Photography by Todd Rosenberg
Photography by Michelle Reid
South Chicago Dance TheatreMya Bryant
"There are so many moments I love about Dance for Life, but my favorite is the sense of camaraderie and support that fills the wings while each company performs. As someone who values community, there’s nothing like finishing a piece and walking offstage to be met by a group of artists who genuinely care and cheer each other on. It’s a feeling I hold close to my heart and one that reminds me how lucky I am to be part of the Chicago dance community."
Photography by Michelle Reid
Movement Revolution Dance CrewDana Christy
"The energy in the theater was electric. The Auditorium is such a beautiful, iconic Chicago space. It was a huge bucket list moment for me to perform there. The audience was so receptive and encouraging. It was one of the most thrilling, inspiring performances of my life!"
Photography by Michelle Reid
Visceral Dance ChicagoErika Shi
"I love the warm up class. It is such beautiful reflection of what the Chicago dance community is. All these giving artists in one studio doing what we love to do. I love seeing people I don't usually get to see because of busy schedules but also meeting new people! The energy vibrates off of everyone in the studio. You can really feel the excitement from everyone and the support we have for each other."
Photography by Michelle Reid
Chicago Tap AllstarsMolly Smith
"My favorite moment of Dance for Life is getting to see all of the dancers from so many different companies cheer each other on in the wings during the show! It’s the most supportive environment that feels like such a joyful celebration of our community!"
Photography by Michelle Reid
Aerial Dance ChicagoKatie Harmon
"Being on stage at Dance For Life was kind of a surreal experience because the journey leading up to that moment felt so long! We performed a piece that I first learned in 2020. I have danced it a couple of times over the years, but this summer, as we prepared "Arc of The Heart" for the DFL stage, this work took on new layers of life and meaning. Months of meticulous rehearsals, performing the piece under the sun and rain, on grass and uneven ground, intense discussions with Harriet about conveying the true message of the work, and even training on the curved boards with our eyes closed- all culminated in five minutes in the beautiful Auditorium Theater. "Arc of The Heart" means something so different to me now than it did in 2020, and in those moments on stage I felt incredibly grateful to share a journey that started so long ago with the Chicago dance community. What a joy and an honor to be a part of this wonderful event!"
Photography by Michelle Reid
Joffrey BalletXavier Nunez
"Being onstage with this crowd is exhilarating. You know the people backstage are on your side and also the crowd, Chicago’s greatest dance lovers all under one theater. My favorite moment is being back stage. Seeing all forms of dance and surrounded by this community is what it’s all about. You can feel the support and the energy."
Photography by Michelle Reid
Hubbard Street Dance ChicagoBianca Melidor
"Chicago will always be the best audience to perform for because Chicago loves DANCE! Dance For Life puts on such a diverse show and I have so much gratitude performing for both the patrons and the dancers backstage."
Photography by Michelle Reid
Giordano Dance ChicagoSasha Lazarus
"Every DFL, it is such a treat to see all of my friends from different companies all in the same space, sharing the same passion and love for our Chicago dance community. It feels like one big celebration of dance and unity. I am inspired when sharing the space with dancers I continue to look up to. It is refreshing and comforting to take class with so many dancers who make up our dynamic and strong Chicago community."