An annual celebration of service, legacy, and community!
 2026 BOLD IMPACT GALA & AWARDS Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 5:30–9:30 PM Venue West 221 N Paulina St Chicago, IL Individual Tickets: $350 Sponsorships: Start at $3,500 This year, See Chicago Dance celebrates the incredible contributions of José Luis Ovalle González (Legacy Award), Founder & Director of Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago, and Jan Feldman (Distinguished Service Award), Executive Director of Lawyers for the Creative Arts. Join us for the extraordinary celebration and benefit! More details for this year’s event will be available starting July 8, 2026. |
Each year, See Chicago Dance hosts a vibrant and uplifting Gala to underwrite the cost of programs, services, and other operational expenses. At the Gala, which is both a Community Celebration and an Awards Presentation, we honor two individuals who have left a lasting impact on the Chicago dance community. We present the selected honorees with the Legacy Award and Distinguished Service Award, respectively.
The event includes a cocktail reception, dinner, performances, video tributes, a paddle raise, and immeasurable good cheer. Capacity is approximately 275. Tickets are available for individuals, and tables are available for parties of 10.
Previous Awardees:
The Legacy Award is awarded to an artistic leader who has enriched their community and made a significant and sustained impact on dance in Chicago.
The Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award is awarded to those who make vital contributions to the health and vibrancy of the Chicago Dance sector.
| 2015 | Sarah Solotaroff Mirkin, Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award |
| 2016 | Richard H Driehaus, Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award |
| 2017 | Dame Libby Komaiko, Legacy Award Pamela Crutchfield, Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award |
| 2018 | Shirley Mordine, Legacy Award Angelique Power, Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award |
| 2019 | Lou Conte, Legacy Award Amina Dickerson, Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award |
| 2020 | Joel Hall, Legacy Award Gail Kalver, Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award |
| 2021 | Hema Rajagopalan, Legacy Award Randy Duncan, Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award |
| 2022 | Joan Gray, Legacy Award Ginger Lane, Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award |
| 2023 | Homer Hans Bryant, Legacy Award Ginger Farley, Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award |
| 2024 | Jan Bartoszek, Legacy Award Patti Eylar, Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award |
| 2025 | Kevin Iega Jeff, Legacy Award Julie Nakagawa, Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award |
