Jazz Dance Pioneer Gus Giordano Lives On Gus Giordano Dance School Celebrates 60 Years

gusportraitThe legendary Gus Giordano Dance School celebrates its 60th Anniversary Oct. 12 and Oct. 13 at 5230 N. Clark St. in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood.

The event kicks off Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. with the installation of an “Honorary Gus Giordano Way” street sign as a tribute to Gus’ dreams of operating a dance school in Chicago. Chicago 48th Ward Alderman Harry Osterman and 40th Ward Alderman Patrick O’Connor will present the sign in front of the Clark Street location. This event is free and open to the public.

“My father’s dream was to have his school in the city of Chicago as he knew that he could reach more students in Chicago. Gus was always enamored with the beauty of Chicago and the city’s support of all art forms,” said School Director Amy Giordano.

Seasoned performers will teach an exclusive two-day workshop on Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is available online or by phone. The cost to attend is $160.

Workshop instructors include:

  • Dee Caspary from “So You Think You Can Dance”

  • Laura Klein from the original Broadway cast of “A Chorus Line”

  • Kate Jablonski, 2013 Dance Chicago’s Choreographer of the Year

  • Richard Smith, Gus’ former teaching assistant & Director of  Inaside  Dance Chicago

  • Craig Kaufman, master teacher formally with Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago & Thodos Dance Chicago

Gus Giordano Dance School faculty and GUS company members will also perform during a celebration party on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Swedish American Museum in the Art Gallery, 5211 N. Clark St. The cost to attend is $100. Tickets can be purchased by phone or online. All proceeds go directly to the school’s scholarship fund to assist young dancers.

Gus Giordano Dance School is also offering free advanced  contemporary  & jazz dance classes  for professional dancers from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday and Friday now through December, in honor of Gus and Peg Giordano, who frequently gave free classes to dancers in need.

Gus Giordano is known worldwide as the founder of American jazz dance. The Gus Giordano Dance School teaches over 80 classes per week to students ranging in age from two to adult in all dance styles, with upwards of 500 students each year. For more information about classes or faculty visit http://gusgiordanodanceschool.com