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Article: Giordano Jazz Dance stages love letter to founder
- Article from:
- Morton Grove Champion (IL)
- Article date:
- February 12, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2009, Morton Grove Champion, Pioneer Press. All rights reserved. REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED. (Hide copyright information)
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On Feb. 14, as Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago marks its Centre East debut, the renowned, Evanston-based company will be sending a valentine to late founder Gus Giordano, who died last year. Every piece has some connection to the innovator, who started the dance company in 1963.
Gus' daughter, Nan Giordano, who has served as artistic director since 1993, described her dad as "the pioneer for jazz dance. One of his gifts was as a unifier. He had charisma and personality. He had an impact on many people in many different ways."
Jon Lehrer began dancing with Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago in 1997 and left in 2007 to form his own company.
"I had a wonderful 10-year career there," Lehrer said. "I always ...