Ten dancers from the acclaimed Giordano Dance Chicago will be back on the Big Island next week for two performances.
The contemporary dance studio will be celebrating its 60th anniversary with a small tour that will stop at the University of Hawaii at Hilo Performing Arts Center on Jan. 25 and the Kahilu Theater in Waimea on Jan. 28.
Giordano has performed in Hilo multiple times and sold out its last local performance prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Performing Arts Center Manager Lee Dombroski.
UH-Hilo PAC and the Hawaii Concert Society are co-producing the Hilo show that will present Giordano’s innovative jazz dance choreography.
One of the missions of Giordano Dance Chicago is to bring the American art form of dance to audiences and students of all ages and from all ethnic backgrounds.
“This is not the first time Giordano Dance Chicago has been here, and they are fabulous every time,” Dombroski said. “They are very athletic and use lively music. Last time they were here, they sold out the show.”
Giordano Dance utilizes the Giordano Technique, which employs a deep plié, rhythmic complexity and precision, and a strong and consistent use of core while moving each part of the body in isolation.
While this style of performing has been pervasive through their performances, dancers are also innovating, redefining and expanding the definition of jazz dance.
Before the pandemic, the UH-Hilo PAC regularly hosted seven to nine acts each season that were visiting from the mainland or internationally.
“We’re so happy to be able to welcome out of state and international talent back on our stage,” Dombroski said. “This will be our third visiting show, and we’ll have our last one this season with the popular puppeteer, Tom Lee, in March.”
Advance tickets for Giordano Dance Chicago at UH-Hilo are $30 for general admission, $25 for discounts, and $15 for UH-Hilo and Hawaii Community College students. All tickets are $5 more on the night of the performance.
Those interested can purchase tickets online at hilo.hawaii.edu/depts/theatre/tickets/, or over the phone from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday to Thursday at (808) 932-7490.
Tickets for the Jan. 28 performance at the Kahilu Theatre ($68/$35) may be purchased online at www.kahilutheatre.org, by phone at (808) 885-6868, or in person.
From 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24, a Giordano dancer will give a free master class at the UH-Hilo’s Old Gymnasium (on Kapiolani Street). Intermediate and higher dance students and their teachers are invited to participate.
There also will be a master class at the Kahilu Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. for students age 14 to 18. Admission for students is $10.
