By Judy Carmack Bross
Movement Revolution Dance Crew, Photo by Amy Aiello
“Dance for Life is not only fabulous entertainment but also a tribute to the resilience of dancers, those we have lost and those who perform. The bar is set so high for dancers, demanding physically and mentally. You may be in pain, but then it’s Showtime,” Pierre Desy, Board President of the Chicago Dance Fund, said.
Chicago Dance Health Fund Board President Pierre Desy.
Simon Schuh and Sydney Priestly of Giordano Dance Chicago, Photo by Anderson Photography
Ten Chicago dance companies—the most since 1993—will participate in Dance for Life 2025, always our city’s most vibrant celebration of our town’s talent, always reflective of its ongoing mission to provide financial relief for preventative health care and critical medical needs of over 150,000 local dance industry professionals. The August 16 performance at The Auditorium will be followed by an After Party Gala at Venue SIX10. The 34th annual fundraiser is co-chaired by Jamin and Ekua McGinnis.
Desy, a native of Montreal who now serves as CEO of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology and the Foundation for Women’s Cancer, has devoted his working hours and volunteer time to public health all of his life.
He first became involved with the Chicago Dance Health Fund in 1998 when much of the funding was directed to the AIDS Foundation. He has served for many years on the CDHF planning committee and for four years on the board where he is now the new Board President.
“Chicago’s dance companies form a very niche community. Everyone knows everyone else and they are highly respectful of one another. It is all about taking care of one another’s needs and providing mutual support,” Desy said. “Dance for Life is like a family reunion every year, with former dancers, regular patrons and donors coming in from around the country. Lifelong friendships have begun here. It is beautifully collaborative. Each year new audiences join in the celebration.”
Len Mayersky, Aaron Weiss, Gail Kalver, Jose Torres, Jonathan Pacheco, Sara Schumann, and Pierre Desy.
Dance for Life is a one-night-only event showcasing the city’s variety of dance traditions and styles by bringing together professional dance companies and dancers who unite to support their peers by generously donating their time, energy and artistry. Throughout its history, Dance for Life has raised more than $8 million and presented more than 50 Chicago-based professional dance companies. The performance gives guests an opportunity to experience a range of dance genres, companies of different sizes and histories, and numerous choreographers, artists, and designers in one memorable evening.
South Side Dance Theatre’s Chloe Chandler, photo by Michelle Reid.
Hubbard Street’s Andrew Murdock in “Blue Soup” by Aszure Barton, photo by Michelle Reid.
Created in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, the multi-company performance has proven that no one better celebrates Chicago dance in all its multiculturalism. One just has to see it to believe the love generated for participating companies from across Chicago, which unite to support their peers by donating their time, energy, and artistry. The result is Lollapalooza-level excitement combined with the spirit of allegiance to the community, and often a nearly sold-out event.
Choreographer Jonathan E. Alsberry, photo by Steven Trumon Gray.
Jonathan E. Alsberry, who made his Dance for Life finale choreographic debut last year, is returning to create a new work featuring dancers from participating companies and more. His inspiration is family in all forms, and the celebration of life.
Aerial Dance Chicago makes its Dance for Life debut performing ‘Arc of the Heart’, with choreography and an amazing curve board concept by Founder and Artistic Director Chloe Jensen.
Other companies participating will be: 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 Theater, Trinity Irish Dance Company and Visceral Dance Chicago.
Aerial Dance Chicago, photo by Kip Conwell.
The mission of the Chicago Dance Health Fund is to foster the health and wellness of Chicago dance 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, designers, instructors, accompanists, and more—is eligible.
For more information visit cdhf.org.
