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NAN GIORDANO Artistic Director
Nan Giordano began as Associate Director in the 80’s and since 1993 has served as Artistic Director and has guided the development of a large and diverse repertoire. Nan was trained by her father and mentor, Gus Giordano, creator of the world renowned Giordano Technique. She had an extensive performing career in concert dance, as well as in the industrial and fashion worlds. Her concert dance experience began with Giordano Dance Theatre, led by Lea Darwin, before apprenticing and then joining Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago. With her father at the helm of 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, Nan became Associate Director of the company and was instrumental in establishing a working Board of Directors, which has evolved into today’s four separate Boards of over 50 individuals supporting the company and its work. Under Nan Giordano’s leadership, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago has established a high profile and reputation for excellence in the Chicago dance community, as well as in the national and international dance worlds. During this period the company has worked with a variety of choreographers, both well known and emerging, to create many new works. The Chicago Tribune dance critic in his glowing review of one of these new works, wrote that it was “further evidence of artistic director Nan Giordano’s shrewd instincts for choreographic talent and excellent dancers.” Nan’s concert choreography credits include 4 in works in Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago’s repertoire. On the commercial side Nan has choreographed several television commercials including Famous Footwear and Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and was one of the assistant choreographers for Amoco’s 100th Birthday Anniversary. Nan is also a dedicated teacher of dance to students of all ages. Nan teaches Master classes throughout the United States, and has toured internationally as guest teacher in many countries including Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Guatemala, and Mexico. She is also the driving force behind GJDC’s major outreach program in 3 Chicago public schools. Nan received the Manford Byrd Jr. “Wizard of Oz” Award for Outstanding Service from Howland School of the Arts. She is on the International Ballet Competition, National Honorary Committee. Nan is Artistic Director of the Jazz Dance World Congress, an event that draws dancers, choreographers, and teachers from more than 30 countries, and has been instrumental in gaining recognition for jazz dance as an established American art form performed on the concert stage. It has been held at many national and international sites, including the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., at the University at Buffalo, Chukio University in Japan, Germany, Mexico, Costa Rica, Phoenix, the City of Chicago, and in 2012 at Point Park University. Nan served three years on the Illinois Arts Council Dance Panel. She also served on the Community Arts Assistance Program Dance Panel for the City of Chicago. Nan currently serves on Dance Magazine’s Advisory Board.