SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, August 21, 2027
Performance: Harris Theater for Music and Dance
205 E Randolph St, Chicago IL 60601
After Party: TBD
2026
Honorary Co-Chairs
Alexi & Josephine Giannoulias
Co-Chairs
Sherry Zunker & Esther Jeles
Gary Metzner & Scott Johnson
Dance for Life stands as a vibrant testament to the spirit of Chicago's dance community. This extraordinary event, held annually, has showcased the incredible talents of more than 50 local dance companies and has united choreographers, artists, and designers in a night of spectacular performances. Celebrating our 35th year, Dance for Life has not just been an event but a movement, fueling the mission of the Chicago Dance Health Fund through its compelling blend of artistry and philanthropy. As part of the 35th anniversary, we will be hosting a celebratory Gala Dinner before Dance for Life 2026 performance. Dance for Life is CDHF’s largest fundraiser to ensure the ability to provide grants for Chicago’s dance industry. This evening is a glorious celebration of Chicago’s dance community & supporting those within it!
For this special anniversary performance, the lineup included prominent Chicago dance companies and celebrated Chicago choreographers: Ballet 5:8, Chicago Dance Crash, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, Robyn Mineko Williams and Artists, Trinity Irish Dance Company, and Visceral Dance Chicago. Also on the program was Red, Black & White by Jeremy Plummer and Harrison McEldowney, a returning work featuring dancers from throughout the Chicago community.
Choreographer Randy Duncan created a world premiere finale with Chicago-area dancers from the participating companies and beyond, as he has for most of the past 35 years. Chicago Dance Health Fund honored Duncan for his contributions at this event.
Honorary Committee:
Anthony Bruck
Pam Crutchfield
Keith Elliot*
Anthony Guerrero
Cameron Heinze
Mark Ishaug
Gail Kalver*
Lori & Steve Kaufman
Todd Keich*
Danny Kopelson*
Amy Maggio
Harrison McEldowney
Kevin McGirr
David Ernesto Munar
John Peller
Jeremy Plummer & Jay Frankovich
Dean Richards
Harriet & Irwin Ross*
Tony Savino*
Joe Schroeder
Scott Silberstein*
*is a DFL founder*
Previous Programs
Our History
The origins of Dance for Life trace back to a deeply personal cause. It was conceived by Keith Elliott, a member of the Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre, during a time when the dance community was particularly hard-hit by the HIV/AIDS crisis. Elliott, moved by the loss of friends and colleagues, envisioned an event that would mobilize the community, raise crucial funds, and foster solidarity. Alongside co-founders Todd Kiech, Harriet Ross, Danny Kopelson, and Gail Kalver, Elliott transformed his vision into a reality with the inaugural Dance for Life performance at the Organic Theater in 1992.
A Night to Remember
Each Dance for Life performance is more than entertainment; it is a celebration of resilience, a tribute to those we've lost, and a lifeline to those in need. The event has grown to become a highlight of the Chicago cultural calendar, consistently drawing full houses at prestigious venues like the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, the Athenaeum Theatre, and the Auditorium Theatre.
Impact Through Art
The essence of Dance for Life lies in its dual purpose, celebrating life through dance while supporting life through aid. All performers generously donate their time, talent, and energy, ensuring that every dollar raised can go directly to supporting the health and wellness of dance professionals across Chicago. Since its inception, Dance for Life has raised millions of dollars, helping fund the Critical Health Need Grant and the General Health and Wellness Grant, among other vital initiatives of CDHF.