Giordano Dance Chicago

Gus Giordano’s dedication to jazz dance exhibited itself in all facets of his extraordinary life: dancer, master teacher, choreographer, author, and founder of the Giordano Dance School (GDS) in Evanston, Illinois, founder of the dance company Giordano Dance Chicago and founder of Jazz Dance World Congress. Mr. Giordano created and taught the Giordano Technique at venues across the United States and around the world. He choreographed in all areas of performance including television, film, stage, commercials, industrials, and concert dance. In 1976 Giordano wrote the highly acclaimed Anthology of American Jazz Dance. In August 1990, Giordano organized the first Jazz Dance World Congress, which gathered renowned jazz dance master teachers and companies. The Congress has been held at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Northwestern University, the University at Buffalo, Point Park University, as well as in Phoenix, Chicago, Japan, Germany, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Gus Giordano received many awards including the 1984 Dance Educators of America Award for his outstanding contribution to the world of jazz dance, the 1988 Mayor’s Award for the Arts, the 1989 Governor’s Award for the Arts for exemplary individual artistic achievement, the 1991 Dance Teacher Now Circle Award, the 1993 Ruth Page Lifetime Service to the Field Award, and the 1996 University of Missouri Distinguished Alumni Award and William Francis English Scholar-in-Residence Award. In 1985, Governor James Thompson declared April 25 Gus Giordano Day. In 1995 he received the Honorable Artist Award from Chukyo University in Nagoya, Japan. In 1997 Gus served as National Spokesperson for National Dance Week. In 1999, he received the Third Annual Katherine Dunham Award for excellence and great contributions to the Arts, and in 2003, Chicago’s Mayor Daley presented Gus with the Chicago Senior of the Year Award. In 2005 the National Dance Association presented Mr. Giordano with its Heritage Award, and the same year he received an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts Degree from Shenandoah University.

At the helm for 40 years, Nan’s leadership of Giordano Dance Chicago began in 1985 as Associate Director, and in 1993 was appointed the title of Artistic Director. Nan was trained by her father and mentor, Gus Giordano, who created the world-renowned Giordano Technique. Developer of the Nan Giordano Certification Program®, Nan is the world’s preeminent authority on the essence, discipline, progression and continuance of the Giordano Technique; the vision of NGCP® is to provide worldwide, ongoing, and in-depth access to this ground-breaking dance form. She had an extensive performing career in concert dance, as well as in the industrial and fashion worlds. Before taking the reins on the artistic side, her concert dance experience began with Giordano Dance Theatre, apprenticing and then joining GDC. With her father leading the company, she traveled and performed extensively around the world; she also had the opportunity to perform in numerous WTTW dance television specials choreographed by her father including the Emmy Award winning The Rehearsal. When an injury ended her performing career in 1985, Nan became Associate Director of the company and was instrumental in establishing a working Board of Directors, which has evolved into today’s three separate boards. In the last 38 years, under Nan’s direction, GDC has established a high-profile reputation for excellence in the Chicago dance community, as well as in the national and international dance worlds. Nan has guided the development of a large and diverse repertoire. Nan’s concert choreography credits include five works in GDC’s repertoire. On the commercial side, Nan has choreographed several television commercials. Nan teaches master classes throughout the United States and has toured internationally as guest teacher in many countries including Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, France, Germany, Guatemala, Mexico, and Israel. She is also the driving force behind Jazz Dance/Science & Health, GDC’s outreach program in three under-resourced Chicago Public Schools. Nan received the Manford Byrd Jr. Wizard of Oz Award for Outstanding Service from Howland School of the Arts. Nan is Artistic Director of Jazz Dance World Congress (JDWC), an event that draws dancers, choreographers, and teachers from more than 30 countries. Nan served three years on the Illinois Arts Council Dance Panel as well as on the Community Arts Assistance Program Dance Panel for the City of Chicago, Department of Cultural Affairs. She currently serves on the International Ballet Competition, National Honorary Committee, and the Advisory Board for Dance Magazine. She was recognized as a cover story in Dance Teacher Magazine’s January 2018 issue. Nan was also honored by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who declared June 9, 2018, Nan Giordano Day for her leadership and contributions to the Chicago community. In August 2018, Chicago Dancers United honored Nan (along with Lou Conte) with the Dance for Life Impact Award, recognizing her contributions to the Chicago dance community and Dance for Life. In celebration of Nan’s landmark year, the Chicago Tribune released their “2018 Chicagoans of the Year”, of which she was spotlighted as the city’s “Dance” honoree. In summer of 2019, Nan was honored with the Grace Wakefield Lifetime Achievement Award by Star Dance Alliance at the Circle of Excellence Gala. During the dim lit world of covid, Nan launched a virtual project in Latin America, Illuminate the Possibilities. Most recently, she was honored to be a guest judge at The Dance Awards presented by Break The Floor and the keynote speaker at the Women & Leadership Conference.

