About the Exhibit

General notes from the Dance Heritage Coalition on the "America's Irreplaceable Dance Treasures: the First 100" exhibit:

Dance comprises an entire world of spiritual and secular ideas, stories, emotions, and human experience, understood and expressed through movement. The rich history of dance in America serves as a reflection and a record of the nation's increasingly diverse, dynamic culture.

In the Fall of 1999, the Dance Heritage Coalition solicited nominations for America's Irreplaceable Dance Treasures: the First 100. Over 900 nominations from across the full range of American dance artistry, forms, and traditions were submitted and vetted through a three-stage process of selection committees made up of experts from across the country.

The list of America's Irreplaceable Dance Treasures: the First 100 is intended to heighten public interest in the magnificence and richness of America's dance heritage and the imperative to document and preserve it for future generations.

An irreplaceable dance treasure has:

• Made a significant impact on dance as an art form
• Demonstrated artistic excellence
• Enriched the nation's cultural heritage
• Demonstrated the potential to enhance the lives of future generations
• Shown itself worthy of national and international recognition

- Lynn Garafola and Norton Owen, co-curators. Stephen Saitas, designer.

For more information on the Americas Irreplaceable Dance Treasures: The First 100 exhibit contact Barbara Drazin at the Dance Heritage Coalition, 1111 16th Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036, 202-223-8393 or http://www.danceheritage.org/.

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