Giordano Dance Performs 21st Century Program at Auditorium Theatre

On Saturday, June 11, the Auditorium Theatre welcomes back Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) for its annual summer engagement, concluding the 2021-22 Made in Chicago Dance Series. This highly anticipated performance promises to showcase the company’s innovative and energetic style, blending jazz and contemporary dance in a mixed repertory program.

The evening’s program features six works, all debuted in the 21st century, highlighting GDC’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of dance. Ray Mercer’s Shirt Off My Back (2015) returns to the Auditorium Theatre, where it originally premiered. This high-energy piece explores themes of vulnerability and trust, set to a dynamic soundtrack. Mercer’s choreography is known for its emotional depth and physical intensity, making Shirt Off My Back a likely standout in the program.

Also on the bill is Christopher Huggins’ Pyrokinesis (2007), which takes its final bow after captivating audiences for years. This audience favorite showcases Huggins’ signature blend of modern and jazz techniques, creating an intense and captivating experience. Huggins’ work often explores the intersection of music, movement, and emotion, making “Pyrokinesis” a memorable experience.

Autumn Eckman’s Retroverse (2022) makes its Auditorium Theatre debut, fresh from its April premiere. This work delves into the realm of nostalgia, blending vintage and contemporary styles to create a visually stunning and thought-provoking piece. Eckman’s choreography often incorporates intricate patterns and rhythmic shifts, making “Retroverse” a thrilling addition to the program.

Ronen Koresh’s EXit4 (2013) brings an intense, emotional depth to the program. This impassioned work explores themes of departure and transformation, set to a haunting score. Koresh’s choreography is known for its raw emotional power and physical intensity, making EXit4 a highlight of the evening.

Adam Houston’s All For You (2018) showcases the company’s technical prowess in a terse pas de deux. This intimate work highlights the complexities of relationships, with intricate partnering and nuanced emotional expression. Houston’s choreography often explores the subtleties of human connection, making All For You a poignant and relatable piece.

The program also includes Lost by Jon Lehrer (2019), a poignant exploration of isolation and connection. Lehrer’s choreography often incorporates complex spatial relationships and dynamic movement, making “Lost” a compelling addition to the program.

Auditorium Theatre CEO Rich Regan notes, “The Auditorium Theatre is always proud to welcome back one of Chicago’s longest-running dance companies to its ‘summer home.’ We expect the joint to be jumping in June with this lively program.” With its diverse range of styles and themes, Giordano Dance Chicago’s summer engagement promises to be an unforgettable evening of dance.

Giordano Dance Chicago performs at the Auditorium Theatre on Saturday, June 11, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $38 (inclusive of all fees) and are available at (link unavailable), by calling 312.341.2300, or at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the company’s innovative and energetic style.