Date: Sep 16, 2009

Hofstra University Museum Presents America’s Irreplaceable Dance Treasures: The First 100

Exhibition Organized by Dance Heritage Coalition, Inc. Embraces Talents of Fred Astaire, Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey & Bob Fosse Among Others

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY – In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Dance Program at Hofstra University, the Hofstra University Museum is pleased to offer the visually and historically compelling exhibition America’s Irreplaceable Dance Treasures: The First 100 in the David Filderman Gallery, south campus from September 29 to December 6, 2009.

This traveling exhibit, organized by the Dance Heritage Coalition, Inc., features panels and video clips that highlight our nation’s dance traditions from Native American dances to ballet, ballroom, jazz, modern, tap and more. The exhibit cuts across boundaries of idiom and style to embrace the talents of artists such as Alvin Ailey, Fred Astaire, Busby Berkeley, Lucia Chase, Aaron Copland, Merce Cunningham, Agnes De Mille, Isadora Duncan, Bob Fosse, Martha Graham, Gregory Hines, Doris Humphrey, Jose Limon, Arthur Murray, the Nicholas Brothers, Rudolf Nureyev, Ruth St. Denis, Paul Taylor, Twyla Tharp, Edward Villela, and numerous other luminaries. 

In conjunction with the exhibit several public programs and dance performances are scheduled including Dance at an Exhibition with guest performances by New York City-based dance artists, organized by the American Dance Guild under the guidance of Hofstra’s Department of Drama and Dance on October 3, 2009 in Dempster Hall, South Campus at 1:00 pm. The Museum will also offer The Divine Flame a multidisciplinary program focused on the life of the dancer Isadora Duncan featuring Shirley Romaine, and founder of Dance Visions, Beth Jucovy with her company of dancers, on November 12, 2009 in the Rochelle and Irwin A. Lowenfeld Exhibition and Conference Hall, 10th floor, Axinn Library.

 “We are pleased to partner with the Hofstra University Drama and Dance Department to bring this slide of dance history to life for the community,” said Hofstra University Museum Executive Director Beth E. Levinthal. “This multifaceted exhibition is a fitting tribute to the achievements of the University’s Dance Program during this 25th anniversary year.”

For more information on this exhibit and other programs offered by the Hofstra University Museum please visit www.hofstra.edu/museum

The Hofstra University Museum has been awarded the highest honor a museum can receive, continued accreditation by the American Association of Museums (AAM). Approximately less than 4 % of museums nationwide have earned this distinguished recognition. Accreditation certifies that the Hofstra University Museum operates according to professional standards, manages its collections responsibly and provides quality service to the public.

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students can choose from about 150 undergraduate and more than 160 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business; engineering; communication; education, health and human services;  and honors studies, as well as a School of Law.