Giordano Dance Raises more than $125,000 at 2022 Legacy Ball Gala
| Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) hosted its annual Giordano Legacy Ball gala at the Ravenswood Event Center, 4021 N. Ravenswood, Thursday, June 2, 7-11 p.m. The evening provided attendees the chance to enjoy pop-up performances by the GDC dancers and Hiplet Ballerinas, plus eat, drink and dance the night away surrounded by vintage cars, neon signs, and music spun by world-renowned DJ Madrid Perry. Homer Hans Bryant, former GDC assistant artistic director, former principal dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, creative director of the Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center (CMDC) and the Hiplet Ballerinas, was Honorary Chair and Honoree for this event. The evening attracted more than 250 attendees and raised more than $125,000 for GDC and its ongoing operations and community outreach programs including the innovative “Jazz Dance/Science & Health” program. The festivities began with a reception at 7 p.m. featuring cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, and food stations. While guests mixed and mingled, they had the chance to bid on more than 30 exciting items in the silent auction including a weekend in Wisconsin; an in-home meal by Chef Alan Lake; a commissioned heirloom canvas portrait; a retreat at Chicago’s newest wellness club, BIÂN; a private Giordano Dance Chicago Dance Party, and more. GDC dancers opened the evening’s program with a performance of “Illuminate,” a colorful and electric piece. Gala attendees were treated to additional GDC pop-up performances throughout the evening, alternating between fun-filled moments of open dancing. The Hiplet Ballerinas heralded the introduction of honoree Bryant with a special performance set to “Jammin” by Black Violin. “Homer is a legendary force in Chicago’s dance community and an inspirational educator whose career is built on strength, discipline, integrity, and positivity,” says GDC artistic director Nan Giordano. “It is our pleasure to honor this man who, though anchored in Chicago, has had an impact worldwide and continues to inspire us all.” GDC’s 2022 Legacy Ball Gala Benefit was made possible through the support of Anna Held Floral Studio, Breakthru Beverage Illinois, Chicago Transom Partners, Constellation Brands, Diageo, the Daniel H. Lome Foundation, Fitness Formula Clubs (FCC), Revolution Brewing, Smith’s Men’s Store – Lake Forest, Madrid Perry, and the Ravenswood Event Center. This gala event preceded GDC’s final performance of their 59th Season at the Auditorium Theater June 11, and GDC’s popular “Dancing With The Giordano Stars” benefit competition returning Oct. 6 to Park West. For more information on these and other GDC events visit giordanodance.org. |
