Chicago Dancers United (CDU)—which supports the health and wellness of Chicago's professional dance community—welcomed 1,600 people to the 32nd annual Dance for Life on Aug. 19 at Auditorium Theatre, per a press release. (An afterparty at Venue SIX10 attracted almost 600 people.)
From a combination of ticket sales, contributions and sponsorships, Dance for Life raised more than $365,000—exceeding its fundraising goal—to support The Dancers' Fund, which provides Chicago dance-industry professionals with financial support for preventative healthcare and critical medical needs.
The complete artist lineup included BOOM CRACK! Dance Company, Chicago Tap Allstars, Giordano Dance Chicago and South Chicago Dance Theatre, Hiplet Ballerinas, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, freelance performers Joseph Massarelli and Riho Sakamoto, Moonwater Dance Project and Muntu Dance Theatre. For the finale, choreographer Randy Duncan revived and expanded his 2021 finale As One.
Prior to the finale, CDU paid tribute to longtime dance community leader Gail Kalver, previously executive director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and River North Chicago Dance Company. Also during the performance, CDU Board President Sara Schumann announced a new partnership with the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Ted Grady and Ross Slotten, M.D., and Victor Alexander and Maray Gutierrez were the co-chairs for Dance for Life 2023. Fred Eychaner was the presenting sponsor while lead sponsors included Tim and Paula Friedman, Barbara Levy Kipper, and Grady and Slotten.
—Andrew Davis
