See Chicago Dance Summer 2024

Spotlight: Chicago Dance Health Fund doubles down on dancer health SEECHICAGODANCE.COM | 11 Originally created to support those living with HIV/AIDS by using the power of dance, Chicago Dancers United has a new name. After 32 years, the newly branded Chicago Dance Health Fund has a broadened mission supporting a spectrum of health and wellness in the Chicago dance community. “As we refocus ourselves under a new name, we are making the health component critical,” says Executive Director Nathaniel Ekman. “We are here to support the health and wellness of the Chicago dance community.” CDHF has evolved to bolster preventative health care, critical medical needs and wellness resources with two grants. In 2023, dance professionals received $100,000 in financial support. One of CDHF’s newer programs, the Day of Dance Health, brings together CDHF partners Howard Brown Health and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab at the Ruth Page Center this fall to provide complimentary physical therapy screenings, orthopedic care, behavioral health appointments, medical appointments and a variety of other services, including a lunchtime seminar on how the three partners support the dance community. CDHF’s signature fundraisers, Dance for Life on Aug. 10 and drag cabaret Dance Divas this fall, remain cornerstones of the organization. To learn more, visit cdhf.org .