It is wonderful to see that a group of people have joined together to create the first ever Dance Hall of Fame to honor the true pioneers, legends, and icons of Dance. On December 3, 2025, in Los Angeles the inaugural inductees will be honored with a show stopping event at the Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center. That illustrious group of dance artists who have broken barriers, reshaped and inspired generations of dancers and choreographers from all genres include Alvin Ailey, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Misty Copeland, Bob Fosse, Martha Graham, Gene Kelly, Kenny Ortega, Jerome Robbins, and Twyla Tharp.
This list of dance artists appear on the concert stage, in film, and on television. Their genres include ballet, modern dance, hip hop, musical theater, tap and more. They are performers, choreographers, directors, and producers. Many of them did it all and are still active in their field.
The press release describes the December 3rd celebration as “an electrifying celebration, with an all-star roster of guest presenters from screen legends to stage icons, who step into the spotlight to celebrate and honor this historic inaugural class.”
Twyla Tharp – Photo by Greg Gorman.
There will be live performances paying tribute to the power and diversity of dance, including an iconic performance by the Martha Graham Dance Company, a show stopping hip-hop routine celebrating ‘tWitch’ featuring the “So You Think You Can Dance AllStars”, an homage to Fosse’s unmistakable style, an acknowledgement to Gene Kelly’s world of tap, and a tribute to Kenny Ortega’s sensational “Dirty Dancing” classic “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”.
Jerome Robbins
More than just an event or a performance, the creation of The Dance Hall of Fame recognizes Dance’s artists, innovators, and trailblazers whose work continues to inspire, reshape and propel Dance into the future. Like all the other Hall of Fame organizations, this event launches a new annual tradition of celebrating choreographers and dancers who have elevated the artform of Dance and lead the way for the new generation of dance artists in our communities, across the U.S and around the world.
Gene Kelly in “Dancing In The Rain”
Jeff Thacker, five-time Emmy-nominated Executive Producer of “So You Think You Could Dance,” will serve as Executive Producer of the event, with Executive Producer Anita Mann and Louis J. Horowitz as Executive Producer and Director, with District 78 serving as Music Directors.
Anita Mann – Photo by SDK Photos.
“For decades, music and film have had institutions honor their greatest contributors; now, dance will finally have its Hall of Fame. This ceremony will serve as a long-overdue celebration of the brilliance and impact these individuals have made,” said Mann. “It’s a privilege to honor this class of inductees who have pushed boundaries, redefined the art, and embodied the spirit of creativity and courage that inspires dancers and audiences across the globe.”
Eric Tamm as Prince Cocoa with Misty Copeland in Alexei Ratmansky’s “Whipped Cream” – Photo courtesy of SCFTA.
Mann was recognized by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences as one of America’s top five contemporary choreographers and is the creator and producer of one of Las Vegas’ longest-running adult shows, “Fantasy.” She has danced with and choreographed for Elvis Presley, Lucille Ball, Michael Jackson, Cher, The Muppets, Wayne Brady, Julianne Hough, Adam Lambert, and countless other stars while maintaining a four-decade relationship with all the major networks.
Archival photo – Martha Graham in “Immediate Tragedy” – Photo courtesy of MGDC.
Louis J. Horvitz is one of the most accomplished and prolific directors in live television event broadcasting. He has directed the “The Annual Academy Awards” telecast a record 12 times, won seven Emmy Awards and garnered twenty Emmy nominations. He has helmed the “Primetime Emmy Awards” a total of 17 times, the “The Kennedy Center Honors” for 22 years, the “American Film Institute (AFI) Life Achievement Award” tributes a total of 31 times, the “Golden Globe Awards” for more than 10 years and “The Grammy Awards” for nine years.
Bob Fossee with Sandy Roveta in film “Sweet Charity” – Photo courtesy of the artist.
Additional Dance Hall of Fame Board members include Adele Yoshioka, Christopher d’Amboise, Jeff Thacker, Jody Gottfried Arnhold, Julia Strickland, Lawrence Jackson, Melinda Soderling, Renae Williams Niles, Stuart K. Robinson, Susan Shields, Terry Lindholm, and Wendy Whelan. They represent some of the leading names in dance and entertainment and have made an indelible cultural impact.
For more information, please visit https://www.dancehalloffameofficial.com/.
Written by Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Alvin Ailey – Photo courtesy of NEON.
