Wednesday, December 3, 2025, was a banner evening for the Los Angeles dance community and who’s who of the global dance world. The inaugural Dance Hall of Fame, conceived and produced by Emmy Award choreographer, Anita Mann and seven-time Emmy Award–winning director Louis J. Horvitz, in collaboration with Jeff Thacker, five-time Emmy–nominated executive producer of So You Think You Can Dance. Mann, Horvitz and Thacker partnered in presenting a dazzling, first of its kind, celebration of dance Icons—finally establishing a permanent home to honor some of its brightest lights of dance.
Anita Mann – Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images for Dance Hall of Fame.
The evening at the Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center was heralded by visionaries, entertainers, dance legends and Hollywood icons gathered under one roof to celebrate this glamorous, first ever event. Such an important occasion, welcoming dance and entertainment royalty and awardees, broadcasting live images of dance, with just a taste of historical work done by inheritees of such brilliant legacies, made this a superb and important evening of celebration. With the presence of Mikhail Baryshnikov, Twyla Tharp, Shirley MacLaine, Kenny Ortega, Janet Eilber Artistic Director of the Graham Company., Patricia Ward Kelly, devoted steward of Gene Kelly’s as the honorees, marked an unprecedented gathering of icons for a singular night of recognition.
Shirley MacLaine plants a kiss on fellow honoree, friend and “The Turning Point” co-star Mikhail Baryshnikov at the inaugural Dance Hall of Fame ceremony – Photo includes Inductees and Presenters – Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
The room brimmed with reunions, reflections, and a palpable sense of history that was finally being acknowledged by the dance community itself. Naming just a few luminaries attending to celebrate were Tony Basil, Vince Paterson, Sandahl Bergman, Kathryn Doby, Sandy Roveta, and Jeff Slayton—and so many more – as a living lineage of dance evolution gathered under one roof. It was a powerful statement of endorsement of a homecoming of artists who supported this night and shaped the golden era of dance of stage and screen.
As the lights dimmed, the opening host, Stuart K. Robinson, CEO of BBR Talent Agency, introduced the evening’s unfolding of a dynamic blend of video tributes and live performances, culminating in the presentation of the exquisite Crystal Heart Award, sponsored by Lalique Glass.
Mikhail Baryshnikov – Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images for Dance Hall of Fame.
In a hush of expectation, the first award of the evening could not have been more appropriate. Mikhail Baryshnikov, universally regarded as one of the great ballet dancers of all time. His legendary career spanning from the Kirov Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and New York City Ballet, his artistry was defined by technical mastery, emotional depth, and performances that brought ballet into the global mainstream. An Academy Award and Tony Award nominee, and a lifelong advocate for the arts, Baryshnikov accepted the evening’s first Crystal Heart with breathtaking grace and humility.
(L-R) Mikhail Baryshnikov and Shirley MacLaine – Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images for Dance Hall of Fame.
In a moving moment, he then presented a surprise honor of a Lifetime Achievement Award—to 91 year-old legendary actress and dancer Shirley MacLaine. Her bold, versatile career spanned more than seven decades across film, stage, and live performance with iconic work in Sweet Charity and Irma La Douce to Shirley MacLaine on Broadway, her artistry is defined by her precision, physicality, and storytelling. Her emotional and near tearful acceptance was topped by an, oh so human, spontaneous hug and kiss, placed Baryshnikov cheek. That alone was worth the attendance.
Gene Kelly – Photo courtesy of Patricia Kelly.
The young Asa Gessler’s on stage performed “More” as a bridge to the inimitable legacy to dance, the beloved Gene Kelly. His brilliance brought athleticism and charisma to film, redefining the male dancer’s image in Hollywood musicals. Known for classics like Singin’ in the Rain and An American in Paris, the inimitable curator and steward of his work, Patricia Kelly, accepted his award with such elegance and aplomb. She brings forward his legacy of timeless innovation and joy and his gifts to generations of dancers and dance lovers. It is under her watchful eye that we have the stories and chronicles that forever linked his work, his storytelling in dance form, to film as a storytelling art form.
Lloyd Knight and Marzia Memoli performing Martha Graham’s “Moon Duet” – Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images for Dance Hall of Fame
Martha Graham, always an innovation miracle, was so eloquent in her reflections of Modern dance, was our next honoring. The brilliant Janet Eilber, Artistic Director, who has guided and expanded Graham’s legacy into the 21st Century was a Graham company member and has been honoring the dynamic artistry of her mentor since 2005. She has clearly carried forward Graham’s pioneering brilliance in American Dance. The Martha Graham Dance Company, founded by Graham 1926, through the efforts of Eilber, remains one of the world’s most respected and celebrated dance Companies in the world. This was evidenced in the gorgeous “Moon Duet” restaged by Eilber and performed by Marzia Memoli and Lloyd Knight” illustrative of Graham inimitable aesthetic and soulful work.
Misty Copeland – Photo courtesy of Masterclass.
From Modern to Ballet, Misty Copeland, accepted this award on video in wait for a hip procedure. Not wanting to miss the opportunity to introduce and welcome all to this exceptional event, she spoke about what an honor it was to receive this important acknowledgement. Copeland was promoted to principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre in 2015 and is known for her powerful athleticism and élon in her lead roles in Alexei Ratmansky’s Firebird, Swan Lake and Nutcracker. Copeland made history as the first African American woman to reach prima ballerina status. From her simple beginnings, as evidenced in her first book, “Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina” (2014), to prima position, she became an icon and inspiration for young black ballet dancers and has gone on to write 9 books of inspiration thereafter. She took her final bow with ABT on Oct. 22, 2025 and will continue to expand her career offstage, as Founder of Life in Motion Productions. Its mission is to expose audiences to inspiring and entertaining art and culture-based stories and continuing to champion diversity and accessibility in ballet, using her platform to inspire and empower young dancers worldwide.
