Giordano Dance Chicago unveils new name and logo

Over the past half century, “jazz” has been an integral part of the Evanston-based Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago. It’s in the name, after all. At least, it was.

Last night at the 50th anniversary season launch party, in the nighttime hue of a spectacular Lake Michigan view, the company unveiled a new logo and a new name in its new space. The company formerly known as Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago is now Giordano Dance Chicago. “This is a very exciting time,” said executive director Michael McStraw, addressing the crowd at the site of the company’s downtown studio space in the Fine Arts Building (410 S Michigan Ave), where the troupe will begin rehearsals in September. “New home, new name, new logo, new website, new vision.”

The vision undoubtedly intends to bolster company status artistically and logistically. GDC performs regularly at the nearby Harris Theater and at annual events like the upcoming Dance for Life at the Auditorium Theatre. The company repertoire becomes more eclectic with each passing season—jazz-based, though that’s not its only forte—and the dancers admittedly thrive off the energy that city-life provides. On more than one occasion last night, a dancer could be overheard saying, “I’m so excited to be in the city.” One only half-jokingly pointed out all the nearby sandwich shops and restaurants that would eventually become “go-to spots,” including a nearby Potbellys. “I can’t wait,” she said.