Open Company Class - Jazz Technique with Cesar G. Salinas
Regal, grounded, elegant - the Giordano Technique was created by jazz dance pioneer, Gus Giordano, and is an essential foundation for any dancer’s repertoire. The technique is highly sought after by dance institutions due to its rigor, precision, and power. Take class with guest artist Cesar G. Salinas (trained and mentored by Nan Giordano, the world's pre-eminent authority on the Giordano Technique) where you will learn a pre-stretch, center, across the floor and combination within the iconic Giordano Jazz style. The Giordano Technique is not external; rather, it emanates from within.
Cesar G. Salinas, originally from Portland, Oregon, is Artistic Programs Manager for Giordano Dance Chicago. He began his formal studies in dance with Zohar School of Dance, under the direction of Ehud Krauss in Palo Alto, CA. There he was introduced to the classic jazz styles of Gus Giordano, Luigi, and Matt Mattox. He moved to Oregon where he studied at Willamette Ballet Academy under Deborah Higginbotham. Cesar went on to further his training at the University at Buffalo, where he graduated with a BFA in Dance. He received a scholarship to Giordano Dance School in Chicago, IL, in 2004 and 2005. From 2006 until 2011, Cesar joined Giordano Dance Chicago as a full company member performing throughout the United States and Europe. During his tenure, he was proud to be a part of GDC's educational outreach program, teaching science and health dance classes to 4th and 5th grade students in under-resourced public schools in Chicago. Cesar was honored to be on the cover of Dance Magazine (August 2007) and to teach at the Jazz Dance World Congress in 2007, 2009, and 2012. In 2013, he was chosen as a soloist for BalaSole Dance Company performing Hunted in New York City’s Alvin Ailey Citigroup where he received rave reviews: “richly physical performance that drew the audience’s unfettered enthusiasm” – Philip Gordon. Cesar toured the world with Royal Caribbean cruise lines as a performer in the Broadway production of Saturday Night Fever as well as an aerialist. In the January 2018 issue of Dance Teacher Magazine, Cesar demonstrates the Giordano Technique alongside Nan Giordano in honor of the company’s 55th Anniversary Season. Cesar is a certified teacher in the Giordano Technique at the Basic, Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, and Professional Levels of the Nan Giordano Certification Program® (NGCP®). Most recently Cesar returned to the stage at the Auditorium Theatre to perform Gus Giordano’s 1978 iconic solo Wings in honor of Nan Giordano’s 33 years at the helm and 25th Anniversary as Artistic Director for GDC. Lauren Warnecke of SeeChicagoDance wrote, “...you could almost imagine Gus himself up there performing the piece he made 40 years ago.” He currently teaches master classes, workshops, and residencies as well as choreographs for universities and studios across the country.
New this year - join us at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts for Open Company class with rotating guest artists, every Friday at 9am.
The class will feature rotating guest artists and combines with the Ruth Page Civic Ballet Training Company*. Method and technique will vary by teacher.
Invited Artists:
Rigo Saura
Olivia Gonzalez
Nelson Reyes
Lucas Segovia
Jamy Meek
Elysia C. Banks
Jackson Liee
Joshua L. Ishmon
Timothy O'Donnell
Michel Rodriguez Cintra
Cesar G. Salinas
Please click the registration link for the most up to date information on who is teaching each week.
*The Ruth Page Civic Ballet Training Company is an elite group of pre-professional dancers, ages 17-25 who train daily, 9am-3:30pm, August – June at the Ruth Page School of Dance. The program provides continued comprehensive technique training, unique performance experiences, focused study with guest artists and choreographers, and travel to our International Sister Schools in Cuba, Italy and Spain.
As of January 3, 2022, students ages 5+ must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to take class in person.
The City of Chicago has issued a Public Health Order (2021-2) mandating businesses (including Ruth Page Center for the Arts and School of Dance) verify the vaccination status of all patrons age 5 and older. Please be prepared with a Government Issued ID (ages 16+) and proof of vaccination upon entering the lobby, unless you've been previously verified by Ruth Page Center staff. Even with previous verification, you must still check in with Front Desk staff.
(Patrons and/or students with a medical or religious exemption must show proof of exemption, a government issued ID, and negative (PCR) test within 72 hours of entry to the building.)
