A Giordano show is always a multi-layered display of art and entertainment, not so much defying barriers and boundaries as transcending them.
AOTPR.COM
When the curtain falls and the evening ends, there are a lot of grateful, happily satisfied customers
Time Out Chicago
Giordano gave me confidence.
Adriana
4th Grade GDC outreach student
JAZZ DANCE WORLD CONGRESS
JAZZ DANCE WORLD CONGRESS
America's Original Jazz Dance Company
GDC COLLEGE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
AND LIGHT AWARD
GDC COLLEGE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
GUIDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF DANCERS
If selected to be a mentee, you will be given an opportunity to intimately explore the resources, advice, and support from a GDC company member (Mentor) to better equip your transition from college to the professional dance arena. GDCMP was established to develop relationships that will bridge the next generation of young dancers with GDC’s professional team. In addition, GDCMP allows each mentor and mentee the chance to create an experience that is worthwhile and enriching. Mentees receive a unique opportunity to perform a piece of GDC repertoire at the annual Summer Intensive.​
​
2026 Mentees
Stella Amor Abad: University of Michigan
Olivia Elliot: Southern Methodist University
Eleanor Hammer: Hofstra University
Brooklyn Porter: Western Kentucky University
Meghan Robertson: George Mason University
Dakota Rubin: Boston University
Natalie Scherer: University of Arizona
Kamryn Skrocki: University at Buffalo
Raelee Tutt: Point Park University
Chloe Winkler: Ailey/Fordham University
MENTEES RECEIVE
FaceTime sessions with Mentor (Giordano Dance Chicago Company Member)
Opportunity to shadow your mentor while in Chicago & take GDC company class
Backstage Experience at a home season performance
Full Scholarship to GDC Workshop
Conversation with GDC’s Artistic Team & Mentor
THE LIGHT AWARD
AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHINE
The Light Award was established to recognize a young dancer who best embodies the spirit, the energy and exemplifies the polished characteristics of a Giordano dancer. Through this award, we encourage your growth as an aspiring dancer.
As a Light Award recipient you are given an opportunity to explore the resources, advice, and support from GDC that will aide your transition from high school to college. Light Award recipients will have the opportunity to showcase a solo performance at the annual Summer Intensive.
2026 Recipients
Linkin Blandford: Musick Studios
Andy Lane: Charlotte Klein Dance Centers
LIGHT AWARD WINNERS RECEIVE
Opportunity to take GDC company class and observe Company rehearsal
Backstage Experience at a home season performance
Full Scholarship for GDC Workshop
Conversation with GDC’s Artistic Team