Chicago’s 35th “Dance for Life” showcase was marked by numerous lifts, leaps and leg extensions at The Auditorium on Saturday.
But the dancers weren’t the only airborne stars of the night; an ethereal scarf and a billowing tarp also stood out during the production — thanks to the skill of the performers manipulating them, of course.
The celebration of the city’s diverse dance companies, performers and choreographers raised nearly $500,000 for the Chicago Dance Health Fund, which addresses healthcare needs that are only growing as many dancers remain underinsured. Take a look at some of the best gravity-defying moments from a night that featured performances from Joffrey Ballet, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Visceral Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street and more.
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater performers execute a highly technical number, “Beyond Mortal,” choreographed to Mozart. Describing the theme of the piece, dancer Mekeba Malik said, “Sometimes you have to go beyond yourself to achieve certain feats and attain greatness.”
Barry Brecheisen/For the Sun-Times
Bolstered by harnesses, performers in a Chicago Dance Artists piece soar above the stage in splits, flips and turns during “Red, White & Black.” Choreographed to “Some Nights” by F.U.N, the number was not only athletic but uplifting, as the dancers — who represented several local companies — wore shirts with messages of “hope,” “change” and “NOH8.”
Barry Brecheisen/For the Sun-Times
An ensemble of performers from multiple companies lifts Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s Dominick Brown during “Renewed,” the “Dance for Life” finale piece choreographed by Randy Duncan. The number was a display of contemporary and African dance-inspired styles, technical precision and joy.
Barry Brecheisen/For the Sun-Times