A celebration of community & service!
Each year in the fall, See Chicago Dance hosts a vibrant and uplifting Gala to underwrite the cost of programs, services, and other operational expense. At the Gala, which is both a Community Celebration and an Awards Presentation, we honor two high-impact individuals in our community with the Legacy Award and Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award. The Gala 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 are available for parties of 5 or 10.

SCD co-founders Carol Fox and Niki Morisson address 2024 Gala attendees. Photo by MReid Photography
SAVE THE DATE!
Join See Chicago Dance as we celebrate 20 years of service to the Chicago dance community! Tuesday, September 30th, at Venue West; 221 N Paulina St, Chicago, IL.
This year’s Gala honorees are:
Kevin Iega Jeff, Legacy Award
Julie Nakagawa, Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award
Click here for honorees biographies!
Join us on September 30th as we pay tribute to these two dance luminaries!
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Ticketing & Sponsorship Opportunities
Ticket sales begin June 2025
- Individual Tickets: $300
- Tables of 10: $3,000
Sponsorships are available now and start at $3,000.
Click here to contact Julia Mayer for more sponsorship information.
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 |