Dance for Life Raises Nearly $350,000 to Support Medical Needs of Chicago Dance Professionals
Chicago Dance Health Fund 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 more than 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. The work was set to original music by Ira Antelis. In a short interlude, stars from the Broadway in Chicago cast of SAVOR After Hours performed a piece from their show and drew the winning raffle tickets on stage.
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.”
The mission of the Chicago Dance Health Fund is to foster the health and wellness of Chicago’s professional dance community by providing financial support for preventive health care and critical medical needs. Anyone working in or retired from a professional capacity within Chicago’s dance community—dancers, technical staff, administrators, choreographers, instructors, accompanists, and more—is eligible to apply. For additional information or to support Dance for Life, visit cdhf.org.
