The Company
Devin
Columbus, OH
Buchanan
Devin began studying dance at Pinnell Dance Centre in Gahanna, OH, where he trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. After high school, Devin was accepted into the certificate program at The Ailey School. The Ailey School provided Devin with performance opportunities and increased knowledge in various dance techniques such as Horton. Devin was also given the chance to test his creativity and in the process he created, “Winter’s Bleu” and “Do You Trust Your Friends”, works that were performed by his colleagues in The Ailey School’s “Global Harmony” and “Fall Fest”. Devin graduated from the Alvin Ailey certificate program in May 2010 and was accepted into a project called “The Fraulein Maria Project.” “Fraulein Maria” gave Devin the chance to continue his work in modern dance and tour the USA. Devin attended the GDC New York City audition and was awarded a position with Giordano II. This is Devin’s second season with GDC.
Joshua blake
Atlanta, GA
carter
Joshua received his early dance training from the Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts in Mableton, GA. He continued his studies at the University of Arizona under the direction of Jory Hancock, where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance cum laude as well as the Outstanding Senior Award from the School of Dance. While living in Arizona, Joshua founded Dance in the RED – an evening of dance, music and art to benefit the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation. Continuing to pursue an interest in choreography, Joshua’s work was accepted as a finalist in the Dance Under the Stars Choreography Festival in Palm Desert, CA, in 2008. The following year he was selected as the winner of Ballet Nouveau Colorado’s national choreography competition, dancemakers2.0. Joshua has since been commissioned to choreograph a second work for Ballet Nouveau Colorado, as well as Tucson’s Art.if.Act Dance Project and the Missouri Contemporary Ballet. Most recently he was an Artist-in-Residence at Glendale Community College in Phoenix, AZ where he created a new work for Verve Dance Company. After college, Joshua was offered a position in the Giordano II Company and was featured in DanceSpirit Magazine’s article, “From Graduation to Giordano.” After one season with Giordano II, Joshua was promoted and is currently in his third season with Giordano Dance Chicago. In addition to dance and choreography, Joshua is a passionate instructor and is on faculty at Trilogy School of Performing Arts in Lake Zurich, IL.
Zachary
Alexandria, VA
Heller
Zachary Heller started his training in ballet and jazz in Alexandria VA. During his early training he performed with the American Dance Company under the direction of Mark Marino. He accompanied ADC on several tours to Europe and Central America. While dancing with ADC he was recognized as the Grishko Outstanding Male Dancer at the Prague International Dance Festival in 2003. His choreography of the musicals A Chorus Line and The Boyfriend received Cappies Awards for outstanding musical theater choreography in 2003 and 2004. He attended the University of Arizona and in 2008 he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, he also fulfilled all the requirements for Pre Med. At U of A, he performed works choreographed by Susan Quinn, Michael Williams, Sam Watson, Douglas Nielsen, Frank Chaves, James Clouser, and George Balanchine. This is currently his fifth season performing with Giordano Dance Chicago. He is a resident choreographer for Midwest Dance Collective in Barrington IL. He also teaches and choreographs for studios and youth companies in the Chicago area and around the U.S. Zachary would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support.
Lindsey
Utica, NY
LaFountain
Born in Upstate New York, Lindsey’s training began at Munson Williams Proctor Institute School of Dance. In 2003 she attended the Jazz Dance World Congress in Buffalo, where she was introduced to the Giordano legacy. She received her BFA in Modern Dance Performance from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. At UArts, she had the privilege of working with Ginger Cox, Milton Myers, Kim Bears-Bailey, Curt Haworth and Zane Booker. She has also studied at Philadelphia School of Dance Arts and Koresh School of Dance. After graduating Lindsey continued working under the direction of Zane Booker as a dancer, and as Artistic Associate for The Smoke, Lilies & Jade Arts Initiative (SLJ). In 2009 she moved to Chicago to join GDC’s main company. In addition to performing, Lindsey is a part of GDC’s Jazz Dance/Science & Health program, sharing her knowledge of dance and health with children in Chicago Public Schools. She is also on faculty at the Akemi Fitness and Avea Studios, and is a certified Zumba instructor. Lindsey is truly grateful to her family and friends who have supported throughout her journey. This fall marks Lindsey’s fourth season with Giordano Dance Chicago and she remains honored to be a part of the legacy.
