A dancer with ties to Berkeley is fighting for his life after collapsing during a rehearsal, prompting an outpouring of support from dance communities across the Bay Area and Los Angeles.
The dancer, identified as Gbari Gilliam, suffered cardiac arrest while rehearsing and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors later discovered a serious, previously undiagnosed heart condition.
According to family members, the condition is believed to be hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a disease that thickens the heart muscle and makes it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively.
Gilliam was taken to a medical center in Los Angeles, where he remains hospitalized. Doctors say he is currently stable but may require a heart transplant as they evaluate treatment options.
Loved ones say the incident happened suddenly, with no prior warning signs. A nurse who happened to be nearby at the time of the collapse helped administer life-saving aid before paramedics arrived, a moment Gilliam’s family believes made the difference between life and death.
Gilliam is well-known in the dance community for his versatility and impact, with roots in Oakland and experience studying at UCLA. Friends and fellow dancers describe him as not only talented, but also a source of encouragement and support for others.
In the days since his hospitalization, dancers and supporters from both Northern and Southern California have rallied around him—sharing his story, raising funds for mounting medical expenses, and calling attention to the urgent need for organ donors.
Family members say they remain hopeful as Gilliam continues to fight for recovery.
“He’s still here. He’s still fighting,” loved ones shared, expressing faith that he will one day return to doing what he loves most—dancing.
As support continues to grow, those close to Gilliam are urging the public to keep him in their thoughts and consider organ donation, emphasizing that a transplant could ultimately save his life.
