By Judy Carmack Bross
Chicago Dance Health Fund Board Vice President Michael J. Anderson, Board member Massimo Pacilli.
An awed audience of more than 1600 celebrators of dance and its community packed The Auditorium recently for the 34th annual Dance for Life, the Chicago Dance Health Fund’s primary fundraiser which supports the health and wellness of Chicago’s professional dance community.
Everyone had a great time on the dance floor at Venue SIX10.
Chicago Dance Health Fund Board President Pierre Désy, Board Treasurer Patti Eylar, Kevin McGirr.
More than 600 guests, including over 200 dancers and participating artists, attended the After Party Gala at Venue SIX10. From a combination of ticket sales, contributions, and sponsorships, Dance for Life raised $370,000—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.
Longtime supporter Jennifer Edgcomb, who performed in the Finale, and Randy Duncan, choreographer of many previous Finales.
The origins of Dance for Life trace back to a deeply personal cause. It was conceived by Keith Elliott, a member of the Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre, during a time when the dance community was particularly hard-hit by the HIV/AIDS crisis. Elliott, moved by the loss of friends and colleagues, envisioned an event that would mobilize the community, raise crucial funds, and foster solidarity.
Esther Jeles and Sherry Zunker, who will be co-chairs of Dance for Life 2026.
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 more than 50 Chicago-based professional dance companies representing a variety of genres, sizes, and histories and numerous choreographers, artists, and designers. AIDS Foundation Chicago is an additional beneficiary of Dance for Life.
Dance for Life 2025 Co-Chairs Jamin McGinnis and Ekua McGinnis.
The largest lineup of artists since 1993 included returning companies Chicago Tap All-Stars, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, Movement Revolution Dance Crew, South Chicago Dance Theatre, Trinity Irish Dance Company and Visceral Dance Chicago. Making its Dance for Life debut was Aerial Dance Chicago.
The world premiere finale of Dance for Life 2025 choreographed by Jonathan E. Alsberry. Photo by Michelle Reid.
Jonathan E. Alsberry choreographed the world premiere finale for the second year, featuring more than 60 company dancers and freelance artists from all around Chicago.
The mission of the Chicago Dance Health Fund is to foster the health and wellness of more than 150,000 Chicago dance industry professionals by providing financial support for preventative 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.
The world premiere finale of Dance for Life 2025 choreographed by Jonathan E. Alsberry. Photo by Michelle Reid.
Photos by Ren Picco-Freeman.
To learn more, visit cdhf.org.
