Giordano Dance Chicago

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of Giordano dance Chicago?

Giordano Dance Chicago, founded in 1963 by the legendary Gus Giordano, stands as one of America's longest-running jazz dance companies. Based in Chicago, the company has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of jazz dance both locally and internationally. Originally known as Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, the company was established to promote jazz dance as a respected and sophisticated art form. Over the decades, Giordano Dance Chicago has performed worldwide, becoming an ambassador for the energetic and expressive style of jazz dance. The company's innovative repertoire blends classic jazz with contemporary influences, showcasing the versatility and evolution of the genre. Today, under the leadership of Nan Giordano, the founder's daughter, Giordano Dance Chicago continues to honor its roots while forging new creative directions, offering captivating performances and educational outreach. Its legacy is deeply intertwined with Chicago's rich arts culture, making it a cornerstone of the city's vibrant dance scene.

What is the Chicago dance called?

The Chicago dance most closely associated with the city's cultural identity is the "Chicago-Style Stepping," often simply called "Steppin'." This smooth and sophisticated partner dance originated in Chicago's African American communities during the 1970s. Steppin' evolved from earlier dance styles like the "Bop" and "Swing," incorporating intricate footwork, graceful turns, and a unique rhythmic flow. While Steppin' is the most iconic social dance, Chicago is also renowned for its contributions to jazz dance, largely thanks to pioneers like Gus Giordano and companies such as Giordano Dance Chicago. The city's vibrant dance scene also encompasses house dance, ballroom, and modern dance, but "Steppin'" remains a distinct Chicago innovation, celebrated at clubs, social events, and dance competitions across the city and beyond. Its enduring popularity speaks to the city's rich musical heritage and the community spirit that defines Chicago's arts and culture.

What is the Giordano technique?

The Giordano Technique is a pioneering jazz dance methodology developed by Gus Giordano, designed to emphasize strength, precision, and expressive movement. At its core, this technique focuses on isolations

What is Gus Giordano known for?

Gus Giordano is renowned as a trailblazer in American jazz dance, celebrated for his influential choreography, teaching, and commitment to elevating jazz as an art form. He is best known for founding Giordano Dance Chicago in 1963, a company that has become synonymous with innovative jazz dance. Giordano's legacy includes the development of the Giordano Technique, a distinctive style that emphasizes isolations, strength, and expressive movement. In addition to his artistic achievements, Gus Giordano authored "Anthology of American Jazz Dance," one of the first comprehensive textbooks on jazz dance technique, which remains a valuable resource for dancers worldwide. He also established the Jazz Dance World Congress, a global gathering of dancers and educators dedicated to jazz dance. Through his visionary leadership and passion for dance education, Gus Giordano has left a lasting imprint on the world of dance, earning recognition as one of the true masters and ambassadors of jazz dance.

What are some fun facts about Gus Giordano?

Gus Giordano's life was filled with fascinating achievements and contributions to the dance world. Here are some fun facts about him: - He began dancing as a child in St. Louis and performed on Broadway before settling in Chicago. - Giordano was one of the first artists to bring jazz dance to the concert stage, helping elevate the genre from a social dance to a respected performance art. - His book, "Anthology of American Jazz Dance," published in 1975, is hailed as a foundational text for jazz dance students and teachers. - Gus Giordano appeared in the classic film "On the Town" (1949) alongside Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. - In 1990, he founded the Jazz Dance World Congress, drawing dancers and educators from around the globe to celebrate and advance the art of jazz dance. - Giordano's legacy continues through his daughter, Nan Giordano, who leads Giordano Dance Chicago and preserves his influential technique and vision. Gus Giordano's dedication, creativity, and charisma made him a beloved figure in the dance community and a true pioneer of jazz dance.