Famous Dancers

First black principle dancer of the New York City Ballet

• Misty Copeland

• Rita Hayworth

• Sylvie Guillem

• Norma Miller

Famous tap-dancer from old Hollywood, largely regarded as one of the best dancers of all time. Performed in movies such as "Swing Time"

• Fred Astaire

• Shorty George Snowden

• Michael Jackson

• Bojangles Robinson

Highest paid ballerina in the world for several years - founded her own dance company. Known for her crazy extensions.

• Misty Copeland

• Sylvie Guillem

• Rita Hayworth

• Norma Miller

Orphaned dancer who was for a while the unofficial mayor of Harlem. Known for his skill, his stair dance, and his generosity!

• Fred Astaire

• Shorty George Snowden

• Bill Bojangles Robinson

• Alvin Ailey

Choreographer who founded a hugely popular, multi-racial modern dance ensemble that made modern dance famous around the world.

• Fred Astaire

• Shorty George Snowden

• Bill Bojangles Robinson

• Alvin Ailey

20's Vaudeville star who went on to dance in Hollywood movies as a popular leading lady in musicals.

• Rita Hayworth

• Sylvie Guillem

• Norma Miller

• Misty Copeland

Harlem Lindy Hopper who won a LOT of competitions. He had a dance move named after him and a song written for him.

• Shorty George Snowden

• Fred Astaire

• Alvin Ailey

• Bill Bojangles Robinson

Broadway star who won four Tony awards for her performances. She was married to Bob Fosse until his death in 1987.

• Gwen Verdon

• Mikhail Baryshnikov

• Rita Hayworth

• Misty Copeland

Known for his distinctive style of choreography, now called "Fosse Style" - he worked on broadway for many years.

• Bob Fosse

• Mikhail Baryshnikov

• Gwen Verdon

• Misty Copeland

Russian dancer and choreographer; considered one of greatest male ballet dancers; became artistic director of American Ballet Theatre

• Bob Fosse

• Mikhail Baryshnikov

• Gwen Verdon

• Misty Copeland