Dance for Life presents a worthy celebration in its 25th year
I had arrived at the Dance or Life gala held at the Chicago Hilton Hotel. The towering walls are donning red lighting while the business around it is both social and welcoming. I met many retired dancers who have progressed into teaching positions around the Chicago area. Many were wearing bows that signified they were alumni of the showcase, and many that I met came from the legendary Giordano Dance company. It was an opportunity to meet many of the donors that have contributed to Chicago dance on several levels, and all were humbly honored to be here. Of course, I was also among the honored to speak to the many who have amplified the Chicago dance scene and equated its importance than that of other major cities.Founder Keith Elliot with Co-chair Harriet Ross and Danny Kopelson
Once upon a time a young dancer (but older than most) attempted to take a workshop from the father of this grand showcase, Keith Elliot. Way beyond my comprehension of what I knew about dance, Keith was skilled and had so much character. He made dancing fun, adventurous, and unique. It was unlike the dancing "norms" you thought you had seen growing up, but that was the purpose of art. A transitional, ever-fleeting, interpretation of what dance was to one person.
The showcase was created to rally dancers to take an active role in preventing the spread of AIDS, after losing too many close friends and dance colleagues. This was an opportunity to raise money and clearly Dance for Life. 32 Chicago-based professional dance companies and choreographers have presented at the reputable show to validate its unique and diverse talent. This year's lineup included:
Joffrey Ballet
Giordano Dance Chicago
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Chicago Dance Crash
Visceral Dance Chicago
and World Premiers from:
Harrison McEldowney
Randy Duncan
Chicago Dance Crash
Giordano Chicago Dance- Alegria
Randy Duncan had held open auditions to Chicago dancers for his finale piece in the show titled, Depth of Light. It was moving and maybe even a bit tribal which created some intimate connections to people and perhaps nature. Rounding up the show with this finale certainly had the audience to its feet, myself included.
Visceral Dance Chicago- Vital
I've said it before that uniting the city during an uncomfortable time of unrest truly sheds hope onto aching hearts. Art has a tremendous way of stirring up the inner light within us, and to project our hearts onto different mediums while creating a desire for progress. I applaud the remarkable talent in Chicago and its passion to create change and awareness. Congratulations to Keith Elliot and Dance for Life on an astounding 25 years!
Visceral Dance Chicago
Photos courtesy of Carol Fox and Associates
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