GIORDANO JAZZ DANCE CHICAGO NAMES MICHAEL MCSTRAW AS THEIR NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
2010-08-19 4:04:19 PM
CHICAGO – The Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago Board’s search committee, working with a succession planning consultant and a national search firm, has named Michael McStrawexecutive director of Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago effective Sept. 13. “Michael has a long history both as a member and an advocate for Chicago’s performing arts community,” says Board President John Seebeck. “His energy and enthusiasm for the arts, combined with his experience working in for-profit corporate organizations, will bring new light and direction to our already-stellar dance company.”
As a professional dancer, semi-professional musician, arts administrator, dance educator, board member, and arts patron, McStraw has been a positive and constant influence in the Chicago community for the past 26 years. He has danced extensively with the area’s premier contemporary dance companies, including Mordine & Company Dance Theater, an organization he also managed, Jan Erkert & Dancers, and DanceLoop Chicago, of which he is a founding member. McStraw was a member of and soloist with Chicago Master Singers for more than 12 years, and has performed at numerous area churches and synagogues. Raised in Western Pennsylvania, McStraw holds a BS degree in Geology from Allegheny College and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Modern Dance from the University of Michigan. Early in his career, he served a stint as an agricultural extension agent in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone, West Africa.
McStraw’s return to full-time arts administration follows a successful 17-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, most notably with G.D. Searle and Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America. He is an experienced marketing, operations, and project management professional with special skill in developing strategic long-term solutions for complex business issues. “I am greatly honored to have the opportunity to work with the exceptional Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago,” says McStraw.
Currently in its 48th season, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago (GJDC) is a world class jazz dance company and a driving force in Chicago’s thriving performing arts community. The company is dedicated to developing, performing and enhancing awareness of jazz dance, a true American art form. Founded by Gus Giordano and currently under the leadership of Artistic Director Nan Giordano, the company’s new works continually expand the boundaries of jazz dance. In addition to its concert performances, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago conducts an extensive outreach and education program in Chicago metropolitan area schools, the Chicago Park District and college campuses. For more information about Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago visit giordanodance.org.
Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago’s current season LiveLife.DANCE! begins with its fall performances, Friday, Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Dr. in Chicago’s Millennium Park. Single tickets are $15 – $60 and can be purchased from the Harris at the box office, by phone at 312.334.7777 or online at harristheaterchicago.org. Season subscriptions starting at $50 are available only through GJDC at 847.866.6779 or online at giordanodance.org.
