The world-renowned jazz dance company, founded by dance pioneer and St. Louis native Gus Giordano, celebrates its 60th anniversary as one of the longest-running jazz dance companies in the world.

The evening’s versatile program includes the heart-pumping, crowd-pleaser – SOUL – set to music by Gladys Knight & the Pips, Al Green and Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary” - along with six other distinct and popular works by distinguished, award-winning choreographers, including original work by founder Gus Giordano

St. Louis native Gus Giordano is considered one of the forefathers of Broadway or theatrical jazz dance styles. Scholars have praised him for establishing jazz dance as an internationally recognized artistic medium, with his technique and style having shaped today's modern jazz dance. He taught many performers, teachers, choreographers, and also celebrities like Gregory Hines, Patrick Swayze, and Ann-Margret throughout his lifetime. 

In 1963, he founded Giordano Dance Chicago, and the company went on to become one of the longest-running jazz dance companies in the world. It’s long been considered to be America’s original jazz company and “American jazz dance royalty” (Chicago Tribune). GDC is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary and has been under the artistic leadership of Nan Giordano, Gus’ daughter, since 1993. 

Dance St. Louis presents Giordano Dance Chicago Saturday, February 25, at 7:30 pm at the Touhill Performing Arts Center as part of its 22/23 Season. Tickets are $45-$69.