A New Work by Choreographer to the Stars Liz Imperio and Frank Chaves’ Restaging of “Grusin Suite” Celebrate the Legacy and Future of GDC in Concerts at the Harris Theater March 31 – April 1
CHICAGO, IL – Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC), America’s original jazz dance company, debuts a new work by Liz Imperio, hailed as choreographer to the stars, when the company presents their spring engagement at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. The program will also feature former GDC dancer and River North Dance Chicago Artistic Director Frank Chaves’ restaging of “Grusin Suite,” a work that had its birth at GDC.
“Many Chicagoans know Frank’s ‘Grusin Suite’ as a four-movement work that was part of River North Dance Chicago’s repertoire, but it was originally choreographed and debuted on the Skyline Stage as a three-movement work for our Jazz Dance World Festival in 1993. I’m very excited to see Frank, a former GDC dancer, give new life to this piece of our history,” says Nan Giordano, GDC Artistic Director.
From 1993-2015, the Cuban-born Chaves, a 2014 Chicago Tribune “Chicagoan of the Year,” served as artistic director for River North Dance Chicago (RNDC) curating a repertoire of works by the most respected dance makers, and creating 25 works for RNDC. Other choreographic credits include Finland’s Pori Dance Company, the National Choreographers Initiative and theatrical commissions for Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the Cleveland Playhouse. His performance credits include New York’s Ballet Hispanico, Giordano Dance Chicago and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.
“I’m also thrilled to welcome back Liz Imperio, who choreographed ‘La Belleza de Cuba,’ a full-bodied tribute to the jazz of Cuba’s streets and nightclubs, for our 50th Anniversary. Imperio, too, represents our legacy, having initially connected to my father, Gus, whom she has described as the “iconic godfather of jazz dance,” at a dance convention many years ago. Given her appreciation of our history and sense of heart, I can’t wait to share her newest full company work with our audiences this spring.”
Liz Imperio, a proud Cuban-American and recipient of the Industry Dance Award’s 2016 role model award, has established herself as a major director and choreographer in the entertainment industry. Her credits include the staging and choreography for Jennifer Lopez’s world tour “Dance Again” and directing/choreographing of three of Gloria Estefan’s world concert tours and two world tours for Madonna. Imperio recently instigated a next level, career enhancement program called “Breaking Barriers.”
The program for GDC’s spring Harris engagement also includes works from GDC’s 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;
- “A Ritual Dynamic” (2008). Jon Lehrer’s signature work will be restaged by GDC Artistic Director Nan Giordano to feature all 16 GDC dancers;
- “Sneaky Pete” (2015). Brock Clawson draws on his love of theater to create this deliciously intriguing work with a touch of film noir;
- “The Man That Got Away” (1990). This witty “pas de deux for one” was created by former GDC and RNDC Artistic Director Emeritus Sherry Zunker, and gifted to GDC in 2007.
Giordano Dance Chicago presents its fall engagement at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Dr., Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15-$75. For tickets call 312.334.7777 or visit harristheaterchicago.org.
GDC dancers and board members join Artistic Director Nan Giordano, Executive Director Michael McStraw and guests for a Gala Celebration After Party to support GDC and its outreach programs at the The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph Drive, immediately following the Saturday, April 1, 7:30 p.m. performance at the Harris Theater. “We will be taking this opportunity to recognize GDC dancer Maeghan McHale, named one of Dance Magazine’s ‘Top 25 to Watch’ in 2010, as she celebrates 10 years in the main company,” states Nan Giordano. Gala tickets include a VIP ticket to the April 1 performance. Price will be announced at a future date. For tickets or more information visit giordanodance.org or call 312.922.1332.
