The event:Chicago’s dance community came together on Aug. 15 to dazzle, inspire and most of all to professionally and financially support their fellow dancers at the 24th annual Dance for Life benefit.
Because the event was initially founded to help dancers afflicted with HIV/AIDS, the Chicago Hilton colored its walls crimson, the official color of support, for the benefit reception attended by 650. Following those festivities, supporters shimmied down the street to the Auditorium Theatre where The Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Giordano Dance Chicago, C5, LEVELdance, Same Planet Different World and River North Dance Chicago performed for more than 2,200 attendees.
Since its inception in 1991, Dance for Life Chicago has raised millions of dollars for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, the Dancers’ Fund, and some thirty AIDS service-providing organizations. In response to the changing needs of Chicago’s dance community, the organization has now evolved into Chicago Dancers United, whose mission is to support Chicago organizations and dance professionals dealing with all critical health issues.
Cause célebre: “At Dance For Life we feel that much more can be done and, in order to do that, the executive committee has turned into a real board of directors and we have created our own non-profit organization,” said Anthony Guerrero of Chicago, four-year executive director and producer of Dance for Life. After five years, Guerrero is expanding his role to also act as the first executive director of Chicago Dancers United.
“We do things that go beyond just health needs,” said Guerrero, noting that the organization already helps community members offset financial burdens such as paying rent, food, etc. “We know that we can’t save the world but we can do our little part.”
Bottom line: Dance For Life raised $330,000.