Dance for Life Raises Nearly $350,000 to Support Medical Needs of Chicago Dance Professionals

Chicago Dance Health Fund, which supports the health and wellness of Chicago’s professional dance community, welcomed nearly 1,600 people to the 33rd annual Dance for Life, its primary fundraiser, Saturday, August 10 at the Auditorium Theatre. More than 600 guests, including 100+ dancers and participating artists, attended the After Party at Venue SIX10. From a combination of ticket sales, contributions, and sponsorships, Dance for Life raised nearly $350,000—with post-event donations continuing to come in—to support the Fund, which provides Chicago dance industry professionals with financial support for preventative health care and critical medical needs. 
 
The complete lineup of artists included returning companies Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, Trinity Irish Dance Company, and Visceral Dance Chicago. Making their Dance for Life debuts were Ballet 5:8, Praize Productions, and Winifred Haun & Dancers.
 
Jonathan Alsberry choreographed Lift, the world premiere finale featuring nearly 50 company dancers and freelance artists from all around Chicago, set to original music by Ira Antelis.
 
In a short interlude, stars from the Broadway in Chicago cast of SAVOR After Hours performed a number from their show and drew the winning raffle tickets on stage.

Dance for Life 2024 Co-Chairs were Victor Alexander and Maray Gutierrez, returning for a second year, and new this year, Ekua and Jamin McGinnis. Presenting Sponsor was Fred Eychaner. Lead Sponsors were Paula and Tim Friedman, Ted Grady and Ross Slotten M.D., and the Kipper Family Foundation.

“This year’s Dance for Life performance was so amazing, and there is still time to give,” said Chicago Dance Health Fund Board President Sara Schumann. “We appreciate all donations in any amount.” 
 
Proceeds from Dance for Life benefit the Chicago Dance Health Fund, which provides Chicago dance industry professionals with financial support for preventative health care and critical medical needs. The event showcases the city’s variety of dance traditions and styles by bringing together professional dance companies and dancers from throughout Chicago, who unite to support their peers by generously donating their time, energy, and artistry. Throughout its history, Dance for Life has presented nearly 50 Chicago-based professional dance companies representing a variety of genres, sizes, and histories and numerous choreographers, artists, and designers. An additional beneficiary of Dance for Life is AIDS Foundation Chicago.
 
The After Party at VenueSix10 included the sponsorship of lead caterer J&L Catering and the creative vision of Timot McGonagle from TM Creative Consultants. 

Choreographer Jonathan Alsberry (third from R), composer Ira Antelis (second from R) and the cast of the Dance for Life world premiere finale Lift. Photo by Michelle Reid.