Ross is an ally of the community, and a former dancer and manager of dance groups. She is a co-founder of the Dance for Life AIDS charity event, as well as the companion Dance for Life Fund. Dance for Life continues in 2008 as one of the most respected benefits for AIDS charities, featuring some of the top dance companies and dancers in Chicago. She is a former Associate Artistic Director of the Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre, a retired General Manager Joffrey Ballet, and agent/manager for gay dance professional Randy Duncan.