Kahilu Theatre Presents Giordano Dance Chicago

For over 56 years, Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) has been a major influence on the American jazz dance scene. As part of their 2018-2019 season, “Live in the MOMENT(UM)”, GDC debuts a new, full-company work by award-winning choreographer Ray Leeper (“So You Think You Can Dance;” “America’s Got Talent”). Giordano Dance Chicago will perform at the Kahilu Theatre on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, at 7 p.m.

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.

“Celebration is something GDC does better than any other dance company in Chicago. Their works tend to be fun-filled and jubilant, allowing us to forget about life for a while.” – Chicago Tribune.

Leeper has established himself as one of the most respected artists in the dance industry. His choreography credits include music videos and live performances for well-known recording artists including Cher, Elton John, IL Divo, Nick Cannon, Snoop Dogg, and many more. Honors and awards include “Best Choreography Award” for his work on “Common Grounds” in the New York Musical Theater Festival and the prestigious Gold Leo Award for Excellence in Choreography presented at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

“Ray’s connection with GDC began many years ago when my father, [company founder] Gus Giordano, pulled the tween-aged Ray up on stage during a workshop at a dance convention,” GDC Artistic Director Nan Giordano said.”Since then, his relationship with GDC has grown and in 2014 we commissioned him to create ‘Feelin’ Good Sweet’ for the company. Ray has once again hit the GDC mark with his newest work, “SOUL,” created against a musical backdrop of songs made popular by
Gladys Knight and the Pips, Al Green and Tina Turner. As announced in our February 2018 gala, we are dedicating the work to our very good friend, Chicago’s own Candace Jordan.,” says GDC Artistic Director Nan Giordano.

In addition to Leeper’s “SOUL,” the program coming to the Kahilu Theatre will feature the following works from the GDC repertoire:

• “Divided Against” (2016). Peter Chu explores the divergent forces within us in this full company work set to original music by Jean-François (Djeff) Houle.
• “JOLT” (2012). This fun, “out of the box” full-company work is infused with rhythm and interplay and features choreography by former GDC assistant artistic director Autumn Eckman, concept and structure by GDC Artistic Director Nan Giordano and an original score by Evan Bivins.
• “Sidecar” (2004) Former Hubbard Street Dance Chicago company member Mark Swanhart created this quirky and whimsical work for 10 dancers.
• “Loose Canon” (2006). Jon Lehrer sets this theatrical, humorous and athletic work on five dancers.

Giordano Dance Chicago is proudly sponsored by Kate Bell & Tom Blackburn and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Tickets are $65, $45 and $25 and can be purchased online, by phone (808) 885-6868 or at the Kahilu Theatre Box Office located at 67-1186 Lindsey Road in Kamuela.