Cesar G. Salinas, originally from Portland, Oregon, is Giordano Dance Chicago’s Associate Artistic Director. This year marks Cesar’s 10th season in an artistic administrative role previously serving as artistic assistant and artistic programs manager. He began his formal studies in dance with Zohar School of Dance, under the direction of Ehud Krauss in Palo Alto, CA. There he was introduced to the classic jazz styles of Gus Giordano, Luigi, and Matt Mattox. He moved to Oregon where he studied at Willamette Ballet Academy under Deborah Higginbotham. Cesar went on to further his training at the University at Buffalo, where he graduated with a BFA in Dance. Twenty years ago, he received a scholarship to the original Giordano Dance School in Evanston, IL, in 2004 and in the summer of 2005. From 2006 until 2011, Cesar joined Giordano Dance Chicago as a full company member performing throughout the United States and Europe. During his tenure, he was proud to be a part of GDC’s educational outreach pilot program, teaching science and health dance classes to 4th and 5th grade students in under-resourced public schools in Chicago. Cesar was honored to be on the cover of Dance Magazine (August 2007) and to teach at the Jazz Dance World Congress in 2007, 2009, and 2012. In 2013, he was chosen as a soloist for BalaSole Dance Company performing “Hunted” in New York City’s Alvin Ailey Citigroup where he received rave reviews: “richly physical performance that drew the audience’s unfettered enthusiasm” – Philip Gordon. Cesar toured the world with Royal Caribbean cruise lines as a performer in the Broadway production of Saturday Night Fever as well as an aerialist. In the January 2018 issue of Dance Teacher Magazine, Cesar demonstrates the Giordano Technique alongside Nan Giordano in honor of the company’s 55th Anniversary Season. Cesar is a certified teacher in the Giordano Technique at the Basic, Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, and Professional Levels of the Nan Giordano Certification Program® (NGCP®). Most recently Cesar returned to the stage at the Auditorium Theatre to perform Gus Giordano’s 1978 iconic solo Wings in honor of Nan Giordano’s 33 years at the helm and 25th Anniversary as Artistic Director for GDC. Lauren Warnecke of See Chicago Dance wrote, “...you could almost imagine Gus himself up there performing the piece he made 40 years ago.” He currently teaches master classes and workshops, as well as choreographs for universities and studios across the country. 

Amanda Hickey-Newcom, main company member from Hanover Park, Illinois is in her seventh year with GDC. Amanda began her dance training at Faubourg School of Ballet and graduated with honors from Butler University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance. While at Butler, she had the opportunity to spend a month studying abroad in Europe where she trained and performed in Warsaw and Krakow, Poland, and St. Petersburg, Russia. As a senior, she was asked to choreograph for the study abroad program, exposing her choreography to venues across Eastern Europe. Upon returning to Chicago after graduation, Amanda joined Nomi Dance Company, where she danced for four years. Amanda has also had the pleasure of performing as a guest artist for Élan Artists, The Schaumburg Dance Ensemble, and more. Her professional choreography credits include works on Nomi Dance Company, The Ballet Theatre of Indiana, The Ballet INitiative, and Giordano II. Besides performing and choreographing, Amanda is passionate about teaching and is certified in all five levels of the Nan Giordano Certification Program®.

