Giordano Dance Chicago Returns to the Harris Theater Oct. 22-23

Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC), America’s original jazz dance company returns to the Harris Theater with a joyous program and a beautiful new company of 13 dancers 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Oct. 23.

“Our return to the Harris stage is monumental for so many reasons,” says GDC Artistic Director Nan Giordano. “It is a new day for GDC and we can’t wait to celebrate the start of our 59th season. It’s been nearly two years since we’ve performed here, so we wanted to welcome our audience with a celebratory program that highlights Zachary Heller’s final performance with GDC.”

The program will feature the following works from GDC’s repertoire:

• Marinda Davis’ “Flickers” (2019). GDC Company dancer Heller is showcased in this full-company work by Davis, a renowned and inspirational choreographer whose work captures how dreams come true when buoyed by flickers of hope.
• Autumn Eckman’s “A Little Moonlight” (2010). Seasoned GDC veterans Adam Houston and Katie Rafferty are featured in this light hearted romp.
• Ray Mercer’s “Shirt Off My Back” (2015). This full-company work choreographed by award-winning choreographer Mercer explores the inherent sacrifices people make as they enter into a relationship.
• Joshua Blake Carter’s “Take a Gambol” (2018). Set to a score of 1960s jazz classics, “Take a Gambol” features the entire GDC ensemble dancers of 13 dancers. The work, originally premiered with a cast of eight men, has been completely reworked.
• Christopher Huggins “Pyrokinesis” (2007). Independent choreographer and former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater dancer Huggins’ work showcases the unique and specific strengths of the individual company members in two movements: one lyrical and flowing; the other, percussive and explosive. This is one of the first works Heller performed when he joined the company in 2007.
• COMPANY PREMIERE: “All For You” by Adam Houston. This pas de deux choreographed by GDC’s Houston, and performed by GDC dancers Skyler Newcom and Ashley Downs, was created for “Giordano on Giordano,” a program of works choreographed by GDC Company members and staff and performed by the artists of Giordano II.

Giordano Dance Chicago presents its fall engagement at the Harris Theater at Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph Dr., 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Oct. 23. Tickets are $20-$90. For tickets or more information including COVID-19 protocols for these performances, visit harristheaterchicago.org or call 312.334.7777.