Giordano Dance Chicago Premieres New Works in 'Ignite the Soul'

The jazz dance company's latest program showcases the broad spectrum of American jazz dance.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:43pm

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An extreme close-up of a dancer's foot in a glittering, sequined tap shoe, capturing the luxurious textures and dramatic lighting of a professional performance.Giordano Dance Chicago's latest program highlights the company's mastery of the diverse styles that make up American jazz dance.Chicago Today

Giordano Dance Chicago's latest program, 'Ignite the Soul,' performed at the Harris Theater, featured a mix of new and repertory works that demonstrated the company's versatility across various jazz dance styles, including tap, street dance, contemporary, ballroom, and musical theater. The program included premieres by choreographers Al Blackstone, Mike Minery, and Jon Rua, as well as pieces by Ronen Koresh and Del Dominguez.

Why it matters

As one of the country's longest-tenured dance institutions, Giordano Dance Chicago's 'Ignite the Soul' program highlighted the company's continued evolution and commitment to pushing the boundaries of American jazz dance. The diverse range of styles and choreographic voices on display underscored the company's artistic vision and its ability to captivate audiences.

The details

The program's finale, 'Dumb Luck!' by resident choreographer Al Blackstone, had a 'On the Town' aesthetic with striped T-shirts, white pants, and sailor hats. Blackstone's other works for the company, 'Rhapsody in Blue' and 'Sana,' bookended the evening with contrasting styles. Choreographer Mike Minery presented a charming tap duet, while Jon Rua's 'namuH' (Human, backwards) incorporated a raw, abstract take on street styles. Ronen Koresh's 'Crossing/Lines' and Del Dominguez's 'Sobroso' rounded out the program.

  • Giordano Dance Chicago typically mounted at least two productions a year at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance.
  • In 2024, Blackstone created a tribute to 'Rhapsody in Blue' for the company's 100th anniversary.
  • Last year, Blackstone's work 'Sana' opened the 'Ignite the Soul' program.

The players

Giordano Dance Chicago

A jazz dance company now in its 63rd season, and among the country's longest-tenured dance institutions.

Al Blackstone

The resident choreographer of Giordano Dance Chicago, who has created a trio of works for the company, including 'Dumb Luck!', 'Rhapsody in Blue', and 'Sana'.

Mike Minery

A choreographer who presented a charming tap duet for Giordano Dance Chicago.

Jon Rua

A choreographer who created the piece 'namuH' (Human, backwards) for Giordano Dance Chicago, incorporating a raw, abstract take on street styles.

Ronen Koresh

A choreographer whose work 'Crossing/Lines' was included in the 'Ignite the Soul' program.

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What they’re saying

“I'm an unapologetic Giordano fan. And its latest program, called 'Ignite the Soul,' performed Friday and Saturday at the Harris, is a stellar example of a company that's continuing to push itself after more than six decades.”

— Lauren Warnecke, Dance Critic

What’s next

Giordano Dance Chicago will continue its 63rd season with additional performances at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance.

The takeaway

Giordano Dance Chicago's 'Ignite the Soul' program showcased the company's commitment to exploring the diverse range of American jazz dance, from tap to street styles to contemporary, underscoring its artistic vision and ability to captivate audiences even after more than six decades.