Celebrating Dance Legends: A Special Tribute to Trailblazers in the Hall of Fame

Dance Hall of Fame Ceremony Celebrates Pioneers of the Art Form

The inaugural Dance Hall of Fame ceremony took place on December 3 at the Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center, recognizing the artists and visionaries who have profoundly influenced the world of dance. Honorees received a limited-edition “Music is Love” crystal heart, designed by Lalique in collaboration with Sir Elton John, benefitting the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

This first class of inductees features ten legendary figures whose contributions to dance have left a lasting impact: Alvin Ailey, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Misty Copeland, Bob Fosse, Martha Graham, Gene Kelly, Kenny Ortega, Jerome Robbins, and Twyla Tharp.

Each inductee embodies a significant era and influence within the dance community:

Alvin Ailey
As the founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey transformed modern dance through choreography that reflects the African American experience. His iconic work Revelations is celebrated as one of the most performed modern dance pieces. Through his company and outreach programs, Ailey championed Black voices and showcased the power of movement.

Mikhail Baryshnikov
Baryshnikov is hailed as one of the greatest ballet dancers, with a career that spans prestigious companies like the Kirov Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Known for his technical brilliance and emotional performances, he has brought ballet to a broader audience, while also gaining recognition as a cultural icon and advocate for the arts.

Stephen “tWitch” Boss
Rising to fame as a runner-up on "So You Think You Can Dance," tWitch’s distinctive hip-hop style resonated with a new generation of dancers. His versatility has led him to film roles in Step Up 2 and the Magic Mike franchise, as well as a position as a DJ and dancer on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

Misty Copeland
In 2015, Copeland made history as the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. Renowned for her performances in Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, she is also an advocate for diversity in ballet through her foundation, The Misty Copeland Foundation.

Bob Fosse
A pioneer in Broadway and film, Fosse was the only individual to win an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award for directing in the same year. His innovative choreography in productions such as Cabaret and Chicago has left an indelible mark on the art form, influencing generations to come.

Martha Graham
Recognized as the “Dancer of the Century” by Time magazine, Graham revolutionized American dance with her unique movement vocabulary based on contraction and release. Her work continues to influence choreographers and performers through the Martha Graham Dance Company, which she founded in 1926.

Gene Kelly
Kelly redefined the image of the male dancer in Hollywood musicals with his combinations of athleticism and charisma. His performances in classics like Singin’ in the Rain established a new standard for dance in film, linking the two art forms in memorable and innovative ways.

Kenny Ortega
Known as “The Quintessential Music Man,” Ortega has been integral to beloved works such as Dirty Dancing and High School Musical. A protégé of Gene Kelly, he has played a key role in launching the careers of numerous stars while serving as a creative partner to icons like Michael Jackson.

Jerome Robbins
Robbins left a lasting legacy in both ballet and Broadway, with seminal works including West Side Story and Fiddler on the Roof. His ability to blend narrative and emotional movement earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Academy and Tony Awards.

Twyla Tharp
A transformative figure in modern choreography, Tharp has created over 125 works that integrate classical ballet techniques with contemporary rhythms. Her contributions have been celebrated with numerous awards, including Tony Awards and the National Medal of Arts.

The Dance Hall of Fame, conceived by Emmy Award-winning choreographer Anita Mann and director Louis J. Horvitz, stands as the first institution dedicated to acknowledging the cultural influence of dance and its greatest luminaries.