This past weekend was a whirlwind at the Harris Theater and we were so privileged to be a part of it! Big thank you to everyone at Giordano Dance Chicago for allowing us to be a part of your 60th Anniversary show and celebration on March 31 and April 1, 2023.

As previously stated, nine SCDT dancers had the opportunity to work with Kia as she created a 25-person piece with all of Giordano’s company and second company. Meeting these fellow dancers, collaborating with them, sharing the energy, and working together to create such a beautiful piece was a great process for all involved. I frequently say it, but it is so wonderful to have new energy in the space and learn from different people. It truly is what inspires me and allows for my continuous growth as a dancer and I believe that all my fellow dancers would agree.

Giordano’s show was electric and full of choreography ranging from Randy Duncan, to Gus Giordano himself, as well as Kia’s piece, and Ron de Jesus (who we have also worked with previously!!). The show was interspersed with video of Giordano’s history, past dancers, current dancers, and beyond. It was lovely to see a company that has been established for so long and to only hope that the future of South Chicago Dance Theatre is just as bright!

What did our weekend look like, you may ask? It all began on Thursday, with an hour warm-up class with our Rehearsal Director, Jessica Miller Tomlinson. After warm-up we had a 75-minute onstage technical rehearsal in which we spaced out the dance and practiced with the lighting design. Giordano spent the whole day in technical rehearsals for their 6 pieces whereas we were only present for the one! Friday was our first show day in which we arrived shortly after Giordano at 6:00pm for our warm-up class, costumes, show circle, and were ready to perform third in the show! Watching Giordano and their traditions before the show was amazing. They have such enthusiasm, community, and passion for the history of their company. Come Saturday, it was show day all over again followed by a wonderful Gala celebration with dancers, choreographers, board members, donors, alumni of the company, and more! What a party it was after an exhausting yet rewarding weekend of shows.

Thank you, Nan, Cesar, Michael, Joshua, and everyone who is a part of Giordano for welcoming us! And an extra special shout-out to Katie and Ashley for your final performance with Giordano. It was a pleasure to cheer you on during your final bow – we are sending ALL of the love!