Adam Houston, a main company member of Boone, Iowa has been with GDC for twelve seasons. In addition to dancing Adam serves as a Rehearsal Captain, teaching GDC repertoire and assisting the Artistic Staff, and is in his first year as a Development Associate. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with the “Outstanding Senior” award from the School of Dance at University of Arizona, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. In his time with GDC Adam has toured regionally, nationally, and internationally. He has many performances under his belt, but some of the most fulfilling in his career include being cast as the male soloist in signature GDC work and personal Gus Giordano favorite, ‘Can’t Take This Away’, choreographed by Randy Duncan. Adam is a sought-after teacher and choreographer. He has completed all five levels of the Nan Giordano Certification Program® and is heavily involved in GDC’s outreach program, Jazz Dance/Science & Health, in Chicago Public Schools. He has choreographed on several award-winning schools as well as five pieces for Giordano II. Giordano Dance Chicago has premiered two of his pieces on the Main Company, ‘All for You’ and ‘unconditional’. Adam is honored to be in his twelfth season with Giordano Dance Chicago, continuously fulfilling his dream. 

Sasha Lazarus, main company member and co-Costume manager, from Delray Beach, Florida, has danced with GDC for four years. Growing up, she trained at Boca Ballet Theatre, under the direction of Jane Tyree and Dan Guin, and at Performance Edge 2, under Ricardo Pena. In 2017, Sasha graduated from The Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, having performed in works by Margo Sappington, Christopher Huggins, Jennifer Archibald, Meredith Dincolo, Krista Ellensohn, Jan Hanniford, Jennifer Kronenberg, and more. Sasha completed Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s Pre-Professional Program with Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson in 2018, then kicked off her professional career by joining Menlowe Ballet from 2018-2020. There, she performed principal roles in works by Michael Lowe, Dennis Nahat, and Donald McKayle. Sasha has been recognized as a National Young Arts Winner in Ballet and Modern Dance. She is certified in all 5 levels of the Nan Giordano Certification Program®. She teaches Jazz to Pre-Professional students at the Joffrey Academy of Dance, and educates young students in Chicago’s Public Schools, as a part of GDC’s Jazz Dance/Science & Health Program. Sasha is grateful to share her everlasting passion for dance on and off the stage.

Skyler Newcom, embarked on his journey through dance in his hometown of Lawrenceville, GA under the guidance of Jeff Boss and Jamie Wardrop. After many years in the competition circuits of the southeast, he has fostered extensive training in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and hip-hop. In 2015, Skyler accepted a scholarship to continue his training at the University Of Arizona School Of Dance. In pursuit of furthering his studies in all areas, Skyler had the privilege of performing works by Autumn Eckman, Nacho Duato, Jessica Lang, George Balanchine, Michael Williams, Sam Watson, James Clouser, Tamara Dyke-Compton, and Amy Ernst among many others. Skyler was also gifted the chance of performing with Hawkinsdance, a contemporary company out of Tucson, AZ, impacting and furthering the growth of the arts community. Since graduating with a B.F.A. in dance in May of 2019, Skyler has moved to Chicago to become part of the Giordano Family. He joined the second company as a Junior Performing Associate in 2019. Seasoned by a year in the Chicago Dance community, as well as the second company, Skyler is now a main company member for Giordano Dance Chicago in his sixth season with the organization. His goal is to enlighten and inspire audiences by evoking real world issues through movement. He plans to do this by building a community of light and love with an emphasis on the importance and beauty of artistic education. He aims to grow and mature as an artist, performer, and role model as he aims even higher. “Higher than the Heavens.”

