Auditorium Theatre 2021-2022, Issue 5, Giordano

AUDITORIUM THEATRE :: GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO | 17 SKYLER NEWCOM from Lawrenceville, Georgia is in his first year in the main company after a year as a Junior Performing Associate with GDC. Skyler graduated with a Certificate of Achievement from the School of Dance at the University of Arizona, and is certified in the Beginning Level of the Nan Giordano Certification Program.® Through the Medici Scholarship, he was able to study at the Perry Mansfield Summer Camp and perform with Stacy Tookie and her company. Skyler performed “Na Floresta” by Nacho Duato while in college, and was honored to dance in what he considers his most challenging duet role to date, “All For You” by Adam Houston in 2020’s Giordano on Giordano . ONJÉLEE PHOMTHIRATH from Columbus, Ohio, is a new dancer to Giordano Dance Chicago as a member of Giordano II this season. She spent many years learning at Pinnell Dance Centre under Jeri Pinnell, and recently graduated from Ohio State University with a BFA in Dance. During her time at OSU, she collaborated with her peers and BalletMet, and performed in the Dance Brazil Tour. She has danced with Bella Moxi Dance, and SALT 2 Contemporary Dance. KATIE RAFFERTY a main company member from Oakford, Pennsylvania, is entering her twelfth season with Giordano Dance Chicago. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with the Outstanding Jazz Dance Performer Award from the UArts Jazz Faculty. Katie couldn’t be prouder of her time with the company; this year, she has taken on additional responsibilities as co-Costume Manager and co-Rehearsal Captain. She has been teaching for GDC Outreach programs, including Jazz Dance/Science & Health since 2010, and is certified to the Professional Level of the Nan Giordano Certification Program.® Katie had the honor of choreographing a pas de deux for Giordano on Giordano last season entitled Fly Me to The Moon. FERNANDO RODRIGUEZ Of Fort Gratiot, Michigan, Fernando is entering his first year as a main company member after one year as a performing associate with GDC. He graduated from Grand Valley State University and Lakewood School of Therapeutic Massage. He has danced with River North Dance Chicago, Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, Paramount Theatre (West Side Story), DITP, Owen/Cox Dance, Grand Rapids Ballet Company and the Missouri Contemporary Ballet and became a Resident Choreographer for the Missouri Contemporary Ballet in 2016, dancing from South Korea to Lincoln Center in New York City. Fernando won the 2019 Inaside Chicago Dance Choreography Competition with his piece, Pass Me By.