top 8 dancers

Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland is an American ballet dancer for American Ballet Theatre (ABT), one of the three leading classical ballet companies in the United States. She has achieved many milestones in her career, including becoming the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer at ABT in 2015. Copeland is known for her technical precision, fluidity of movement, and powerful stage presence. She has also gained recognition outside of the ballet world through her performances on television, in music videos, and as a spokesperson for brands such as Under Armour and T-Mobile.

Justin Peck

Justin Peck is an American choreographer and dancer who is currently the resident choreographer at New York City Ballet (NYCB). He has choreographed numerous works for NYCB and other companies, and his work has been described as innovative, athletic, and musical. In 2014, he won the Benois de la Danse prize for choreography for his work "Year of the Rabbit," and he has received numerous other awards and accolades for his choreography. In addition to his work as a choreographer, Peck is also an accomplished dancer and has performed with companies such as the Pacific Northwest Ballet and the New York City Ballet.

Martha Graham

Martha Graham was an American modern dancer and choreographer who is widely considered one of the most important figures in the history of modern dance. She was the founder of the Martha Graham Dance Company and is credited with creating a new style of dance that was based on the expression of emotion through movement. Graham's technique, which she developed over the course of her career, emphasizes contraction and release and the use of the dancer's torso. She choreographed more than 180 works throughout her career, many of which are considered classics of modern dance. Graham had a significant influence on the development of modern dance and her work continues to be performed by dance companies around the world.

Gene Kelly

Gene Kelly was an American dancer, actor, singer, and film director who is best known for his work in Hollywood musical films. Kelly is widely considered one of the most important figures in the history of musical films and is known for his energetic and athletic dance style. He appeared in a number of successful films throughout his career, including "An American in Paris," "Singin' in the Rain," and "On the Town." In addition to his work in film, Kelly also had a successful stage career and choreographed and directed several stage productions. He was a pioneer of what is now known as "integrated musicals," in which dance, music, and storytelling are combined to create a cohesive whole.

Fred Astaire

Fred Astaire was an American dancer, actor, and singer who is widely considered one of the greatest dancers in the history of film and television. He is best known for his work in Hollywood musical films, in which he starred opposite some of the most famous actresses of the time, including Ginger Rogers, Audrey Hepburn, and Cyd Charisse. Astaire was known for his smooth, graceful, and elegant dance style, and he was particularly skilled at tap dancing and ballroom dancing. In addition to his work in film, Astaire also had a successful stage career and appeared in a number of Broadway shows throughout his career. He received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including an honorary Academy Award in 1950.

Mikhail Baryshnikov

Mikhail Baryshnikov is a Russian-American dancer, choreographer, and actor who is considered one of the greatest ballet dancers of all time. He began his career as a dancer with the Kirov Ballet in Russia and later defected to the United States, where he joined the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). Baryshnikov quickly rose to prominence in the world of ballet and is known for his technical proficiency, artistic expression, and charisma on stage. In addition to his work as a dancer, Baryshnikov has also had a successful career as a choreographer and actor, appearing in a number of films, television shows, and stage productions. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including a Kennedy Center Honor and a National Medal of the Arts.

Sonya Tayeh

Sonya Tayeh is a contemporary dancer, choreographer, and television personality from the United States. She is known for her edgy, athletic, and emotionally charged choreography, which has been described as "raw and uninhibited." Tayeh has choreographed for numerous dance companies and stage productions, and she has also worked as a choreographer for the television show "So You Think You Can Dance." In addition to her work as a choreographer, Tayeh is also an accomplished dancer and has performed with companies such as the Martha Graham Dance Company and the Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography.

Nick Lazzarini

Nick Lazzarini is an American dancer and choreographer who is best known as the winner of the first season of the reality television show "So You Think You Can Dance." Since winning the show, Lazzarini has worked as a dancer and choreographer in the entertainment industry, appearing in music videos, television shows, and stage productions. He has choreographed for a number of artists and companies, and his work has been described as energetic, athletic, and creative. In addition to his work as a choreographer, Lazzarini is also an accomplished dancer and has trained in a variety of styles, including jazz, tap, and contemporary.