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Devin Buchanan (New York, NY) Devin began studying dance at Pinnell Dance Centre in Gahanna, Oh. While studying at Pinnell, he had an excellent education in many styles of dance such as ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, and became inspired to choreograph. After high school, Devin auditioned for and was accepted into the certificate program at The Ailey School. Where he created, “Winter’s Bleu” and “Do You Trust Your Friends” during his second and third year. He also read for a revival of the Broadway musical, “Bubbling Brown Sugar.” Devin graduated from the Alvin Ailey certificate program in May 2010 and was accepted into a project called “Fraulein Maria.” After touring Devin auditioned for Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago and was given an amazing opportunity to grow with the second company of Giordano, Giordano II. Devon is truly excited and thankful for this opportunity.
Mary Marshall (Overland Park, Kansas) Mary began her dance training at Nallia's School of Dance and Graves Talent Company under the direction of Brenda Graves. She furthered her dance studies at The Culture House Arts Academy and spent her summers studying at the Kansas City Ballet, the American Academy of Ballet, STEPS on Broadway, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, the Montgomery Ballet and attended the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre summer intensive on full scholarship as a fellowship student. Mary attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance on scholarship and graduated cum laude with a B.F.A. in Dance in 2008. In Kansas City she danced professionally with Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company, The Kansas City Ballet, Quixotic Performance Fusion, Störling Dance Theatre, Owen/Cox Dance Company, Jane Gotch Dancers and the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey under the direction of Tyrone Aiken. Aside from her passion for dancing, Mary also has a true passion for teaching all styles of dance to students of all ages. She is extremely thankful for this opportunity and feels very honored to begin her first season as a member of Giordano II.
Thomas Ortiz (Merrimack, NH) Thomas began his training with Patricia Lavoie at Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater in Merrimack, NH. He graduated from Marymount Manhattan College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. While at Marymount he performed works by renowned choreographers; David Parsons, Pedro Ruiz, Molissa Fenley, Stephen Petronio, Robert Battle, and Edgar Zendejas. Since graduating he has performed with Larry Keigwin at The Joyce Theater in New York City and has danced with Chet Walker's company WalkerDance. He is looking forward to a very exciting season with Giordano II and would like to thank his family and friends for their ongoing support and encouragement.
Brianna Elizette Pazos (El Paso, TX) Brianna began her dance training in the small west Texas town of El Paso where she was born and raised. Upon graduation from Franklin High School she headed off to Pittsburgh to attend Point Park University with a Presidential and dance scholarship. While attending Point Park, Brianna was honored with the opportunity to be a part of works choreographed by Doug Varone, David Parsons, Eddie Stockton, Kristofer Storey, Kiki Lucas, and Keisha Lalama-White. In addition to performing, Brianna has dipped her toe into the world of choreography and done various projects both at Point Park and back home. Her versatile dance style ranges from ballet to hip hop and even a bit of break dancing. Brianna recently graduated with honors from Point Park University with a BA in dance and is excited to begin her first season with Giordano II.
Katie Rafferty (Trevose, Pa) Katie began her training at Kay’s Act II Dance Studio in Trevose, Pa. She is a recent graduate of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Jazz Dance Performance. She attended Uarts under a Promising Artists Scholarship, and upon graduation was awarded the Outstanding Jazz Dance Performance Award by the School of Dance. Katie has had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Ronen Koresh, Donald Lunsford, Zane Booker, Christine Cox, Molly Misgalla, Wayne St. David, Scott Jovovich, and Christopher Huggins. While attending Uarts, Katie was a member of the Xhale Dance Company for five seasons, including performances for the Philly Fringe Festival and the New York City Choreographers Canvas. In 2009, Katie performed as a dancer in the 6abc IKEA Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philly, under Robbie Mackey’s direction and choreography. This is Katie’s first season as a Giordano II, and can not be more excited to be a part of the Giordano family!
Jeremiah Subayi (Decatur, IL) Jeremiah recently graduated from Millikin University where he received a Bachelors of Science in Business Marketing. Millikin is where Jeremiah began his formal dance training. After he began taking dance classes, a passion and love for dance quickly developed. Jeremiah is thankful for the time he spent at Millikin performing in faculty and student choreographed works, and is now incredibly excited to be a part of the Giordano family. This is Jeremiah’s first season with Giordano II.
Peter Vandivier (Pittsburgh, PA) Peter Vandivier began training in his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater and the Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. He achieved his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Point Park University. Before coming to Chicago, he worked in southwestern PA with regional companies Attack Theater, Pillow Project Dance Co, R(E)volve Dance Theater, and Pittsburgh Youth Ballet. Peter is thrilled to be a part of the Giordano community and can't wait to see what the season brings.