Gi0rdano dance chicago

RESIDENT CHOREOGRAPHER

Al Blackstone is a recently appointed Resident Choreographer for the iconic Giordano Dance Chicago. His most recent work with Giordano, Gershwin in B, had its World Premiere in 2024. Gershwin in B is a celebration of the glorious music of George Gershwin, the incredible legacy of Giordano Dance Chicago, and one young woman’s curious spirit.

an american in paris

THE CAPE PLAYHOUSE DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER

Featuring the gorgeous music of George Gershwin, An American in Paris is a musical play inspired by the 1951 film of the same name and adapted for the stage by Christopher Wheeldon with a book by Craig Lucas. The romantic story of a young American soldier, a beautiful French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war, this new production featured Josh Drake as Jerry Muligan and Leigh Ann Esty as Lise Dassin.

Associate Director/Choreographer: Melissa Hunt; Music Director: Garrett Taylor; Costume Design: David Withrow (DW); Scenic Design: David Arsenault; Lighting Design: Catherine Macdonald; Sound Design: Jacob Levitin; PSM: Libby Unsworth; ASM: Caroline M. Pastore; Casting: JZ CastinG; Assistant Director: Michael James Brown

AT THE BATHHOUSE

DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER

This music video, made in collaboration with NYC indie-rock band The Ballet, was inspired by the hive-like world of the gay bathhouse. The joyous dance film, directed by Al Blackstone and Aidan Gibney and choreographed by Al Blackstone was filmed on location in a former Boys’ Club of New York and features a cast of 11 magnetic dancers and actors.

Directors: Al Blackstone & Aidan Gibney; Choreographer: Al Blackstone; Director of Photography: Aidan Gibney; Costumer: DW & Isabella Capponi; Assistant Choreographer: Alex Mitchell; Production Assistants: Jared Harbour, Raye Ramirez, Anakeiry Cruz, Greg Goldberg; Photographer: James Jin; Starring: Angad Kalsi, Beau Harmon, Brandon Ray Maxwell, Colin Cunliffe, Duncan Oldham, Ismael Gonzalez, Jovan Dansberry, Michael Santomassimo, Oliver Schilling, Ryan Kelly, & Yehuda Hyman; Filmed at The Joyce Center for Creativity and Dance

freddie falls in love

THE JOYCE THEATER DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER

A Broadway-style dance play, Freddie Falls in Love joyfully brings audiences along on a young man’s journey of self-discovery told solely through movement. Originally self-produced and presented at New York Signature Theatre, Freddie Falls in Love was later presented by the Joyce Theater for 2-weeks in 2019 with some of New York’s finest dancer/actors to bring this full-length story to life with style, energy, and a ton of heart.

“Dance as long-form narrative storytelling tends to be the domain of ballet and Broadway, but Blackstone brings it to the contemporary dance stage in his Joyce debut, ‘Freddie Falls in Love.’ Blackstone, known for his choreography in ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ infuses his work with humor, theatrical flair and sharp technique - a combo that has earned him many fans.”

— The New York Times

so you think you can dance

CHOREOGRAPHER

Al has been nominated twice for his work on the show and won an Emmy for Best Choreography in a Variety or Reality television in 2020. The beloved series has resulted in some of the most iconic choreography of the 21st century and has brought hundreds of dancers and choreography together and directly into homes all over the world.

“What a dream! A sexy Broadway routine about pizza. This is why they give this show the Emmys.”

— Entertainment Weekly

“Al Blackstone’s choreography... ‘is emotional and absolutely stunning.’”

— BuddyTV