This Saturday’s Dance for Life event will premiere a new producer and feature more dancing than ever before. 

The largest dance performance-based fundraising event in the Midwest benefiting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and the Dancers’ Fund, has said goodbye to Keith Elliott, co-founder and producer, after 20 years. Elliott has decided to step away from the Chicago event to expand Dance for Life into other cities like Palm Springs, but still oversees the event as the Managing Director.

 

Wanting to make a difference, Elliott, along with HIV/AIDS activist Danny Kopelson, founded Dance for Life twenty years ago. Bringing together Chicago’s dance community to fight HIV/AIDS, Dance for Life has raised nearly $4 million dollars.

Taking over the role of producer is Anthony Guerrero, who began his career with Dance for Life as an associate producer intern at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) in 2011.

“Keith was a great teacher and I must have been a pretty good student as he chose me to produce. … I am continuously honored and proud to be producing Dance for Life Chicago this year. Dance for Life has changed my life and I will be forever grateful to Keith for this experience,” Guerrero said.

The Ambassador Committee and loyal Dance for Life fans called out for more dance at the event. Dance for Life listened and has made this year’s event the biggest to date. Six dance companies have signed on and each are performing a piece.

“This year, the focus is on the dancer and how they truly are the essence of Dance for Life. This year there will be less talking and more dancing,” Guerrero said (at right).

Participating dance companies include The Joffrey Ballet, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Ron de Jesus Dance, and River North Dance Chicago. Two world-premiere performances choreographed by Randy Duncan and Harrison McEldowney will also be featured.

In previous years, the pre-performance Gala Reception has been held at the Auditorium Theater of Roosevelt University. To better accommodate the growing number of attendees, the Gala Reception has been relocated to the Hilton Chicago Grand Ballroom and will include a dinner buffet along with complimentary Absolut martinis. A shuttle bus will provide transportation to the Auditorium Theater, from the Hilton, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

If you haven’t checked out Dance for Life, this year is the perfect time. The changes promise an exciting, inspiring and entertaining evening.

“It is truly an amazing and beautiful experience. [You] can give to an important cause while enjoying a wonderful evening. And dance is fun!” Guerrero said.

Dance for Life is on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012 at 8 p.m. at the Auditorium Theater of Roosevelt University, 430 South Michigan Ave.  The pre-performance Gala Reception begins at 5 p.m. at the Hilton Chicago Grand Ballroom at 720 South Michigan Ave.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit http://www.danceforlifechicago.com/ .