Olivia Pennell

Olivia (Liv) Pennell, originally from Springfield, IL, currently serves as the Administrative Coordinator of Giordano Dance Chicago. She began formal dance training at Dance Arts Studio and the Springfield Ballet Company under the direction of Julie Ratz, Gina DeCroix Russell, and Grace Luttrell Nanavati. Olivia pursued higher education at the University of Kansas, earning a BA in both Dance and Communications. At KU, Olivia performed in many University Dance Company productions, and secured a SOTA Project Research Grant to produce and direct Emergence, the department’s first student run dance showcase. She made her choreographic debut in 2023 with “Broken Patterns,” which led to an invitation as a guest alumni choreographer for KU’s University Dance Company following her graduation.

Before her current position, Olivia completed a traineeship/administrative assistant position with Chicago Repertory Ballet. She has attended many dance intensives throughout Chicago and beyond. Most recently, Olivia presented choreography at Alluvion Dance Chicago’s production for emerging choreographers. Outside of Giordano, Olivia enjoys freelance work as a dancer and choreographer as well as working as an ASR at The Harris Theater!

Olivia is beyond excited and honored to serve as Giordano Dance Chicago’s Administrative Coordinator and work alongside colleagues who inspire her every day.