judges
NAN GIORDANO
Artistic Director Giordano Dance Chicago
At the helm of Giordano Dance Chicago for 41 years, Nan was trained & mentored by her father, Gus Giordano, who created the world-renowned Giordano Technique. In 2018 Nan was celebrated with three prestigious awards: June 9th declared by Mayor Rahm Emanuel as Nan Giordano Day for her leadership and contributions to the Chicago community, Dance for Life Impact Award and the Chicagoan of the Year by the Tribune of which she was spotlighted as the city's "Dance" honoree. In August 2025, Nan was honored to be a judge at the highly acclaimed A.C.E. Awards by DanceOne.
GREG BEGLEY
Principal Dancer and Teacher
Greg Begley, renowned and beloved Chicago Ballet Master and Principal Dancer from Hubbard Street Dance Company and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. He also became a principal dancer with the Chicago Ballet under the direction of Ruth Page and Frederick Franklin. He is now a teacher and choreographer throughout the Chicago community.
ERICA LYNETTE EDWARDS
Principal Dancer and Teacher
Erica began her career as a ballerina with The Joffrey Ballet, where she performed lead roles during a 15-year tenure. Ebony Magazine named her a "Young Leader of the Future in the Arts," and the Chicago Sun-Times honored her as a "Black History Maker." She has been featured in Dance Magazine and appeared in Robert Altman's film, The Company. Erica transitioned into administration when asked to become Joffrey's Director of Community Engagement and in 2023, she was recruited to be Executive Director of Giordano Dance Chicago and served the historic company for two years. Erica currently serves as the Board President of Dance Data Project and is a ballet intructor at the University of Chicago.
VICTOR ALEXANDER
Principal Dancer and Director of the Ruth Page School of Dance and the Ruth Page Civic Ballet Training Company
Victor was a principal dancer for the prominent Danza Cotemporanea de Cuba for 10 years. In 2013, he became the Director of the Ruth Page School of Dance and the Ruth Page Civic Ballet Training Company. He was included in Dance Magazine's prestigious "25 to Watch in 2013" list. In December of 2013, his choreography, Line of Sighs, was highlighted in the Chicago Tribune's "Top 10 Best Dance Performances of 2013".