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The Birth of Gus Giordano
Gus Giordano was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He was first introduced to jazz and dance by his cousin who taught him the Charleston dance step. He went through dance training with a local instructor named Minette Buchman. He was studying mostly ballet and theatre in his early years. -
Gus Doing His Part
During World War 2 Gus joined the Marines. He was part of a performing group that put on shows at the Hollywood Canteen and at military bases around the country. At the end of the war he quit the marines to pursue his broadway dreams. -
The Short Setback
Gus moved to New York City where he searched for a Broadway job. During this time, he studied with Hanya Holm, Katherine Dunham and Alwin Nikolais. He also joined a dance group at Roxy Theater where they performed daily. Although he put so much effort into making it on Broadway it never happened. After he didn't make it he returned back to St. Louis, where he finished college at the University of Missouri in Columbia. In St. Louis he met Peg who later on he married in Detroit. -
Back On Broadway
After finishing college and marrying his wife, Gus decided to make his return to Broadway. This time he was more successful. After 6 months of auditioning he landed a role in the musical "Wish You Were There." He also performed in "Paint Your Wagon", "On the Town" and several television variety shows. -
A Change in Scenery
In 1953, Gus moved back to Chicago and opened a dance studio where he could teach and choreograph. Giordano taught dance at his studio and staged the film festival at the same time. -
The Birth of Gus' Dance School
After perfoming for visiting Bolshoi Ballet dancers who wanted to see what jazz dance looked like, Gus took his students to tour Russia. Thus, his company Giordano Dance Chicago was born. It is one of Chicago's top professional dance companies. Many Giordano dancers became part of the company after spending time in Giordano II, the "apprentice" company. Giordano II travels with the first company and performs in large pieces. -
His Own Style
Gus' technique was based in modern, learned from his teacher Katherine Dunham. He emphasizes strength and adds his own undulating movement that emanated from the pelvis and rolled through the chest and arms. Gus compiled his teachings and techniques into what is now considered one of the most influential books on jazz dance. -
Gus and TV
Gus' television show The Rehearsal won an Emmy, the PBS award and the Ohio State award. -
The Jazz Dance World Congress
Gus founded the Jazz Dance World Congress, a five-day event celebrating the uniquely American art form of jazz dance. Congresses have been held all over the world since 1990. -
Gus Gets Recognized for His Work
Gus received the Heritage Award from the National Dance Association for his contributions to dance education. -
The Passing of One of The Forefathers of Jazz Dance
Sadly, Gus passed away March 9, 2008 of pneumonia. He was 84 years old. He left a huge impact on the dance world with his contributions to jazz and dance education. -
