‘Dancing With The Giordano Stars’ 2025 makes history as company’s largest fundraiser ever

Giordano Dance Chicago celebrated a record-breaking night at its 18th annual “Dancing With The Giordano Stars” ballroom dance extravaganza, raising more than $336,000 and drawing the largest audience and funds raised in the event’s history. Held Oct. 9 at Park West, the event welcomed a sold-out crowd of more than 425 supporters, all gathered to cheer on ten celebrity competitors paired with professional Giordano Dance Chicago dancers. The event supported the company’s Youth Arts Education Programs.

Guests were welcomed with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from Food For Thought before the curtain rose on a high-energy disco dance extravaganza choreographed by GDC Artistic Director Nan Giordano and Associate Artistic Director Cesar G. Salinas. The opening number featured Brandon Stith, who won the chance to appear after placing the highest bid at the company’s Feb. “Studio 62” gala. Returning as emcee for the second consecutive year was Lisa Fielding, anchor and reporter for WBBM Newsradio.

The panel of guest judges included Emmy-winning director and choreographer Al Blackstone, Chicago Star Media associate publisher and Candid Candace blogger, yours truly and former FOX Chicago broadcaster Corey McPherrin. Male contestants and their GDC partners included Rusty Hernandez-Sanfilippo with Analysse Vance, Franco La Marca with Sasha Lazarus, Dr. Ned Nasr with Amanda Hickey-Newcom, Dr. Alfonso Tafur with Erina Ueda and Marty Trainor with Talia Luzzo. Dancing in the female division were Anny Gary with Eduardo Zambrana, Jen Jacobson with Simon Schuh, Janet Rauschenberger with Fernando Rodriguez, Molly Tully with Cesar G. Salinas and Debbie Hodgkins with Adam Houston.

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When the final scores and fundraising tallies were confirmed, Jen Jacobson captured the title of Best Female Dancer while Dr. Alfonso Tafur earned Best Male Dancer honors. Debbie Hodgkins was celebrated as Top Fundraiser and Molly Tully took home the Audience Favorite award. The results capped an unforgettable night of friendly competition, community spirit and spectacular dance, all in support of a company that continues to shape the future of jazz dance and arts education in Chicago and beyond.