Lindsey
Southbridge, MA
Leduc
Lindsey began training with Terri Gordon in Sturbridge, MA. At 13, she became a Trustee Scholar at Wilbraham Monson Academy for her dance ability, exposing her to knowledge and cultural diversity that shaped and inspired her. On scholarship, she graduated cum laude from Hofstra University with a B.A. in Dance and Community Health. While in New York, Lindsey performed in many projects (including Robin Becker Dance), her choreography was showcased in the ACDF gala, and she earned her Actors Equity performing off-Broadway under Tony-award winner, Hinton Battle. Lindsey went through the scholarship program on to Giordano II and is now in her seventh year with GDC. Her choreography has been featured in Dance Chicago, and she has set works on Inaside Chicago Dance, Chicago Dance Crash and two works on Giordano Dance Chicago. Lindsey is currently on Faculty at Fost Dance Studios and The Joffrey Academy, teaches regularly throughout the Chicagoland area, and travels nationally to work with youth companies and high schools. Lindsey was first introduced to the Giordano legacy as a teenager attending Jazz Dance World Congress in Buffalo NY in 1999. Seeing a versatile array of dance companies from around the world opened Lindsey’s eyes that she could become a professional dancer, breaking her prior limited perception of professionals being ballerinas or on Broadway. She has come full circle being on master faculty for Jazz Dance World Congress Kids Jazz, hoping to inspire and enlighten young dancers.
Maeghan
Baltimore, MD
McHale
Maeghan McHale, named one of Dance Magazine’s Top 25 to Watch in 2010, was born in Baltimore, MD. She studied at the Baltimore School for the Arts where she performed works by David Parsons, David Grenke, and John Clifford. She received a full scholarship to Dance Theatre of Harlem, where she performed with the Dancing Through Barriers Ensemble. While in New York, Maeghan studied at Steps on Broadway and performed with Extended Dance Company, as well as off-Broadway under the direction of Tony-award winner, Hinton Battle. She has also participated in the Jazz Dance World Congress, The Miss America Parade, and Dancers Responding to Aids Benefit. In 2005 Maeghan received a full scholarship to GDS, and in 2006 became a performing apprentice. 2007 marked her first season with GDC, making this her sixth season. Along with establishing herself as a well recognized dancer, she has grown as a choreographer. Her work, “The Winner Is,” was performed opening night of Dance Chicago. In March her choreography was part of Youth America Grand Prix’s “Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow” tour. In May 2011 her choreography, "Angelica," was performed as part of Dancin’ Downtown at The Joyce where it received the Performance Award. This piece was performed in NYC during the Central Park Summer Stage Festival.
Ashley
Toledo, OH
Rockwood
Ashley discovered a love for dance at the age of 2 at Daryl Jervis Dance Studio in Toledo, OH. She would later realize she was learning the Giordano Technique in her jazz class. Ashley went on to receive a B.A. in Dance from Point Park University with a concentration in Jazz. There she worked with choreographers Ron de Jesus, Lauri Stallings, Kiesha Lalama, and Doug Varone. As a member of the Actor’s Equity Association, she has been in the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera’s productions of “42nd Street”, “Music Man”, “Hello Dolly!”, and “Me and My Girl”. She was also a principal dancer and understudy in the Lyric Opera of Chicago's production of "Show Boat" in 2012. Ashley has taught in GDC’s Jazz Dance/Science & Health program at Peirce Elementary, Goudy Elementary, and Swift Elementary. She enjoys teaching and choreographing in Chicago, the suburbs, and in master classes all over the country. Most recently Ashley was seen performing with Beyoncé on Oprah’s Farewell Episode and the 2011 Billboard Music Awards. Upon college graduation, she became a member of Giordano II for the 2007 – 2008 season. Following, she joined the Company and is honored and excited to begin her fifth season with Giordano Dance Chicago.
