By Kathy Anguiano
See Chicago Dance held their annual fundraiser and celebrated their Community Celebration as well as their Awards Presentation, by advocating for the dance field and showcasing a diverse range of organizations and artists throughout the night.
See Chicago Dance Executive Director Julia Mayer kicked off the evening by welcoming guests and praising their role in “this wonderful, dynamic dance community.” Following her heart warming welcome, Mayer invited everyone in the room to “acknowledge each other, in whatever language you like, wishing your neighbors good health and prosperity.”
Held at Venue West, the 2023 Host Committee currently includes Pam Crutchfield, Patti Eylar (Ballet Chicago), Judie Moore Green (Auditorium Theater), Michael McStraw (Giordano Dance Chicago), Princess Mhoon (Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project) and Brian Smith (Joffrey Ballet).
The audience then saw performances from Momentum Sensorium and the Hiplet Ballerinas.
Momentum Sensorium perform at the See Chicago Dance 2023 COMMUNITY CELEBRATION, Sept. 19 at Venue West.
Momentum Sensorium perform at the See Chicago Dance 2023 COMMUNITY CELEBRATION, Sept. 19 at Venue West.
Hiplet Ballerinas perform at the See Chicago Dance 2023 COMMUNITY CELEBRATION, Sept. 19 at Venue West.
Hiplet Ballerinas perform at the See Chicago Dance 2023 COMMUNITY CELEBRATION, Sept. 19 at Venue West.
Just after the performance from Momentum Sensorium, See Chicago Dance Board President Meghan McNamara began the award portion by presenting the Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award to Ginger Farley. Farley received praise on the dedication and love for dance and being an inspiration to many and states, “This art form is like no other. Dancing and dances make time and space for us to celebrate, to question, to heal, to revel, to object, to create and experience collective catharsis.”
(L to R) See Chicago Dance Event Co-Chair, Jonathan E. Alsberry and Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award Honoree Ginger Farley at the See Chicago Dance 2023 COMMUNITY CELEBRATION, Sept. 19 at Venue West.
The Executive Director of Chicago Multicultural Center and Hiplet Ballerinas and Event Co-Chair Robin Edwards then presented Homer Hans Bryant with the Legacy Award for the influence on dance in Chicago and around the world Hans Bryant has bestowed upon many.
Hans Bryant thanked See Chicago Dance and expressed, “I am trying to make a difference, because there have been so many black and brown, little girls and gentlemen that heard “Your body is not the right type. This [dance] is not for you.” But dance is for everyone!”
(L to R) See Chicago Dance Legacy Award Honoree Homer Hans Bryant and Event Co-Chair Robin Edwards at the See Chicago Dance 2023 COMMUNITY CELEBRATION, Sept. 19 at Venue West.
“Each year See Chicago Dance’s Awards Presentation & Community Celebration is our opportunity to recognize Chicago’s incredible dance community. This year was no exception. We honored two of our legendary elders, Homer Hans Bryant and Ginger Farley, and, at the same time, lifted up the accomplishments of so many artists and organizations that make up our community. Over and over again, throughout the evening, our guests kept telling me what a fantastic time they were having. It was a very special event.” says Mayer
See Chicago Dance Board Vice President and Executive Director and Associate Artistic Director of Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater Jorge Perez spoke about the importance See Chicago Dance has had on dance. You can support the organization through on-line auctions, on-site raffles, donations, etc.
This celebration came to close by appreciating and honoring the organizations that were marking milestones so far in 2023.
The See Chicago Dance Board of Directors. Back Row (L to R): Dawn Stanislaw, Amanda Banks, Executive Director Julia Mayer, Sarah Venuti Yates, and Michael Foster. Front Row (L to R): Jorge Perez, Debra Bernstein-Siegel, Meghan McNamara, Marisa Santiago, and Erik Kaiko. Not pictured: Ladonna Freidheim and Sarah Lombardi at the See Chicago Dance 2023 COMMUNITY CELEBRATION, Sept. 19 at Venue West.
Photos by MReid Photography
For more about See Chicago Dance events, visit seechicagodance.com