Bob Fosse – Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Bob Fosse, remains one of the most influential figures in Broadway and film history, the only artist to win an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award in the same year for directing, was celebrated for a legacy that forever changed musical theater with works such as Cabaret, Sweet Charity, Chicago, Pippin, Dancin and All That Jazz. A founder of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), Fosse redefined the art form and left a legacy that continues to inspire generations of dancers and storytellers. American actress, singer and dancer Lisa Mordente introduced a wonderful film about Fosse. Bebe Neuwirth, (Sweet Charity, Chicago, and A Tony Award nominee) and Dylis Croman, (“Movin’Out,” Sweet Charity, Fosse) knew his distinct instantly recognizable style; turned-in knees, hunched shoulders, and syncopated, precision, that revolutionized musical theater, introduced Noah Fosse who was there to accept the coveted award for his grandfather. Onstage Eliza Ohman and Tony D’Allio fully committed to a tribute to Fosse performing “From This Moment On.”
Twyla Tharp – Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images for Dance Hall of Fame.
Twyla Tharp, decided to accept with less words and greater appreciation as the night moved on into the late night hours. A true trailblazer in contemporary choreography, Tharp, continues with her powerful creative energy, having done more than 125 works that fused classical technique with contemporary rhythm and emotion. Her innovations spanned ballet, Broadway and film, earning her Tony Awards, Kennedy Center Honors and a National Medal of Arts. Her approach continues to shape modern movement and performance around the world. It was wonderful to see her with her signature no-nonsense acceptance of well-deserved accolades for her creativity, strength and innovation.
“Westside Story” by Jerome Robbins – Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images for Dance Hall of Fame.
And not to be diminished by the clock running, the brilliance of Jerome Robbins, a towering figure in both ballet and Broadway was unequal. Robbins’ contribution from West Side Story to Fiddler on the Roof to The King and I and Gypsy, with more than 60 ballets he created, it was incredibly bold for its time and still reaches the hearts and minds of dance lovers. Fancy Free, his first contribution to the human aspect of ballet gone rogue, then rivaled his own talent in his humorous tongue-in-cheek commentary on the world of ballet called The Concert. And how can the lyricism of Dances at a Gathering be equaled? Not easily… perhaps Glass Pieces and West Side Story Suite, all are now in the repertoire of major dance companies throughout the world and look as fresh today as if they were done yesterday…Now that’s art!
(L-R) Dushaunt “Fik-Shun” Stegall, and Comfort Fedoke, and Cyrus Spencer perform “Forever” by Stephen “tWitch” Boss – Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images for Dance Hall of Fame.
A particular poignant moment of the evening was a heartfelt tribute by Channing Tatum presented to his friend Stephen “tWitch” Boss’ posthumously given to “tWitch’s mother and brother. “tWitch started as a beloved hip-hop dancer who was discovered and grew to influence a generation of dancers on So You Think You Can Dance, rose to fame as DJ and dancer on Ellen DeGeneres Show. His global presence and impact on TV & film solidified his place in the world of dance. His influence, energy, and passion helped redefine hip-hop as a form of storytelling that continues to inspire and connect across generations. The presentation of his colleagues, All-Stars Comfort Fedoke, Du-Shaunt “Fik-Shun” Stegall and Cyrus Spencer honored tWitch with a moving and tearful precision hip-hop tribute.
Alvin Ailey – Photo courtesy of Jack Mitchell, Alvin Ailey Foundation, Inc., and the Smithsonian Institution.
Representing the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Donna Wood Sanders accepted the honor celebrating Ailey’s enduring brilliance and lasting influence on American dance. One can never forget his masterpiece of black celebration and struggle in “Revelations” or Judith Jamison’s tour de force in “Cry” a 17 minute piece, Ailey’s powerful representation of the black woman’s plight that was done for his mother. What a gift to the dance family tree.
Kenny Ortega – Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images for Dance Hall of Fame.
With the Finale of the evening Doriana Sanchez presented an award to her mentor and friend, the legendary director/choreographer Kenny Ortega, of High School Musical , Dirty Dancing, Madonna’s Material Girl, and Michael Jackson’s concert, “this is It”. Never forgetting his roots, Ortega is beloved by the dance community, having continued his friendships with MacDonald/Selznick Agency always at his side. He is inducted as one of the first honorees, celebrating Ortega’s incredible impact on dance in TV, film and stage.
USC Students from the Glorya Kaufman School of Dance perform at the Dance Hall of Fame – Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images.
The inaugural Dance Hall of Fame was not merely a ceremony—it was a long-awaited homecoming and a historic affirmation that dance, at last, has a permanent place to honor those who built its past, shape its present, and inspire its future.
To find out more about the Dance Hall of Fame, click HERE.
This article was edited on December 8, 2025.
Written by Joanne DiVito for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: (L-R) Noah Fosse, Donna Wood, Twyla Tharp, Connie Boss Alexander, Shirley MacLaine, Allen Greenberg, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Kenny Ortega, Patricia Ward Kelly, Drè Rose, and Janet Eilber at Inaugural Dance Hall of Fame Ceremony – Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images for Dance Hall of Fame.
