By: Ashmar Mandou

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University proudly presents the Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC), in their first full-length performance “Made in Chicago” Dance Series on Saturday, Jan. 31st at 7:30p.m. “Made in Chicago” Dance Series will showcase an array of dance performances inspired by sacrifice, relationships, even the ever changing Pilsen neighborhood. Former GDC Assistant Artistic Director Autumn Eckman choreographed “Moving Sidewalks,” a piece dedicated to the ever changing landscape and sound of Pilsen. “It wasn’t so much the people we wanted to portray in the dance; it was more about the architecture of Pilsen, the infrastructure, how the neighborhood has changed in the mid-19th century,” said Eckman.

“Made in Chicago” Dance Series will premiere “Shirt Off My Back,” a full-company work choreographed by award-winning choreographer Ray Mercer that explores human nature. “Giordano Dance Chicago is one of the leading dance companies performing in the United States,” said Executive Director Brett Batterson. “For more than half a century, this terrific ensemble has dazzled audiences with incomparable energy, creativity and style. We are privileged to host this group and to bring an exclusive world premiere to the Auditorium stage as part of our ‘Made in Chicago’ series.” In addition to “Moving Sidewalks” and “Shirt Off My Back,” Israeli-born choreographer Roni Koresh premieres “Exit4” about human experiences. “Feelin’ Good Sweet,” inspired by traditional jazz sounds and “Alloy,” a duet scored by Mendelssohn and Beethoven. The “Made in Chicago Dance Series is sponsored by The Boeing Company. For more information about GDC, call 312-922-1332 or visit giordanodance.org. For tickets to the “Made in Chicago” Dance Series, visit AuditoriumTheatre.org or call 800-982-2787.

Photo Credit Gorman Cook