Photo Flash: Chicago's Top Dancers Take Part in 11th Annual DANCING WITH THE GIORDANO STARS

Chicago's leading business and social leaders gathered on Thursday, June 23, to kickoff Giordano Dance Chicago's (GDC) 11th Annual "Dancing With The Giordano Stars" competition. Scroll down for photos from the event!

Contestants and guests gathered at Magellan Development's Vista Sales Gallery, to celebrate one of Chicago's most prestigious dance companies and their signature fundraising event.

Modeled after ABC's hit series, "Dancing With The Stars", GDC's elite professional dancers train and turn the city's social, civic and business leaders into competitive dancers, all vying for the title of "Best Male Dancer" and "Best Female Dancer" honors before a panel of celebrity judges.

Contestants in this year's competition will include Hope Alexander, Jackie Bucksbaum, Justice Anne Burke, Chaz Ebert, Chis D'Hondt, Pat Manus, Jeanne Montana, Bart Lazar, Elise Paschen, Peter Roberts, Keith Scott and Mario Sullivan.

"'Dancing with the Giordano Stars' is an incredible opportunity to get onstage with Chicago's top dancers and be a part of one of Chicago's most exciting and entertaining fundraisers," said Ken Moll, President of GDC's Board of Directors.

The 11th annual ballroom dancing competition will take place on October 6 at Park West (322 W Armitage Ave). Tickets go on sale mid-July. For more information, visit giordanodance.org or call 312-922-1332.

Photo Credit: Galab Bankov