Founded in 1972, The Dance Archive is a special collecting area with the University of Denver’s Special Collections and Archive.
To be the most comprehensive and significant dance resource center in the American West.
Get TO Know
The Dance Archive
Congratulations to the 2026
Legends of Dance!
Honoree 1- Short Bio
Honoree 2- Short Bio
Honoree 3- Short Bio
Honoree 4- Short Bio
Honoree 5- Short Bio
Congratulations to the 2026 Legends of Dance!
Honoree 1- Short bio
Honoree 2- Short bio
Honoree 3- Short bio
Honoree 4- Short bio
Honoree 5- Short bio
Emerging Leader in Dance
Nominations Open!
In 2024, The Dance Archive established the “Emerging Leader in Dance” recognition, highlighting emerging leaders in Colorado dance. One “Emerging Leader” (individual or organization) is selected by the TDA board from nominations each year and recognized as part of our Legends of Dance event. Emerging leaders will receive a $1,000 financial award in recognition of their accomplishments to date and continued investment in their future work.
October 19, 2025
Legends of dance
2025 Legends of Dance
Dance Express
Grace Gillette
Winifred Harris
Maputo Mensah
Alana Shaw
Emerging Leader in Dance
Mimi Ferrie
Posthumous Award
Kay Henderson
Legends of Dance has something for everyone!
- Learn about Colorado dance history from highlight videos with honorees
- Post show reception catered by Two Sistahs
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Enjoy performances from past Legends of Dance
Third Law Dance/Theatre
Maputo Mensah (Logo Ligi)
Mary Wohl Haan
Grace Gillette
Larry Southall
Cleo Parker Robinson (Cleo Parker Robinson Dance)
The Dance Archive would like to thank the following sponsors:
Nominations Are Open
Since 2004, the Legends of Dance in Colorado program has honored people who have made outstanding contributions to dance in the Rocky Mountain West. Honorees represent the depth and diversity of Colorado’s vibrant dance and support community. Nominees could include dancers, choreographers, teachers, artistic directors, patrons, and promoters from all over the state whose careers span years of proven importance.
Criteria includes but is not limited to:
- The individual is still living and/or the organization is still in operation.
- Significant and sustained impact on dance in the state of Colorado
- Diversity in: Dance styles/forms, Geographic representation within the state, Racial/ethnic/cultural diversity, and Gender diversity
Looking for a way to contribute? Our patrons are vital to the work of The Dance Archive. Learn how you can help us be the most comprehensive and significant dance resource center in the American West.
