44: Carrying on their Grandfather’s Legacy — Lauren Giordano Whittington + Sarah Giordano Curran

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Lauren Giordano Whittington and Sarah Giordano Curran</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">— the two granddaughters of the late American jazz dancer, teacher, choreographer, and icon, Gus Giordano. While Lauren and Sarah journeyed different paths, both are now faculty members at Gus Giordano Dance School, where they are honored to carry on the legacy of their grandfather, alongside their mother and brother.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the podcast, both Lauren and Sarah spend time admiring their grandfather and the work that he has done for the dance community and describe the ongoing work that Gus Giordano Dance School is doing to carry on his work, even after his passing. Both Whittington and Curran speak to the ongoing evolution of their company’s dance programs and discuss the company’s branding, mission, and vision. Both also discuss the challenges and joys associated with ensuring consistency across a rapidly growing brand, working within a family business, and much more.</span></p> <p><br /> <br /></p> <p><strong>Moving Quotes:</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[On forming the Jazz Dance World Congress] “Gus didn’t care if this person was from a ballet company or this person was from a contemporary company or a modern company — he brought everyone together just to spread his love for dance."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Most people see Gus as this dance master teacher that bred dance all over the world, but we got to see him in a really different light — he was our grandfather, and we saw him first."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I see working alongside my family as a growing opportunity because you learn to love the things that make you mad or angry in another scenario within your family life."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Our mission is to make you a better person, as well as a better dancer."</span></p> <p><br /> <br /></p> <p><strong