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Life Span
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Gus Giordano lived to be 84 years old, when he died of pneumonia -
First steps into dance
Gus learned his first dance at the age of five. In New Orleans, Gus' cousin taught him the Charleston, therefore, igniting his love for jazz dance. -
Enrolling in the military
Giordano joined the marines in early World War 2, where he did not exactly work as a fighting force, but more of an entertainer for the marine core. Post war, Giordano withdrew from the marines and pursued his Jazz career. -
Early career
During WW2, Giordano took lessons in both ballet and theatre dance. Up until the time where the opportunity to take time away from his broadway job and perform at military bases across the country. -
Moving back to Chicago
At this point in Giordano's life, he moved back to Chicago where he then opened a jazz studio, where he would personally train and choreograph. -
Bolshoi ballet dancers visit his jazz production
Following Giordano's senior students performing a jazz piece in front of the Russian ballet dancers, Giordano was invited to Russia to tour the dance facilities present, and get a sense of a different culture within the world of dance. -
Creating his own style
Having a technique based on Modern dance, his jazz technique was emphasized by his personal strength and created a new influential way to preform jazz dance. -
Jazz Dance World Congress Founded
in 1990, a five day long event towards honoring and celebrating the historical art form of American jazz dance. The conference has been held in America, Germany, Costa Rica, Japan, and Mexico. This event is still occurring today and will forever spread awareness about American jazz. -
Legacy gets recognized
Giordano received an incredibly prestigious award, heritage award from the national dance association for the numerous for what he did for the Jazz community.