Giordano Dance Chicago’s Feb. 1 “Studio 62” Benefit Supports the Giordano Dance Chicago Dancer Fund
Giordano Dance Chicago hosted “Studio 62,” a benefit patterned after the incomparable New York City’s legendary 1970s nightclub Studio, Saturday, February 1 at the Ravenswood Event Center (4021 North Ravenswood Avenue). More than 200 guests attended this celebratory event that raised more than $140,000 to support the Giordano Dance Chicago Dancer Fund. Benefit co-chairs were Brandon Stith, Kyle Barrettsmith and Jonathan Motto.
The festivities began at 7 p.m. Guests were greeted by an enthusiastic welcoming ovation by the Giordano Dance Chicago dancers upon arriving, before mixing and mingling during a festive reception with open bar, sponsored by Breakthru Beverage & Moët Hennessy.
Following the lavish buffet, it was time for the evening’s program featuring a welcome by Giordano Dance Chicago Nan Giordano and comments by Giordano Dance Chicago Executive Director Erica L. Edwards. All eyes were on the Giordano Dance Chicago dancers when they took the floor to give guests a taste of the upcoming April 4-5 Harris Theater program by performing a sneak peek of Resident Choreographer Al Blackstone’s new full company work, Sana; a preview of 333, a new solo work for Giordano Dance Chicago’s Erina Ueda, created by artistic director Nan Giordano and associate artistic director Cesar G. Salinas; and the final movement from Ray Leeper’s Red & Black.
A special surprise highlight included a pop-up performance with the 2024 “Dancing With The Giordano Stars” winners, Megan Allen and Tom Ferguson Gomez. Comments from Gala Co-chair Brandon Stith preceded the lively live auction and energetic paddle raise. Dessert and open dancing to vibes by DJ Ferragamo rounded out the evening.
The “Studio 62” benefit preceded Giordano Dance Chicago’s spring performances of their 62nd season, SOARING, a powerful celebration of Life, Light, and Legacy, April 4-5 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph. These performances and an April 5 performance with post performance reception at Avli will mark Artistic Director Nan Giordano’s 40 years of visionary artistic leadership, while honoring the life of her son, Keenan Giordano Casey. For more information on these and other GDC programming, visit giordanodance.org.
