Dance for Life is an inspiring event that merges talent and philanthropy into one spectacular evening. It brings together the best Chicago dance companies and all proceeds go toward the Chicago Dance Health Fund; a resource which provides financial assistance to professional dancers in their time of need, including covering medical expenses. It is one of the many ways our vibrant dance community joins forces to care for its own.
 
As dance enthusiasts entered the Auditorium Theatre this year, one could immediately feel the infectious joy that carried through the evening with each performance. The joy and support from the audience radiated to the dancers who in turn delivered a magical evening filled with grace, beauty, precision, and undeniable talent.

This infectious energy carried on to the after party at Venue SIX10. It’s a sophisticated affair with an impeccable ambiance thanks to the decor executed by TM Creative Consultants with the help of Tablescapes Party Rental and Windy City Linens. To add on, some of the best in the catering industry, including J&L Catering, Blue Plate Catering, and Butter & Vine outdid themselves with both the quality and choice selection, including Mediterranean, sliders, various sides, and an indulging selection of desserts. A nice selection of beverage options, including Playpen Vodka, kept the audience satisfied as they waited in line for the fan-favorite sushi by M Square Sushi. While some mingled enjoying their food and drinks, many were entertained by DJ Sasha from BeatMix Music who kept the dance floor going all night. These companies also helped with the after party: Action-Lines, Ambient AV Solutions, AV Chicago, Breakthru Beverage, Moet Hennessy, The Chicago Academy for the Arts, HMS Media, MK Lighting + Design, Paterno Group, Rick Aguilar Studios, and Tea Rose Flower Shop. It’s truly amazing how many people came together to make this evening a magical moment for dance enthusiasts. 

See the full program here.

Below you will find a photo with the title of the performances along with information for upcoming shows by the dance companies that participated in this year’s Dance for Life.

Giordano Dance Chicago – Rhapsody in Blue – Music by George Gershwin

September 21^st – Chicago Live

September 27 – Harvest Festival

The Joffrey Ballet – Italy pas de Deux from Anna Karenina

Atonement – October 17-27 at The Lyric Opera House

Praize Productions, Inc – “Black is the Color”

Next Performance: TBD

Trinity Irish Dance Company – Communion

September 21^st – Chicago Live

Visceral Dance Chicago – 18+ 1 (Excerpt)

September 21^st – Chicago Live

November 21-24 – Fall Engagement

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago – Dear Frankie

November 15 – 24 – Fall Series at Steppenwolf

Winifred Haun & Dancers – Absent Moon (Excerpt)

October 18 – Absent Moon

Ballet 5:8 – Wind

October 5^th – Gala and La Llorona

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theatre – Viejos Aires / Flamenco Tango

September 21^st – Chicago Live

Quinn Delaney

The first book of The Lord of the Rings was first published in July of 1954 The film version of the first book was released in 2001 starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, and Orlando Bloom. The musical was first performed in 2006 in Toronto. And now, it opens at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater in August of 2024. In November, it will open in Auckland, New Zealand.  

In the story, Frodo and Sam are on a journey to destroy the one ring to rule them all by throwing it into fires at Mount Doom in Mordor. Along the way, they face many challenges.

This production has some impressive effects, including an impressive full stage depiction of the fires at Mount Doom.

The cast is solid. The performance by Tony Bozzuto as Gollum is especially impressive.

Cost of a ticket: $86

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Discounted +

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Get tickets now for The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale through September 1^st.

Quinn

According to Ticketmaster, the show was scheduled to begin at 7pm. However, the Salt Shed app listed the starting set time for 6:45pm. Sure enough, flipturn takes the stage at 6:45pm to a mostly empty venue. Hopefully more venues will get on board with posting set times too!

For their second song, flipturn plays “Chicago” from their 2017 album, Heavy Colors. “So we tell ourselves we’ll go, go, go /  But we never ever leave, whoa / I’m going to Chicago / Somewhere I don’t really know / See the sun rise on the east coast”. It’s a great song and the Chicago crowd eats it up.

Soon afterwards, they play “Sad Disco” from their 2022 album, Shadowglow. This song has a fantastically catchy melody along with great guitar playing. Also, it’s a true joy to sing along to this line: “Now, what the fuck is up with my life?”

Later on they play “August” from their 2018 album, Citrona. This is their most popular song on Spotify with over 50 million streams.

They also play a lot of unreleased songs which they say will be on their next album. After this great set, they will surely return to Chicago to promote the new album in the near future.

See the full setlist here.

Cost of a ticket: $69

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Quinn Delaney