Dance for Life 35th Anniversary celebrates past, present, and future
Chicago Dance Health Fund, which provides financial relief for preventative healthcare and critical medical needs for Chicago dance industry professionals, has announced the full program for the 35th anniversary of Dance for Life. The annual fundraiser takes place Saturday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m. at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago, with a Gala Dinner at 5 p.m. and After Party following the performance at Venue SIX10, 610 S. Michigan Avenue.
This year’s program features 12 works that showcase the depth and diversity of Chicago dance. Ballet 5:8 performs Grace in the Rush, choreographed by Stephanie Martinez to music by Gabriel Fauré, a sweeping meditation on womanhood that traces the arc of a woman’s life from youthful vitality through the complexities of motherhood and partnership. Chicago Dance Crash presents the world premiere LOUD, curated by KC Bevis with original movement by the company and guests from Chicago’s street dance community. Rooted in hip hop, litefeet, house, Chicago footwork, jerkin’, and breaking, the structured freestyle work celebrates self-expression, community, and the dedication behind these evolving art forms.
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater offers Beyond Mortal, choreographed by Artistic Director Nicole Clarke-Springer to music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, imagining the moment an artist releases fear and doubt to fully embrace their genius. Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater returns with its 2025 premiere Antecesores/Ancestors, choreographed by Associate Artistic Director Jose Torres to traditional flamenco music as a tribute to the company’s 50th anniversary and the legacy of Spanish dance. Giordano Dance Chicago performs excerpts from Sabroso, a flavorful Latin ballroom piece incorporating cha cha, swing/hustle, and mambo styles that delivers rousing, joyous energy.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago shares an excerpt from Touch & Agree by Juel D. Lane, exploring modern relationships to a soundtrack featuring Sam Cooke, James Blake, H.E.R., and Byrell the Great. The Joffrey Ballet presents Robert Joffrey’s Postcards, evoking early 1900s Paris through whimsical vignettes and classical movement. Robyn Mineko Williams and Artists performs an excerpt from Cloudline, a dreamlike work dedicated to Randy Duncan. Trinity Irish Dance Company shares an excerpt from SÉseacht, choreographed by Michelle Dorrance in collaboration with the company to live music, rooted in complex tribal rhythms. Visceral Dance Chicago performs R E V E L by Artistic Director Nick Pupillo, which invites audiences to fully surrender to emotion and feeling.
Also on the program is the returning favorite Red, Black & White, choreographed by Jeremy Plummer and Harrison McEldowney to music by fun., featuring dancers from across the Chicago community in a celebration of unity, resilience, and standing together for what matters. Choreographer Randy Duncan, honored this year for his longstanding contributions, creates a world premiere finale featuring dancers from the participating companies and beyond, as he has for most of the event’s 35 years.
Dance for Life brings together professional companies and independent artists in a one-night-only event that highlights the city’s rich variety of dance traditions and styles. Since debuting in 1992, the benefit has raised more than $8 million and featured more than 50 Chicago-based companies while also supporting AIDS Foundation Chicago. Tickets for the 35th anniversary celebration are available at auditoriumtheatre.org.
The Joffrey Ballet’s ‘Postcards’. Dancers Anais Bueno and Stefan Goncalvez. © Cheryl Mann 2026