Giordano Dance Chicago’s “SOARING” Honors Nan Giordano’s 40 Years at the Helm and More

Giordano Dance Chicago, America’s original jazz dance company, continues its 62nd season with two performances and a gala celebration at the Harris Theater at Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph Street, at 7:30 p.m., April 4 and 6 p.m., Saturday, April 5. The program, SOARING: Life, Light, and Legacy, is a celebration of the joy of living, the brilliance of light, and the lasting impact of Nan Giordano’s 40 years at the helm of Giordano Dance Chicago and the vibrant life of her beloved son, Keenan Giordano Casey.

“The magnitude of love and support that I have received has been overwhelming, giving me the strength to find the light amidst the darkness,” says Giordano Dance Chicago Artistic Director Nan Giordano. “These performances are meant to celebrate life in all its forms and the enduring essence of joy, beauty and energy, all the trademarks of the Giordano core.”

The performances feature two world premieres – a full company work by Resident Choreographer Al Blackstone, and a solo by Nan Giordano and Associate Artistic Director Cesar G. Salinas; plus a tribute to the life of Keenan Giordano Casey.

The world premiere of “Sana” (Latin for heal) by Blackstone is his second work created for the full company and is set to an original music score by percussionist and pianist Stahv Danker. His previous work was the critically acclaimed one act, “Gershwin in B.”

“333” is an inspirational solo created for company dancer Erina Ueda, by Nan Giordano and Cesar G. Salinas.

SOARING is a new heartfelt tribute to the life of Nan’s son, Keenan Giordano Casey (1995-2024). Laced with dance and video, will be created through a collaboration between Nan Giordano, Cesar G. Salinas and the Giordano Dance Chicago Company Dancers.  

Popular works from Giordano Dance Chicago’s repertoire complete the program including:

“Groove, in formed” (2019), by renowned mastermind choreographer Peter Chu, blending bold movement with intricate rhythms set to the original score by Jake Kelberman.

The visually stunning “Taal” (2001), a captivating work by Nan Giordano bridging cultures together through beauty and unity.

The tantalizing “Red & Black” (2024), by Dancing with the Stars choreographer Ray Leeper, fusing passion, elegance, and sophistication.

Harris Theater performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 4 and 6 p.m., Saturday, April 5. Tickets are $27-$97. For tickets or more information, visit harristheaterchicago.org or call 312.334.7777.

On Saturday, April 5, Giordano Dance Chicago will also host a gala celebration, “Life, Light, Legacy” honoring Nan Giordano’s legacy as well as the lives of Nan’s son, Keenan Giordano Casey and the Giordano Dance Chicago Founder Gus Giordano. Gala tickets include VIP seating for that evening’s 6 p.m. Harris Theater performance and a post-performance celebration at Avli on the Park (180 N. Field Blvd.) featuring a lavish buffet with open wine and beer (cash bar is available). Tickets for the gala are $333. For tickets or more information, call 312.922.1332 or visit giordanodance.org/LifeLightLegacy.

GDC’s Sasha Lazarus, Photo by Todd Rosenberg