Biography: Jon Lehrer

Jazz

Jon Lehrer is currently the Associate Director, 10^th year company member, and resident choreographer for Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago.  Jon began dancing at the age of 19 at the University of Buffalo on a dare from his girlfriend.  He then received a scholarship to study at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival with Carolyn Adams, Danny Grossman, Mark Morris, and Margie Gillis.  As a professional, Jon has performed with the Erick Hawkins Dance Company, John Passafiume Dancers, for Merv Griffin in Atlantic City, NJ, and in the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular.  Since 2000, Jon has choreographed 5 original works on Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, which have been seen all around the world and received critical acclaim. Jon has choreographed on Chicago based companies Thodos Dance Chicago, Momenta Dance Theatre, Instruments of Movement, and dancers from the Joffrey Ballet, as well international companies Kannon Dance of St. Petersburg, Russia, and Le Jazz Groupe of Monterrey, Mexico.  His choreography has been set on many University dance companies including the University of Buffalo, University of Nevada Las Vegas, and University of Nevada Reno.  Jon teaches master classes throughout the U.S. and around the world, is on the faculty of the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, Chicago Dance Connection, and at the Giordano Dance Center. In November 2003 Jon had the honor of receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Buffalo Department of Theatre and Dance for his accomplishments as a dancer and choreographer.  In 2007 Jon will start his own dance company, LehrerDance, which will showcase his unique blend of Modern and Jazz dance.