The 61 Annual Dance Magazine Awards Honors Influencers Of Dance

Since 1954, the Dance Magazine Awards has recognized men and women whose contributions have left a lasting impression in the world of dance. These individuals have helped pave the way for many aspiring artists and helped pushed the field of dance forward. The 61st annual awards ceremony, held at the Ailey Citigroup Theater this month opened with Misty Copeland articulating her responsibility as a human, an American, a black woman, and as a black ballerina. “We all in this room and in the dance world hold a responsibility to use what we love for good. To move the art form forward, to move and motivate one another, to transcend race, religion, and politics, “ noted Copeland. “Dance unifies us”.

This year’s honorees are modern dance choreographer Ronald K. Brown, Miami City Ballet artistic director Lourdes Lopez, contemporary dance theater choreographer Crystal Pite, and Paul Taylor Dance Company star Michael Trusnovec. The evening incorporated performances by Evidence, Miami City Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and Gallium Dance in observance of the honorees and their grasp of style, weaves of movement, and aesthetic value.

New this year is the special leadership award. It was presented to Nigel Redden for his direction in dance events including Lincoln Center Festival and the Spoleo Festival. Proceeds from the Dance Magazine Awards aid the Harkness Promise Award that grants $5,000 and 40 hours of studio space to choreographers in their first decade of professional work.

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