The 24th annual Dance for Life benefit performance attracted a crowd of over 2,200 Aug. 15 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Seven of Chicago’s top dance companies performed during the two-hour show to raise funds for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and The Dancers’ Fund. A gala reception for 650 preceded the performance at the Hilton Chicago.
Emceed by Second City comedians Joey Bland and Tim Mason, the program featured dancers from The Joffrey Ballet, Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, River North Dance Chicago, C5, Chicago Human Rhythm Project and Same Planet Different World Dance Theatre.
The Joffrey Ballet opened the show with an excerpt from Gerald Arpino’s “Viva Vivaldi.” Hubbard Street Dance Chicago brought the crowd to its feet during “Wicked at Heart”, a comedic duet between a lonely man and his “blowup” doll. Chicago Human Rhythm Project presented an all-tap number, and C5’s world premiere, “Garland Suite,” featured dancers performing on giant swings against a Judy Garland/Barbra Streisand soundtrack. Between acts, Bland and Mason entertained the crowd with jokes and presented a hilarious video of their attempts to learn to dance.
Renowned choreographer Randy Duncan dedicated the final performance to the memory of fellow choreographer Paul Christiano who passed away this year. Dancers, who were chosen in a first-time open audition, performed to “Stand by Me” while the enthusiastic audience sang along.
Co-chaired by Michael Anderson and Andy Kanfer, the event raised more than $335,000 to support organizations and dance community professionals dealing with critical health issues, including but not limited to HIV/AIDS.
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“It’s an extraordinary event, unique to Chicago, and represents the true meaning of community. … Chicagoland dancers coming together with the sole purpose of raising funds to take care of their own,” Kanfer said.
Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.
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