National Museum of Dance Hall of Fame hosts induction ceremony

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> Carmen de Lavallade and Sir Frederick Ashton were inducted into the Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Hall of Fame.

The National Museum of Dance expressed gratitude to everyone who attended the special ceremony or shared a generous donation with the Museum in honor of the event.

The evening celebrated the opening of new exhibitions honoring the two inductees’ extraordinary careers in dance. Special guests de Lavallade and Iain Webb, Director of The Sarasota Ballet, were in attendance.

Upon Webb’s acceptance of the award, on behalf of Sir Frederick Ashton (1904-1988), expressed profound appreciation for an award that honors “Sir Fred” “because it is vital that we keep our history and great respect and preservation.”

De Lavallade spoke similarly, sharing her regret that “so much has been lost.” She shared how she had danced or interacted with so many members of the Hall of Fame, noting the names of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, and Ted Shawn on the Foyer frieze above where she stood.

She was humbled, as was Webb of Ashton, to have their names join the legion of dance luminaries honored at the Museum. De Lavallade expressed, “I’m so honored, I cannot tell you, to be a part of this group in this building, I mean I’ve had awards, but this, this, reaches the top.”

In addition to honoring Carmen de Lavallade and Sir Frederick Ashton, a heartfelt dedication to Marylou Whitney was offered with the distribution of Marylou Whitney Perfect Pink Roses. The Museum Board of Directors will be dedicating a pink marble bench to Marylou Whitney in the Museum’s courtyard.

The exhibitions will be on view now through October 2020.

Founded in 1987, the Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Hall of Fame at the National Museum of Dance honors innovators who have made outstanding contributions to American professional dance. More than sixty choreographers, dancers, artistic directors, designers, composers, and critics are recognized, with two dance pioneers inducted each year.

The National Museum of Dance is now open for winter hours Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

PHOTO PROVIDED Iain Webb and Michele Riggi attend the National Museum of Dance 2019 Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

PHOTO PROVIDED Iain Webb, director of The Sarasota Ballet, was in attendance and accepted the award on behalf of Sir Frederick Ashton.

PHOTO PROVIDED Carmen de Lavallade and Sir Frederick Ashton were inducted into the Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Hall of Fame at the National Museum of Dance.

PHOTO PROVIDED Left to Right: Iaian Webb, Michele Riggi, Carmen de Lavallade, Leo Holder attend the National Museum of Dance 2019 Hall of Fame induction ceremony.