Dance for Life celebrated its 20th anniversary Aug. 20 at the Auditorium Theater in downtown Chicago. Five of the city's best dance troupes came together for the dazzling fundraiser and performed two cross-company world premieres choreographed to commemorate the event.
Considered the largest performance-based HIV/AIDS fundraiser in the Midwest, Dance for Life has raised more than $4 million since its 1991 inaugural performance at the Organic Theatre.
This year's sold-out show marked the largest to date. More than 3,500 tickets were sold, while private donations, raffle and ticket sales raised a record $350,000. This year's proceeds support the AIDS Foundation of Chicago ( AFC ) and the Dance for Life Fund, which assists dancers with life-threatening illnesses.
A pre-show gala in the historical Auditorium Theatre's reception hall featured Absolut vodka cocktails crafted by Roscoe's Tavern mixologist Shawn Hazen. The atmosphere was energetic as guests chatted and enjoyed hors d'oeuvres from Jewel Osco; popular bites included coconut shrimp, fresh mozzarella and tomato skewers, and chocolate-covered strawberries.
AFC President/CEO David Ernesto Munar opened the Dance for Life performance with welcoming remarks and a brief run-down of the event's history. WGN-TV's Dean Richards acted as emcee, introducing acts and cracking jokes. There were also brief clips of the Dance for Life documentary ( which aired on WTTW recently ) interspersed performances.
Performing companies included Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet, Ron De Jesus Dance, the River North Chicago Dance Company and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.
Each company shined in its own segment, while members of each joined forces in two world premieres. The dramatic "Queenz," choreographed by Harrison McEldowney, brought Act I to a close with stage-level and aerial dance performances set to Queen music.
The world-renowned Randy Duncan choreographed the show's grand finale, "Stand by Me." Dancers wore beige and neutral tones in the moving performance, set to a mix of music and spoken word contemplating life post-AIDS.
Dance for Life closed with a rousing standing ovation.
Photos by Kat Fitzgerald
( MysticImagesPhotography.com )