GUS Legacy

GUS Legacy is the original Gus Giordano Dance School, a family-owned institution founded in 1953 by legendary jazz dance pioneers Gus and Peg Giordano. Now led by Executive Director Amy Paul Giordano, the school continues the Giordano legacy of excellence in dance education, offering comprehensive training in jazz, ballet, contemporary, tap, hip hop, and musical theater for students ages 2 through adult.

The school provides dance classes structured by age groups from Baby & Me classes for the youngest students (ages 2-19 years), through youth and teen programs, to adult dance classes for continuing education and fitness. The curriculum emphasizes technique, artistry, and the distinctive Giordano Jazz Dance style that has influenced generations of dancers worldwide.

GUS Legacy offers several intensive summer programs requiring auditions: the College/Pro Intensive for ages 19-28 in July 2026, the Pre-Professional Intensive for ages 12-18, and Jazzmania for ages 10-28. These programs provide focused, high-level training with master teachers. The school also offers Ballet Intensives, Choreography Intensive, Contemporary Intensive, Hip Hop Intensives, Leaps & Turns Intensive, Musical Theater Intensive, Tap Intensive, and Tricks & Turns Intensive throughout the year.

Summer programs include Dance Camps for ages 5 and up, the Elite Dance Program for ages 14 and up, and Tiny Tots Dance Camp for ages 2.5-5. The school is home to the GUS Company (Season 74), a performance company with auditions held in May, and the GUS Legacy Company featuring advanced students.

The school offers visiting group master classes for dance studios and organizations, studio rentals for rehearsals and events, and supports the Gus Legacy Foundation which provides scholarships including the Jayden Perkins Memorial Scholarship. The facility is located in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood with ample street parking and convenient public transportation access.