Mikhail Baryshnikov, Misty Copeland, Kenny Ortega, Twyla Tharp Among Inaugural Class of the Brand New “Dance Hall of Fame”
This is the First-Ever ‘Hall of Fame’ honoring Dance Legends and Innovators To Take Place in Los Angeles in December
Los Angeles, CA – Oct. 30, 2025 – For the first time, the legends of the dance industry will be properly feted at the inaugural Dance Hall of Fame Ceremony. The trailblazing inductees whose artistry, passion, and influence have been instrumental to the world of dance will be honored at a showstopping event on December 3, 2025, in Los Angeles at Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center.
This year marks a defining moment in the world of dance with the launch of the Dance Hall of Fame, honoring the visionaries who have shaped the art form and inspired generations.
This inaugural class features an extraordinary lineup of icons whose brilliance transcends time: Alvin Ailey, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Misty Copeland, Bob Fosse, Martha Graham, Gene Kelly, Kenny Ortega, Jerome Robbins, and Twyla Tharp.
The evening will be 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.
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, a salute to the world of ‘Tap’ and the spectacular “Dirty Dancing” classic “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” honoring Kenny Ortega.
The Dance Hall of Fame is more than an event; it is a historic tribute to the artists, innovators, and trailblazers whose work continues to define the language of dance.
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.
The Dance Hall of Fame stands as the ultimate tribute to the visionary artists whose groundbreaking contributions have forever transformed the world of dance. Established to immortalize the legacies of legendary dancers and choreographers, the Hall of Fame recognizes those who have shaped and elevated the art form across all genres and cultures worldwide. Each inductee’s name represents more than just individual achievement; it signifies an enduring influence that has redefined dance and left an indelible mark on global culture. With this prestigious honor, the Dance Hall of Fame ensures that these exceptional talents will continue to inspire and shape the future of dance for generations to come.
The renowned seven-time Emmy-winning director Louis J. Horvitz and five-time Emmy-nominated and Emmy-winning choreographer Anita Mann assembled a board of 15 distinguished leaders, each with substantial contributions to the art form of dance. This year, the Dance Hall of Fame Board will honor the legends and innovators who have transformed the world of dance. The inaugural ceremony will establish a new annual tradition of celebrating choreographers and dancers whose impact and creativity have left an enduring mark on the community.
“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.”
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.
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.
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.