Sydney Priestly was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, where she began dancing at the age of five at The Dance Factory Inc., specializing in tap and jazz for over a decade. Her dynamic stage presence and ability to captivate an audience have helped her stand out among dancers. In high school, Sydney trained at AREA and the Anthony Burrell Center for Dance, expanding her expertise in jazz, Horton, ballet, West African, tap, hip hop, and contemporary dance. Outside the studio, she attended Pebblebrook High School, where she specialized in dance through the performing arts program at Cobb County Center for Excellence. Sydney's dance career flourished through local performances in Atlanta and summer intensives at the Ailey School, Joffrey Ballet, and Giordano Dance Chicago, where she also enjoyed a year-long mentorship. With the support of her family, friends, and teachers, Sydney attended Pace University, where she earned a BFA in Commercial Dance. During her time at Pace, she had the privilege of performing in DancesPace and Dance Out Loud, collaborating with choreographers such as Bo Park, Marinda Davis, Jillian Meyers, Rachel Leigh Dolan, Scott Jovovich, Joe Brown, Dominic Chaiduang, and Scott Hislop. Additionally, Sydney expanded her acting and vocal training at Pace, enhancing her skills to become a well-rounded performer. Signed with Bloc Talent Agency, Sydney performed in the Macy’s Day Parade to promote Wonka, choreographed by Denis Jones and Rachel Leigh Dolan. Additionally, she graced the stage at New York Fashion Week for Breitling, an event hosted by Misty Copeland and choreographed by Ricky Jinks and Mark Jennings. She is now thrilled to join Giordano for her first year as a second company member and performing associate!

Fernando Rodriguez, of Fort Gratiot, Michigan, is a main company member entering his fifth season with Giordano Dance Chicago. He attended Grand Valley State University and Lakewood School of Therapeutic Massage. He has danced with River North Dance Chicago, Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, Paramount Theatre (West Side Story), DITP, Owen/Cox Dance, Grand Rapids Ballet Company, dancing from South Korea to Lincoln Center in New York City. In 2016 Fernando became Resident Choreographer at Missouri Contemporary Ballet for 5 years. He won the 2019 Inaside Chicago Dance Choreography Competition with his piece, “Pass Me By.” Fernando also owns a photography business specializing in portrait and dance photography.

Simon Schuh, attended The Chicago Academy for the Arts where he was trained and mentored by Randy Duncan, Brian Rabenda, and Patrick Simoniello. Simon was then accepted into the University of Southern California (USC) Kaufman School of Dance, under William Forsythe and Jodie Gates, as their third ever class, and got the chance to perform works by William Forsythe, Ohad Naharin, Jiri Kylian, Victor Quijada, Alejandro Cerrudo, Rubberlegz, and Barak Marshall. He also furthered his training by attending summers at Jacob’s Pillow, The Juilliard School, and BODYTRAFFIC.  Upon graduating from USC Kaufman, Simon danced with ODC/Dance where he performed works by Amy Siewert, Dexandro Montalvo and Brenda Way. After two seasons he accepted an invitation to perform Alexander Ekman's work "Cacti" in Lithuania with Klaipeda Ballet Theatre and was there for two years touring Eastern Europe. Throughout his career, Simon has continuously pushed the boundaries of his craft, embracing the evolving nature of contemporary dance and seeking opportunities for growth and artistic exploration. He is excited to be with Giordano for the 2024-25 season.

