Chicago dancers receive prestigious grant

David Schultz of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

Photo: Cheryl Mann

The Princess Grace Foundation recently announced winners of this year’s prestigious Princess Grace Awards, which includes two Chicago dance stars. Hubbard Street dancer David Schultz and Michelle Dorrance of the Chicago Human Rhythm Project will receive fellowships to help pay for expenses and artistic pursuits over the course of the upcoming season. With the grant, Schultz's salary will be covered for a year, allowing HSDC to devote a would-be paycheck to its much-anticipated 35th anniversary season. Meanwhile, accomplished tapper Dorrance will receive funds for future choreographic projects. Over its 30-year existence, the Foundation—created in honor of Grace Kelly, the Hollywood star who became a Monacan princess—has doled out roughly $9.5 million in support of emerging and established talent around the country. This year, 25 winners were selected among a pool of national applicants in the disciplines of dance, theater, choreography and film. A ceremony will take place on October 22 in New York City, where the prince and princess of Monaco will present the awards.