The
co-founders
(along with Lar Lubovitch) of the incredibly successful Chicago Dancing
Festival and
the
recipients of the Illinois Humanities Council’s 2014 Public Humanities Award,
Jay Franke and David Herro have already made an indelible mark on the cultural
landscape of Chicago. Their passion for the arts is palpable, evidenced by their inexhaustible immersion in the artistic world and staggering list of accomplishments.
A Juilliard-trained dancer and Presidential Scholar finalist, Mr. Franke has danced with a host of acclaimed companies, including the Twyla Tharp Dance Company, the Lyric Opera Ballet Chicago, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and he was a leading dancer in the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company. In addition to being the co-founder and co-artistic director of the Chicago Dancing Festival, Mr. Franke serves on the boards of several arts organizations in Chicago and New York.
David Herro's impact on cultural, economic, and social causes is equally laudable. Throughout his already illustrious career Mr. Herro has served on the Board of Directors for the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Foundation, the Field Museum, and the Economic Club of Chicago, served as the Treasurer of Chicago Dancing Festival, and worked on the Advisory Board of After School Matters.
A Juilliard-trained dancer and Presidential Scholar finalist, Mr. Franke has danced with a host of acclaimed companies, including the Twyla Tharp Dance Company, the Lyric Opera Ballet Chicago, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and he was a leading dancer in the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company. In addition to being the co-founder and co-artistic director of the Chicago Dancing Festival, Mr. Franke serves on the boards of several arts organizations in Chicago and New York.
David Herro's impact on cultural, economic, and social causes is equally laudable. Throughout his already illustrious career Mr. Herro has served on the Board of Directors for the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Foundation, the Field Museum, and the Economic Club of Chicago, served as the Treasurer of Chicago Dancing Festival, and worked on the Advisory Board of After School Matters.
It is only fitting that such an exalted gala event
be led by two individuals whose accolades are simply too numerous to list in a
single article. As evidenced by their
stunning collection of accomplishments, enriching the communities that
surround them is nothing new for this exceptional duo.
When asked about the source of their passion for the arts (and especially for dance), they provided a thoughtful point of reference, a quote from the great Martha Graham who asserted that: "Dance is the hidden language of the soul.” In accordance with this touching reflection on the art form, Jay Franke and David Herro “believe dance is able to speak to an audience in a way that words cannot communicate.”
Despite their innumerable achievements and the profound difference they make in the community, Jay and David remain gracious, grounded and humble. Of course, their impact on the cultural fiber of our region can never truly be measured, but we had hoped to provide an anecdote that encapsulates just how honored we are to benefit from their generosity—and how significant their involvement in the Auditorium Theatre’s 125th Anniversary really is.
But their own words summarize our relationship with these pillars of our community, and their sentiments only underscore our appreciation for all they do to help not only the Auditorium Theatre throughout our 125th anniversary, but Chicago’s entire cultural landscape persevere and prosper:
When asked about the source of their passion for the arts (and especially for dance), they provided a thoughtful point of reference, a quote from the great Martha Graham who asserted that: "Dance is the hidden language of the soul.” In accordance with this touching reflection on the art form, Jay Franke and David Herro “believe dance is able to speak to an audience in a way that words cannot communicate.”
Despite their innumerable achievements and the profound difference they make in the community, Jay and David remain gracious, grounded and humble. Of course, their impact on the cultural fiber of our region can never truly be measured, but we had hoped to provide an anecdote that encapsulates just how honored we are to benefit from their generosity—and how significant their involvement in the Auditorium Theatre’s 125th Anniversary really is.
But their own words summarize our relationship with these pillars of our community, and their sentiments only underscore our appreciation for all they do to help not only the Auditorium Theatre throughout our 125th anniversary, but Chicago’s entire cultural landscape persevere and prosper:
“To witness the Auditorium Theatre turning 125
is a reminder to all of us how blessed we are to live in Chicago, a city where
art, culture, and architecture are an integral part of our everyday lives.”
