First awarded in 1952, the Capezio Dance Award recognizes significant contributions to American dance by an individual, company, or institution. It is awarded to those who bring respect, stature, and distinction to dance and who exhibit qualities such as innovation, creativity, and imagination.
Congratulations to the 2026 award winner
2018
Debbie Allen, David Parsons, Michelle Dorrance, Mr. Wiggles, Wendy Whelan
2015
The Julliard School
2014
Cynthia Gregory
2013
Twyla Tharp
2012
Tommy Tune
2011
Desmond Richardson
2010
Trisha Brown
2009
Arlene Shuler
2008
Charles Davis
2007
Carmen de Lavallade
2006
Donald Saddler
2005
Suzanne Farrell
2004
Savion Glover
2003
Alvin Ailey Dance Theater
2002
Michael M. Kaiser
2001
Career Transition for Dancers
2000
David R. White
1999
Bella Lewitzky
1998
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival
1997
Mark Morris
1996
Charles L. Reinhart
1995
Bruce Marks
1994
Urban Bush Women
1993
Dance/USA
1992
Frederic Franklin
1991
John Curry, Katherine Dunham, Darci Kistler, Igor Youskevitch
1990
Jaques d’Amboise
1989
Edward Villella
1988
Charles Coles
1987
Fred Astaire, Bob Fosse, Rudolf Nureyev, Jac Venza
1986
Antony Tudor
1985
Doris Hering
1984
William Christensen, Harold Christensen, Lew Christensen
1983
Harvey Lichtenstein
1982
Alwin Nikolais
1981
Dorothy Alexander
1980
Walter Terry
1979
Alvin Ailey
1978
Hanya Jolm
1977
Merce Cunningham
1976
Jerome Robbins
1975
Robert Irving
1974
Robert Joffrey
1973
Isadora Bennett
1972
Lei Meri, Reginald Laubin, Gladys Laubin
1971
Arthur Mitchell
1970
William Kolodney
1969
John Martin
1968
Lucia Chase
1967
Paul Taylor
1966
Agnes de Mille
1965
Maria Tallchief
1964
José Limón
1963
Donald McKayle
1962
Barbara Karinska
1961
Ruth St. Denis
1960
Martha Graham
1959
Sol Hurok
1958
Alexandra Danilova
1957
Ted Shawn
1956
Genevieve Oswald
1955
Louis Horst
1954
Doris Humphrey
1953
Lincoln Kerstein
1952