GDC Premieres “Red & Black” in “Soaring” New Season
Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC), America’s original jazz dance company, enters their 62nd season with an exhilarating program at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance on. Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26. Works in the program include the world premiere of Red & Black by Dancing with the Stars choreographer Ray Leeper, an encore of the masterful one-act Gershwin in B by Emmy award-winning choreographer and GDC resident choreographer Al Blackstone, the stunningly dramatic and inspirational Flickers, by nationally acclaimed choreographer Marinda Davis and more.
Says GDC’s artistic director Nan Giordano, “I enter my 40th year, with possibility, gratitude, energy & an untouchable source of energy. Today is the day!”
In this celebratory season, Giordano has been deliberate in choosing to work with choreographers with whom she has special relationships and who have been significant forces in the GDC legacy. Ray Leeper is one such choreographer, Leeper’s connection with GDC began when company founder Gus Giordano pulled the young dancer up on stage at a dance convention. Since then, Leeper has choreographed three full company works for GDC: Feelin’ Good Sweet (2014), Soul (2018) and now Red & Black.
In a statement announcing the new work, Giordano says the process has been a joy for Leeper and the dancers alike. As they have inspired each other along the way, the work has grown into a one-act piece in five parts. It follows the ups and downs of show girls and the men who love them, culminating in a high-energy jazz finale filled with the company’s trademark exhilaration and heart.
“This work could only happen with GDC,” says Leeper. “It’s because of their incredible dancers, but also the generous artistic latitude Nan provided that gave me the chance to stretch my choreography in new directions.”
Other works on the program include Al Blackstone’s one-act Gershwin in B (2024),a full company work that had its world premiere in GDC’s Spring 2024 Harris; Marinda Davis stunningly dramatic Flickers (2019), which celebrates Davis, her indomitable spirit and unrelenting quest for light amid her personal health darkness; unconditional (2024), choreographed by GDC Company Dancer Adam Houston and initially developed for “G on G,” GDC’s choreography showcase; and Yes, And… (2010), featuring all 15 GDC dancers and choreographed by former GDC Resident Choreographer Autumn Eckman.
Video interludes will be interspersed in the program to provide behind-the-scenes stories and context for the works.
GDC opens their “SEASON 62 | “SOARING!” at the Harris Theater at Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26. Tickets are $25-$95. For tickets or more information visit harristheaterchicago.org.
