Dance for Life and Chicago Dancers United Present DANCE FOR LIFE CHICAGO

"As a resource for those who work in Chicago's dance industry -especially when they are in need of critical support- Dance for Life helps sustain the future of our art form."

So said Phil Reynolds, executive director of Chicago Dancers United (CDU), which mobilizes Chicago's dance community by raising funds through dance. CDU's primary vehicle for fulfilling its mission is the annual Dance for Life Chicago (DFL) benefit dance concert, which takes place this year on Saturday, August 18 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway. Prior to the performance, DFL hosts a festive gala celebration at the Hilton Chicago's Grand Ballroom.

Co-chairs for the 27th annual Dance for Life Chicago are Tom Ferguson Gomez and Mark Ferguson Gomez. DFL will announce the full lineup of artists-joining returning companies Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and The Joffrey Ballet-and their repertoire later this spring.

Dance for Life and Chicago Dancers United
Dance for Life Chicago showcases the city's unique diversity of talent, dance traditions and styles by bringing together talented, world-renowned professional dancers from Chicago on the same stage. Dancers unite to support those affected by critical health issues by generously donating their time, energy and artistry to the cause. During the past 27 years, Dance for Life has presented 34 Chicago-based, professional dance companies and numerous choreographers.

Dance for Life Chicago uses dance to make a difference in people's lives. Proceeds from Dance for Life Chicago benefit CDU's the Dancers' Fund, which was established in response to the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the dance community, and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. The Dancers' Fund offers assistance to Chicago dance professionals with health matters, housing, utilities, insurance, medication, travel and other areas. As a unifier of Chicago's dance community, CDU supports a thriving dance community by focusing on its health and well-being through the Dancers' Fund and Dance for Life Chicago.

In response to the changing needs of Chicago's dance community, evolutions in the nature of HIV/AIDS, the growth of the annual event and its other programs, Dance for Life Chicago has grown into a nonprofit organization, Chicago Dancers United (CDU). CDU engages Chicago's dance community to support organizations and dance community professionals dealing with critical health issues causing significant financial, emergency or catastrophic hardships.

For more information about Chicago Dancers United and Dance for Life Chicago, visit chicagodancersunited.org.

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