Sean
Queens, NY
Rozanski
Sean Rozanski began his training under the direction of Jodi Fera and Michelle Ferraro in Queens, New York. He went on to study ballet and modern at LaGuardia High School of the
Performing Arts in New York City. In 2005, he was chosen to represent the United States of America at the Beijing International Cultural Arts Festival in China. It was a once in a lifetime experience that he will never forget. Later, Sean received his BFA in Jazz Dance Performance at the University of the Arts, in Philadelphia, PA. He received the Outstanding in All Dance Styles and Outstanding Jazz Dance Performance awards. Sean has had the privilege to work with choreographers such as Roni Koresh, Molly Misgalla, Wayne St. David, Donald Lunsford, Christine Cox, Scott Jovovich, and Gary Jeter. During his time at UArts, he has done numerous workshops at Koresh Dance Company and performed as a dancer in the 6abc IKEA Thanksgiving Parade in Philly, under Robbie Mackey's direction and choreography. Sean is truly honored and blessed to begin his second season with GDC.
Meredith
Medina, OH
Schultz
Meredith graduated cum laude from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, with a BFA in Dance. While attending college, she performed with the Dayton Ballet and was a member of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II. She also had the privilege of performing works by Sean Curran, Paul Taylor, and George Balanchine. Meredith attended summer programs at Jacob’s Pillow’s Jazz Intensive, Point Park, American Academy of Ballet, and Mia Michaels’ Live. After graduation, she attended the Jazz Dance World Congress and was offered a scholarship to study at GDS. Shortly thereafter, she joined Giordano II. Meredith is the company ballet director at All About Dance in Old Town and also part of GDC’s Jazz Dance/Science & Health outreach program, teaching fourth and seventh grade students at CPS Peirce Elementary. Meredith is thrilled to begin her fifth season with Giordano Dance Chicago and is grateful to have such amazing friends and family who have supported her along the way.
Martin Ortiz
Cumberland, WI
Tapia
Martin began his training at the age of 21. Martin graduated with high honors from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, where he earned his degree in Music, Spanish, and Dance. There he performed works by Mia Michaels, Billy Siegenfeld, Mary Anthony, and Susan Marshall. While completing his training, Martin took part of the Talent Forum Jazz Dance Theatre and performed "Gekkoh," which won the Gold Leo Award in the Jazz Dance Choreography Competitive Event at the 2007 Jazz Dance World Congress. Martin received a scholarship at GDS in the summer of 2007. During the 2007-2008 season, Martin was a member of Giordano II. In addition to being a dancer, Martin is very involved in the community as an educator. He is part of GDC's Jazz Dance/Science & Health program, teaching fourth and seventh grade students in underserved public schools. Martin joined GDC in 2009, and he is starting his fourth season with the main company. Martin wants to thank his family (Mamá, Papá, y hermano) and Precious Angels for being there all the time. ¡Que viva la familia!
Giordano II
Katie
Trevose, PA
Rafferty Performing Associate
Katie began her training at Kay’s Act II Dance Studio in Trevose, PA. She is a graduate of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Jazz Dance Performance. She attended Uarts under a Promising Artists Scholarship, and upon graduation was awarded Outstanding Jazz Dance Performance. While attending Uarts, Katie was a member of the Xhale Dance Company for five seasons, including performances for the Philly Fringe Festival and the New York City Choreographers Canvas. Katie looks forward to returning to Philly every year to perform as a dancer in the 6abc IKEA Thanksgiving Day Parade, under Robbie Mackey’s direction and choreography. Katie has been with Giordano Dance Chicago for three seasons, starting as a Giordano II and working her way up to Performing Associate. As a member of Giordano II she and had the opportunity to perform a premier work, “Sanza” by Autumn Eckman, on the Harris Theatre stage in Giordano’s Spring 2011 engagement. One of the highlights she has of working with the company last season was being a part of Giordano’s Jazz Dance/Science & Health program and being able to teach children about dance, health and fitness. Katie is excited to be returning as a Performing Associate with the Company, and cannot wait for another great season!
