Dance Divas Return to Baton June 20 to Kick Off Dance for Life

After more than a decade, Chicago Dancers United (CDU) is reviving DANCE DIVAS as the kickoff party for Dance for Life Chicago 2017. Under the artistic direction of choreographers Harrison McEldowney and Jeremy Plummer, the glamorous night of "high heels and high camp" features Chicago's leading dance men portraying the world's leading female "dance divas" from film and stage. Tony Savino, who conceived the original show, will serve as Emcee. Two performances take place Tuesday, June 20 at 8 and 10 p.m. at the famed female impersonation nightclub the Baton Show Lounge.

Upon arrival, guests have an opportunity to "Bid on a Diva" for an audience member to receive a complete drag makeover during the show. The winning and newly "glammed-up" Diva will be featured on stage later in the evening.

"DANCE DIVAS, the brainchild of Tony Savino, was an opportunity for the dance community to come together in a unique way as a part of Dance for Life," said McEldowney. "It was very special to everyone who was a part of it. We shared and celebrated each other and learned a great deal about our Chicago legacy and its dance legends." Added Plummer, "We are so excited to share this with a new generation of dancers and audiences, celebrating the Chicago dance community's amazing camaraderie across the companies that co-exist here."

DANCE DIVAS is the kickoff party for Dance for Life Chicago 2017, which takes place Saturday, August 19 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. The program features Partner Dance Companies Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Joffrey Ballet, joined by a collaboration of Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Ensemble Espa�ol Spanish Dance Theater and Trinity Irish Dance Company; Jessica Miller Tomlinson Choreography; and Visceral Dance Chicago. For tickets and information, visit chicagodancersunited.org/dance-for-life/.

DANCE DIVAS takes place Tuesday, June 20 at 8 and 10 p.m. (doors open 45 minutes before showtime) at Baton Show Lounge, 436 N. Clark Street, Chicago. Admission is $50 and includes two free drinks, available at chicagodancersunited.org/divas/.