Gus Giordano

Definition

Gus Giordano was a prominent American dancer, choreographer, and educator known for his significant contributions to the development of jazz dance. He played a crucial role in popularizing jazz dance as a legitimate art form and was instrumental in establishing jazz dance techniques that are widely taught today. His work helped to elevate the status of jazz dance within the broader context of American dance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gus Giordano founded the Giordano Dance Chicago company in 1963, which became one of the first professional jazz dance companies in the United States.
2. He created a unique style that combined traditional jazz with modern techniques, helping to shape the future of jazz choreography.
3. Giordano authored several influential books on jazz dance, including 'Jazz Dance: A History of the Dance and Its Techniques,' which has been used as a foundational text in many dance programs.
4. He was recognized for his efforts in promoting jazz dance education through workshops, festivals, and conferences across the country.
5. Giordano's legacy continues through his students and dancers who have carried on his techniques and philosophies in their own careers.

Review Questions

• How did Gus Giordano influence the development and acceptance of jazz dance as an art form?
  • Gus Giordano played a pivotal role in elevating jazz dance to a respected art form through his choreography, teaching, and advocacy. By establishing professional companies like Giordano Dance Chicago and creating a standardized technique, he brought structure and recognition to jazz dance. His emphasis on education helped ensure that future generations would appreciate and understand the depth and complexity of jazz dance as a legitimate artistic expression.
• Discuss the key elements of the Giordano Technique and how it reflects Giordano's vision for jazz dance.
  • The Giordano Technique is characterized by its focus on athleticism, expressiveness, and versatility, reflecting Gus Giordano's vision of jazz dance as both an energetic performance style and a means of emotional expression. The technique incorporates elements from ballet, modern dance, and traditional jazz, allowing dancers to develop a well-rounded skill set. This holistic approach not only enhances individual performance but also promotes creativity and innovation within the genre.
• Evaluate Gus Giordano's contributions to jazz dance education and how they have shaped contemporary training practices.
  • Gus Giordano's contributions to jazz dance education have had a lasting impact on contemporary training practices by establishing structured methodologies that prioritize both technical proficiency and artistic expression. His books and teaching techniques have become foundational resources for educators across the country. Furthermore, through workshops and festivals he initiated, he fostered a sense of community among dancers that encourages collaboration and ongoing learning in the field. As a result, his influence can be seen in the way current dance programs blend traditional training with innovative approaches to performance.

Related terms

Jazz Dance: A genre of dance that originated from African American vernacular dance styles and incorporates elements from various dance forms, characterized by its energetic movements and improvisational style.

Giordano Technique: A specific method of jazz dance developed by Gus Giordano, which emphasizes athleticism, expressiveness, and the incorporation of various dance styles to create a comprehensive approach to jazz.

Theatrical Dance: A form of dance that is performed for an audience, often combining elements of storytelling, character portrayal, and expressive movement within a staged setting.