Rachael Lynn
Buffalo, NY
Berube
Rachael began her dance education at Karyn Kelly Dance Center in Buffalo, New York. She recently graduated magna cum laude from Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance, concentrating in Jazz. Rachael is thrilled to have gained a wealth of experience while training and performing with a wide spectrum of the industry’s leading professionals including Kiesha Lalama, Garfield Lemonius, Jason McDole, Doug Varone, Daniel Charon, Douglas Bentz, Kristina Fluty and Cesar Salinas. In addition to performing, she exhibits a growing passion for the art of choreography. Rachael has been fortunate to have a variety of opportunities with both Point Park and studios in her hometown to teach master classes as well as set pieces for diverse projects. She is also a part of GDC's Jazz Dance/Science & Health program in Chicago Public Schools. Rachael is ecstatic to be a part of the Giordano Dance Chicago family and is thrilled to be in her second season as a Giordano II company member.
Lauren
Carol Stream, IL
Blane
Lauren is a proud native of Chicago’s western suburbs. She began training seriously at the Faubourg Ballet Academy under the direction of Watmora Casey. She later graduated with honors from Grand Valley State University, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance Performance. While at Grand Valley, Lauren performed the works of Pascal Rioult, Thang Dao, Peter Sparling, and Robert Battle. In her senior year, Lauren’s choreography was chosen to be featured in the ACDF gala. Upon graduation, she was selected by the Dance Faculty to receive The Outstanding Undergraduate Award in Dance. After graduating from GVSU, Lauren studied as a year-round scholarship student at the Lou Conte Dance Studio under the direction of Claire Bataille. She also performed as a feature dancer in the Lincolnshire Marriott’s version of SHOUT! the musical. Lauren had the privilege of performing with Beyonce on Oprah’s Farewell Episode at the United Center. This is Lauren’s second season with GII, and she couldn’t be more honored and excited to be a part of the Giordano family.
Leah
Commerce, MI
chilcutt
Leah began her training at the age of 4 at Dance Dynamics Performing Arts Center in Walled Lake, MI under the direction of Dori Matkowski. She continued her studies at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA graduating with honors with a BFA degree in Jazz Dance Performance. Leah attended Uarts under a Promising Artist Scholarship, and upon graduation was awarded the Outstanding Jazz Dance Performance Award. While at the University, Leah trained and performed works by Scott Jovovich, Ronen Koresh, Wayne St. David, Molly Misgalla, Donald Lunsford, Kim Bears-Bailey, and Gary Jeter. Leah also had the privilege to be a dancer in Zane Booker's company, Smoke Lilies and Jade (SLJ). After graduation, she worked with Brian Sanders company, JUNK and performed in the Philly Fringe Festival. Leah would like to thank her family and friends for all of their love and support, and is so excited to begin her first season as a GII with Giordano Dance Chicago.
ashley
St. Paul, MN
downs
Ashley is a proud native of St. Paul, M.N., where she graduated with honors from St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists. Recently she graduated magna cum laude from Point Park University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a concentration in Jazz. While attending Point Park, Ashley had the privilege of training and performing a variety of works by Martha Graham, Kiesha Lalama, Ron Tassone, Garfield Lemonius and Sidra Bell. In addition to performing, she has also illustrated an immense passion for teaching. Through Point Park she was given many opportunities to work alongside University professors and teach for the Point Park Community Classes. This is Ashley’s first season in Giordano II and couldn’t be more thrilled and grateful to be a part of the wonderful family that is Giordano Dance Chicago.
natasha
Des Moines, IA
overturff
Natasha Overturff began her dance training in Des Moines, IA at her mother’s studio, Moore School of Dance. She graduated with a BFA in dance from the University of Arizona and has performed various repertoire works from choreographers such as Susan Quinn, Sam Watson, Michael Williams, and was featured in a Chicago Medley with Ann Reinking and Gary Chryst. Natasha is also currently working as a guest choreographer in studios and high schools throughout the country. After studying the Giordano technique for many years in her early dance training and receiving a summer scholarship at GDS, she is thrilled to become a part of the Giordano legacy in her first season as a GII.