Erina Ueda, from Nagoya, Japan, and raised in Chandler, Arizona, Erina Ueda is an accomplished dancer and artist who has made a significant mark on the dance world. Now in her fourth season with Giordano Dance Chicago, she proudly holds the distinction of being the company’s first Asian female dancer. In 2024, she earned a spot on Dance Magazine's "25 to Watch," becoming only the second company dancer ever to receive this prestigious recognition. Erina began her training at Tempe Dance Academy and further developed her skills at Master Ballet Academy under Slawomir Wozniak. Her career has taken her across the U.S. and internationally, showcasing works by prominent choreographers including Alejandro Cerrudo, Frank Chavez, Nacho Duato, Martha Graham, Crystal Pite, and Paul Taylor. Academically, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona in 2021 with a major in Dance and a minor in Psychology. Her artistic contributions extend beyond live performances. Erina had the honor of originating principal roles professionally in "Luminescence" (2023), a Giordano Dance Chicago/South Chicago Dance Theatre collaboration choreographed by Kia Smith, and in Al Blackstone's, Emmy-winning Choreographer, "Gershwin in B" (2024). She also achieved a significant milestone as the first Japanese dancer to attain the Professional Level of the Nan Giordano Certification Program® globally. Her versatility also shines in the realm of film, with a feature in the 2018 Netflix film "Driven to Dance," directed by Tati and Anthony Vogt. In addition to her stage work, Erina plays a key role as a videographer and social media manager for Giordano Dance Chicago. Her talent for capturing movement and storytelling through video enhances the company’s online presence, engaging a global audience with visually stunning content that showcases their performances.

Analysse Vance is originally from Springfield, IL, where she began her dance training with Dance Arts Studio and the Springfield Ballet Company. During her upbringing, she danced many principal roles with her local company, enjoyed performing in musical theater productions, and was a competitive diver and gymnast. She graduated from the University of Arizona in 2023 with a BFA in Dance and BSBA in Marketing. At the University, she had the opportunity to perform in George Balanchine’s “Four Temperaments” and various faculty works. Analysse has also choreographed for student productions at the University of Arizona and other dance organizations in Illinois. She has attended numerous prestigious summer and winter intensive programs, including those at Giordano Dance Chicago, Pacific Northwest Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet, Grand Rapids Ballet, Chicago Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, BalletX, Complexions, Soul Escape, A&A Ballet, Carolina Ballet Theatre, and Rochester City Ballet. Currently, Analysse is teaching at various dance studios in the Chicago area. She recently completed her first season with Giordano II and is beyond excited to start her second season as a main company member with Giordano Dance Chicago.

Eduardo Zambrana (MFA in Choreography and Performance, University of Arizona), from Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, joined Giordano II during the second half of the 59th season and is thrilled to return this year as a main company member. In 2020, Eduardo was awarded the Creative Achievement Award for his exceptional talent, creativity, and innovative artistry, and in 2021, he received 1st place at the Red Rock ScreenDance Film Festival for his work It’s Made of Thoughts. Eduardo was one of six Chicago-based choreographers selected to create an original work for New Dances 2023, where he had the opportunity to collaborate closely with Julie Nakagawa and Melissa Thodos, of DanceWorks Chicago and Thodos Dance Chicago, respectively. His choreographic commissions include works for non-traditional spaces, such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West historical landmark in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Florence Dance on Screen in Florence, Italy. Through his perseverance and dedication as an educator, he holds the distinction of being the only Bolivian worldwide certified at the Professional Level of the Nan Giordano Certification Program® and is committed to fostering growth in GDC’s outreach program, Jazz Dance/Science & Health, in Chicago Public Schools. At the University of Arizona, Eduardo danced works by renowned faculty members such as Sam Watson, Tamara Dyke-Compton, and Michael Williams, as well as many masterworks, including those by Nacho Duato, Larry Keigwin, Paul Taylor, Frank Chavez, and Martha Graham. As a performer with GDC, he has toured with the company to several cities across the country, performing repertoire by Al Blackstone, Autumn Eckman, Randy Duncan, Kiesha Lalama, Ray Mercer, Jon Lehrer, Christopher Huggins, Ronen Koresh, and Ray Leeper. Eduardo is honored to be part of Giordano Dance Chicago and strives to continue making significant contributions to the field of dance for years to come.

This engagement of Giordano Dance Chicago is made possible in part through the ArtsCONNECT program of Mid Atlantic Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.