Giordano Dance Chicago Debuts New Works at the Harris Apr. 1-2

Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) continues their 59th Season, “Illuminate,” at the Harris Theater in Millennium Park, 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2. The program includes the world premiere of Autumn Eckman’s “Retroverse," featuring original music by Dan Myers, and “3,” a new work choreographed for a trio by Joshua Blake Carter, GDC Operations Manager and Director of Giordano II. Popular works from GDC’s repertoire complete the program.

“After waiting for two years, the world premiere of ‘Retroverse’ is finally here,” says GDC Artistic Director Nan Giordano. “The theme of this work – looking back yet feeling hopeful about the future – has more impact now more than ever. “Retroverse” is made possible, in part, by the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation and was gifted in honor of Pam Crutchfield.

Carter’s trio for one woman and two men is set to music of British jazz/soul artist Laura Mvula whose lyric, “…bathe in the sunlight, don’t mind if rain falls…” inspired the work’s creation. “Spending time out of doors during the pandemic, come rain or shine, truly kept me centered,” says Carter. “This dance celebrates the things we do have, rather than dwelling on those things we don’t.”

The rest of the program is scheduled to include the following works from GDC’s repertoire:

• “Ritual Dynamic” by Jon Lehrer (2007) featuring all 15 GDC dancers. "Surprise landings and tableaux that sliced space into unexpected geometrics kept the audience on the edge of their seats.” (Dance Magazine)

• “Exit 4” by Israeli-American choreographer Roni Koresh (2013). This full company work has been hailed for “The dramatic mood swings…the edgy dynamic between the group and the

individual.” (Chicago Sun-Times)

• “Feelin’” Good Sweet” by Ray Leeper (2014). “Bordering on rousing, joyous parody, it's flat-out fun…stylishly cool....” (Chicago Tribune)

• “The Man That Got Away” by Sherry Zunker (1990). GDC alumna Sherry created and performed this witty and stylish work at the suggestion of Gus Giordano for the 1990 Jazz Dance World Congress. Since then, the work has been performed by a number of companies and returned to the source when it received its 2007 GDC company premiere. For the April 1-2 Harris Theater performances, GDC Executive Director Michael McStraw will make a special guest appearance as “The Man.” Program is subject to change.

Giordano Dance Chicago presents the spring engagement of its 59th Season, “Illuminate” at the Harris Theater at Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph Dr., 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2. Tickets are $20-$90. For tickets or more information, including COVID protocols, visit harristheaterchicago.org or call 312.334.7777.

GDC’s Spring Series Harris Theater engagement precedes GDC’s “Legacy Ball” gala, at the Ravenswood Event Center, 4043 N. Ravenswood Avenue, 7-11 p.m., June 2. Honorary chairperson and honoree is Homer Bryant. The evening will feature an open bar, fun-food stations, silent auction and pop up performances by the company and the dancers. Proceeds from the Legacy Ball support Giordano Dance Chicago’s mission to enrich lives through dance, as well as ongoing operations and community outreach programs like the innovative Jazz Dance/Science & Health. For more information visit giordanodance.org.