Chicago Dance Health Fund, which supports the health and wellness of Chicago’s professional dance community, welcomed more than 1,600 people to the 34th annual Dance for Life, its primary fundraiser, Saturday August 16 at The Auditorium. More than 600 guests, including more than 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.
The world premiere finale of Dance for Life 2025 featured more than 60 dancers and was choreographed by Jonathan E. Alsberry. Photo by Michelle Reid.
The complete lineup of artists—the largest 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.
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.
Dance for Life 2025 Co-Chairs Jamin McGinnis and Ekua McGinnis. Photo by Ren Picco-Freeman.
Chicago Dance Health Fund Board President Pierre Désy, Board Treasurer Patti Eylar, Kevin McGirr. Photo by Ren Picco-Freeman
Dance for Life 2025 Co-Chairs were Ekua and Jamin McGinnis. Presenting Sponsor was Fred Eychaner. Lead Sponsors were Ted Grady and Ross Slotten M.D. Sponsors were Paula and Tim Friedman and the Kipper Family Foundation.
Proceeds from Dance for Life benefit the Chicago Dance Health Fund, which provides Chicago dance industry professionals with financial support for preventative health care and critical medical needs. 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 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. An additional beneficiary of Dance for Life is AIDS Foundation Chicago.
The After Party Gala at VenueSIX10 included the sponsorship of lead caterer J&L Catering and the creative vision of Kehoe Designs and Black Oak Technical Productions.
Esther Jeles and Sherry Zunker, who will be co-chairs of Dance for Life 2026. Photo by Ren Picco-Freeman.
Longtime supporter Jennifer Edgcomb, who performed in the Finale, and Randy Duncan, choreographer of many previous Finales. Photo by Ren Picco-Freeman.
Chicago Dance Health Fund Board Vice President Michael J. Anderson, Board member Massimo Pacilli. Photo by Ren Picco-Freeman.
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.
To learn more, visit cdhf.org. To make a donation, visit secure.qgiv.com/event/dfl2025/.
Everyone had a great time on the dance floor at Venue SIX10! Photo by Ren Picco-Freeman.