GDC Debuts New Work by Peter Chu at the Harris Theater Oct. 25-26

Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) debuts “Groove, in formed” a new work by award-winning choreographer Peter Chu with original music composed by Jake Kelberman at GDC’s fall engagement at the Harris Theater at Millennium Park, 7:03 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26. This will be the second work full company work created by Chu for GDC. His first was the critically acclaimed “Divided Against” (2016) hailed as “a stunning and surprising knockout” (Chicago Tribune).

“Jazz dance was one of the primary techniques I studied during my training years,” says Chu. “It was then I began to appreciate the polyrhythms and the history that helped shape this American Art form. Entering this second creation for Giordano Dance Chicago, I wanted to connect to the steps and rhythms infused in jazz dance and the Giordano Technique. Smooth and syncopated moves in the body emphasize individuality but are united by the pulsing history and a few movements that make up the Giordano Technique... In this work, we celebrate individuality, which is a crucial component to jazz dance & being ‘in the groove.’ The vibrations and sounds generated from music connects humans at a profound level as rhythms can heal and bring communities together during times of sadness, grief, love, and joy…”

Born in the Bronx, N.Y. and raised in Cocoa Beach, Fla., Chu began his training as a competitive gymnast, later nurturing his artistry at Dussich Dance Studio, where his evolution into dance began. Upon graduation from The Juilliard School, he performed with BJM Danse, EZdanza, Aszure Barton & Artists, Kidd Pivot and in ‪Celine Dion’s Vegas spectacular, “A New Day,” and as the lead in ‪Christina Perri’s “Jar of Hearts” music video. In 2008, Peter formed a Las Vegas project-based dance company, chuthis., which showcases the work of Chu and his collaborators and also provides movement education programs which foster technical and artistic development. Chu’s honors and awards include Hector Zaraspe Prize, A.C.E. Capezio Award and a commission from the Hubbard Street Dance International Commissioning Project. Chu has created works for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Charlotte Ballet II, Orlando Ballet Theatre, Hubbard Street 2, Giordano Dance Chicago, Nederlands Dans Theater Summer Intensive, Point Park University and The Juilliard School, among others.

In addition to the debut of Chu’s “Groove, in formed,” the program will also feature

• Randy Duncan’s “Can’t Take This Away” (1997) featuring live vocals on stage by The Bourné Family;
• Marinda Davis “Flickers” (2019), a full-company work by Marinda Davis;

• “Sabroso” (2011) Choreographed by Del Dominguez and Laura Flores, this sizzling full company ballroom work embraces elements of Cha-cha, Rumba, Mambo, Bolero and Latin Swing.

• A restaging of “Surrender” (1999) by former Hubbard Street Dance Chicago company member Alberto Arias.

Giordano Dance Chicago presents its fall engagement at the Harris Theater at Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph Dr., 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26. Tickets are $20-$90. For tickets or more information visit Harristheaterchicago.org or call 312.334.7777.