The Dance Hall of Fame was conceived by renowned choreographer, producer, and director Anita Mann; legendary, award-winning director Louis J. Horvitz and Melinda and Kurt Soderling—acclaimed documentary filmmakers and dedicated archival stewards whose long-term work preserving dance history and performance legacy was central to the organization’s original vision. United by a shared commitment to honoring dancers, choreographers, dance-related film directors, dance teams, and other trailblazers who have left an indelible mark on the industry, these visionary leaders laid the foundation for an institution devoted to preservation, recognition, and education.

Anita Mann assembled a founding board of distinguished individuals, each recognized for their significant contributions to the art of dance. The board undertook the meaningful and formidable task of selecting the inaugural class of honorees. Faced with an extraordinary depth of artists whose influence on dance and the entertainment industry is immeasurable, the board approached the selection process with profound reverence and care.

The “2025 Inaugural Dance Hall of Fame” was executive produced by Anita Mann, Louis J. Horvitz and five-time Emmy-nominated executive producer Jeff Thacker. On December 3, 2025 the ceremony proudly inducted its inaugural class with these extraordinary artists whose work has elevated dance, transformed entertainment, and inspired generations:

Alvin Ailey, Mikhail, Baryshnikov, Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, Misty Copeland, Bob Fosse Martha Graham, Gene Kelly, Kenny Ortega, Jerome Robbins, and Twyla Tharp, with Shirley MacLaine receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The “2026 Dance Hall of Fame” ceremony will take place in the last quarter of this year with event location and date to be announced soon.