Keith Elliott- Dance for Life

Keith Elliott recently graduated from Northeastern Illinois University completing a degree in Arts Management. Keith also attended Culver-Stockton College and Illinois State University majoring in Speech Communication and Theatre Education. After his first stint in college in 1981, Keith was employed with United Airlines as a flight attendant. Being offered a contract with the Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre (JHCDT), Keith left the friendly skies and planted his feet firmly on the ground for 9 years with JHCDT.

Keith is honored to have received the Ruth Page Award for “Outstanding Contribution to the Dance Community”. This prestigious award recognized his vision and direction of Chicago Dancers United, Inc. and Dance for Life, which unify Chicago’s dance community artistically and socially while promoting dance in Chicago. Most importantly, Keith has provided the dance community the opportunity to play a proactive role in the fight against AIDS. He has also been recognized by STOP AIDS Chicago for his commitment to help those living with HIV/AIDS and was presented the “Friend For Life” Award in 1998 by Howard Brown Health Center. This award recognizes members of the community who demonstrate their continuing dedication and commitment to fight AIDS. In 2001, Mayor, Richard M. Daly, inducted Keith into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame for his dedication to helping those in need. In May of 2004, Keith was honored by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago for his continued efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS. On September 10, 2004, Keith was once again honored with the Ruth Page Award for his continuing efforts to further the art of dance in Chicago. In November of 2006, Bonaventure House honored Keith for his ongoing work in the HIV/AIDS community. In 2007, the AIDS Legal Council of Chicago also stepped forward and honored Keith and Chicago Dancers United with their “Advocate of the Year” award. Mr. Elliott was also recognized as “Chicagoan of the Year” in 2007 by Chicago Magazine. Additionally,, the Illinois Arts Alliance honored Keith at their annual awards ceremony in October of 2009 for all of his great work with Dance for Life.

Five years ago, Keith co-founded along with Danny Kopelson and Todd Keich, the wildly successful Chicago Takes Off event which benefits Test Positive Aware Network.