers Skyler Newcom and Ashley Downs, was created for “Giordano on Giordano,” a program of works choreographed by GDC Company members and staff and performed by the artists of Giordano II.
Giordano Dance Chicago presents its fall engagement at the Harris Theater at Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph Dr., 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Oct. 23. Tickets are $20-$90. Tickets are on sale beginning Aug. 13. For tickets or more information visit www.harristheaterchicago.org or call 312.334.7777.
Please note: For the safety of patrons, performers, staff and crew, Giordano Dance Chicago complies rigorously with all COVID-19 protocols as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago, and the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. As these safety measures change, GDC will keep you apprised of current protocols to ensure a joyous and safe performance experience with Giordano Dance Chicago.
Giordano Dance Chicago, America’s original jazz dance company, now in its 59th year, is one of the longest running professional dance companies in Chicago and one of few dance companies in the U.S. to have achieved this milestone. Currently under the leadership of Artistic Director Nan Giordano and Executive Director Michael McStraw, GDC is a world-class dance company and a driving force in Chicago's thriving performing arts community. The company's new works continually expand the boundaries of jazz and contemporary dance. Each year, the company’s innovative outreach program, “Jazz Dance/Science & Health,” has typically reached more than 450 CPS students in four underserved CPS schools. The Nan Giordano Certification Program ® offers certification world-wide to professional dance educators in the proprietary and foundational Giordano Technique, created by Gus Giordano. For more information about GDC and its programs, call 312.922.1332 or visit www.giordanodance.org.
Giordano Dance Chicago is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation and is not affiliated with the Gus Giordano Dance School in Andersonville or the Gus Giordano Jazz Legacy Foundation.