In his latest work for Giordano Dance Chicago, choreographer Peter Chu explores the past and present to find what it means to be "in the groove". Here's what he told us about creating "Groove, in formed":
Marinda Davis is a phenomenal choreographer who continues to fight against phenomenal odds. This past May, Marinda shared her story on the CW's My Last Days, which detailed her battle against a series of diseases that compromise her health and how dance has played a major role in fueling her resilience and healing. We are humbled and send our heartfelt love as she continues to fight for her health, but here we choose to focus on the light she brings to our world through choreography. In more recent years, Marinda has had her company and choreography featured on NBC's World of Dance and has taken a dive into the commercial side of the art form. Through the years, she never forgot about the connection she made as a dance convention assistant to the legendary Gus Giordano, and now has the opportunity to choreograph on the legacy company that he left behind. There is something incredibly satisfying and elusive about life coming full circle, and for Marinda, this experience with Giordano Dance Chicago was just that. DancerMusic Dance Editor Kristi Licera caught up with Marinda to learn more about how she formed her relationship with the company, as well as the creative process behind her work for GDC, titled "Flickers." Here's what she told us:
The reason Giordano Dance can keep bringing it year after year, decade after decade, is because they're always bringing so much that's so new. Their Summer Series at Chicago's Auditorium Theatre on June 9th is a gleaming example of that; the Company will perform works by Ray Mercer, Joshua Blake Carter, Ray Leeper and Christopher Huggins in a multichromatic display of contemporary voices in choreography. Even the two legendary works on the program by Giordano's founder, Gus Giordano, represent what is new as much as they do what is classic. We asked Cesar Salinas to give us a little closer look at the performance, and here's what he told us:
In just a few days, Giordano Dance Chicago will be holding its annual audition in Chicago, and we thought this was the perfect opportunity to sit down with Linnea Stureson-Tolbert, who recently was promoted into the main company. Linnea worked her way through the ranks in GDC's second company, Giordano II, and this historic 55th season at GDC will be her first as a Company Dancer. DancerMusic's Kristi Licera asked Linnea all about her journey, from audition all the way through her experience thus far. If you've ever wondered what it takes to be a Giordano dancer, here's your chance to find out:
Giordano Dance Chicago's story may one of amazing accomplishment, but unlike other stories that you can only read about, you can actually go and see this one. You'll be seeing the accomplishments of fifty-five years of imagination and determination, and more than that, you'll be seeing the accomplishment and excitement of the choreographers and performers that keep making this company move like they were just getting started. They're at the Harris Theater on Friday, October 27th at 7:30pm and on Saturday, October 28th at 7:30pm.
Each August, the Chicago dance community packs the city's Auditorium Theatre for Dance For Life. For a special look ahead, DancerMusic reached out to each of the Partner Dance Companies that perform each year at Dance For Life. Each of them has selected a photo from their performance, and given us some insight into what they will be performing.
Giordano Dance Chicago is celebrating an unbelievable fifty years of being one of the most impressive dance companies anywhere, and as much as it's an incredible milestone for the Company, the significance of the celebration goes way beyond just the Company itself.
