Giordano Dance Chicago celebrates 61st season with Studio 54 inspired gala

In celebration of its 61^st season, Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) hosted its “Studio 61” gala at the Ravenswood Event Center on Feb. 24. Honorary Chair for the evening was Emmy Award-winner (“So You Think You Can Dance”) Al Blackstone.

The festivities began with a cocktail reception before a warm welcome by GDC's Artistic Director Nan Giordano, Executive Director Erica Lynette Edwards and Board President Chris D’hondt.

The highlight of the evening was the sneak peek of performances by GDC dancers of two works premiering in April at the Harris Theater: Adam Houston’s “unconditional” and Al Blackstone’s “Gershwin in B.” Guests also enjoyed an open bar, silent auction, plated dinner and a lively paddle raise.

Captains for the “Studio 61” host committee were Paula and Tim Friedman. Committee members included Courtney and David Burk, John Cipriano, Tara Cope, Pam Crutchfield, Chris and Christine D’hondt, Ann Ford and Alex De Frise, Nan Giordano, Trey Gonzalez and Kip Helverson, Candace and Chuck Jordan, Jennifer and Kevin Kastenholz, Tina and Brian Monaghan, Janet Rauschenberger, Dan Sabol, Cesar G. Salinas and Richard and Diane Weinberg.

Sponsors for GDC’s “Studio 61” Gala Benefit were Anna Held Floral Studio, Breakthru Beverage Group, Darvin Furniture & Mattress, EP Event Rentals, DJ Madrid, Mansueto Foundation, Moët Hennessy, Ravenswood Event Center, John Robak and Smith's Men's Store – Lake Forest.

Watch for GDC’s exciting upcoming performances at the Harris Theater April 5 – 6 titled, “Season 61 | UNLIMITED!” The program will feature world premieres of Blackstone’s one act, “Gershwin in B," and Houston’s “unconditional,” plus popular selections from GDC’s repertoire.

America’s original jazz dance company, Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC), is an iconic cultural institution with deep roots in Chicago and partnerships around the globe. From its origins in founder Gus Giordano’s original school in Evanston, Ill., to its current incarnation as a Chicago-based world-class dance company, GDC boasts more than a half century of worldwide performances. They have appeared in 28 countries, 47 states and more than 1300 cities.

Now in her 39th season, Nan Giordano has led the company as Artistic Director, responsible for commissioning innovative choreographic works and mentoring thousands of aspiring dancers. This season, she is joined by GDC’s new Executive Director Erica Lynette Edwards as the company continues its exciting evolution.

(For more information on these and other GDC events, visit giordanodance.org.)