Giordano Dance Chicago captured hearts at exhilarating 60th anniversary celebration

Giordano Dance Chicago hosted a power-packed performance and gala to celebrate its 60^th anniversary April 1. The event was a sellout and a huge success in every way- from the dynamic VIP committee who lent their support, to the 380+ gala attendees to the over 1200 audience members who came out for the performance - in every respect it was a blow-out.

The evening began for VIP ticket holders with an exclusive backstage peek into the dancers’ pre-performance preparation as they rehearsed and warmed-up with the great choreographer and dance legend Homer Hans Bryant. A champagne toast and dinner in the Green Room were also included for the 40 or so VIPs. Artistic Director Nan Giordano and Executive Director Michael McStraw delivered warm welcome remarks and took questions from the rapt crowd as they watched the dancers doing their warm-up routines, jumping and twirling mere feet from the guests.

The two-hour Harris performance (with intermission) had guests on the edge of their seats from start to finish, opening with a performance set to “Unforgettable” (with music by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole). The dancers were elegant in tuxes and flowing gowns with the stage draped in white. Up next, one of my favorites, “Sing, Sing, Sing (music by Alan Silvestri and Louis Prima). Here the dancers showed the reason why they are known as “America’s original jazz dance company” and their trademark high energy.

Choreographer Kia Smith presented a world premiere of her “Luminescence.” (with music by Coldplay and U2). Twenty-five dancers commanded the stage, including members of her South Chicago Dance Theatre. The piece was created in honor of Homer Hans Bryant. The return of choreographer (to the stars, including Jennifer Lopez) Liz Imperio’s spirited “La Belleza de Cuba” and Randy Duncan’s “Can’t Take This Away,” that featured the amazing vocals of the Bourne Family, closed out the performance part of the evening. For the finale, the dancers came out into the audience dancing exuberantly and drawing wild, appreciative applause.

A beautiful, yet bittersweet, moment occurred when two of the company’s veteran dancers, Ashley Downs and Katie Rafferty, took their final bows after a combined 24 years with GDC. They were honored in both a video presentation and with bouquets lovingly presented by Nan Giordano and Michael McStraw at the end of their last performance. Original company members, Mort Kessler, and longtime former Executive Director, Ben Hodge, were the evening's honorees.

Following the show, 380 gala guests walked through the Harris Theater, and onto a freight elevator, to reach the Pritzker Pavilion Stage for the celebration. The views of the Chicago skyline and Millennium Park through the glass walls of the stage were spectacular! An open bar and buffet created by Inspired Catering (Karen Stefani) added to the exciting experience.

Governor J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot both declared April 1, “Giordano Dance Chicago Day.”  What a night to celebrate 60 amazing years of Giordano Dance Chicago!

The gala committee consisted of: Joshua Blake Carter, Gorman Cook, Tara Cope, Pamela Crutchfield, Chris D’Hondt, Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, Melissa and Brian Babcock, Kyle Barrettsmith, Israel and Jatnna Idonije, Jennifer Sutton Brieva and Dr. Joaquin Brieva, Bethany Florek, Ann Ford, Paula Friedman, Dina Gallay, Marilynn Gardner, Nick Pullia, Sandy Golub, Jon Harris, Will Harris, Todd Hatoff, Kip Helverson, Paul Iacono, Ryan Jacobson, Kevin Janes, Makenzie Kaiser, Jennifer Kastenholz, Stewart Kerr, Kristine Kinder, Rachel Kohl, Molly Manus, Pat Manus, Kevin McGirr, Michael McStraw, Audi Melsbakas, Tina Monaghan, Molly Newell, Diana Nielander, Ken Norgan, Mark Olley, John Robak, Dan Sabol, Cesar G. Salinas, Tom Sinkovic and Diane and Richard Weinberg. Candace Jordan served as the event chair.(giordanodance.org)

(Photos by Candid Candace Jordan and Beth Ann Anderson. Follow Candace @CandidCandace on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter)

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