UNITED STATES DANCESPORT HALL OF FAME
This award is presented to individuals who have dedicated themselves to furthering and elevating dance and dancesport in the United States. Without their early and continued efforts, we would not have progressed to where we are today. They have raised the standard of dance and dance competitions and provided the leadership necessary to be prepared for the tremendous opportunity and popularity that has exploded on to the scene today.
Lee Wakefield - July 2015
The National Dance Council of America is proud to induct Lee Wakefield into the United States Dancesport Hall of Fame.
This life achievement award is given in recognition of your outstanding contribution, devotion, and dedication to ballroom dance in the USA. Your leadership and commitment to the field of education in ballroom dance, together with your invaluable service to the NDCA as its Ballroom Director has helped shape our industry and the Country to what we have today.
Thank you Lee for all you've done.
Judi Hatton - Januay 2011
THE NATIONAL DANCE COUNCIL OF AMERICA is proud to induct JUDI HATTON into the United States DanceSport Hall of Fame.
This life achievement award is given in recognition of your outstanding contribution, devotion and dedication to ballroom dancing.
Your leadership and commitment to excellence in the field of ballroom dancing and dancesport, as well as your success as a competitor, coach and advisor have helped shape competition ballroom dancing and our industry in to what we have today.
Thank you Judi for all you’ve done.
David Key - June 2009
Sam Sondao - November 2008
THE NATIONAL DANCE COUNCIL OF AMERICA is proud to induct SAM SODANO into the United States DanceSport Hall of Fame.
This Hall of Fame award is given in recognition of your outstanding contribution, devotion and dedication to ballroom dancing.
Your success as a competitor, coach, lecturer and innovator in the Latin and Rhythm have made you one of the giants in our industry. Your wonderfully successful Ohio Star Ball has established a level of excellence in quality, promotion and caring that has helped shape competitive ballroom dancing in to what we have today.
Thank you Sam for all you’ve done.
William "Bill" Davies - July 2008
THE NATIONAL DANCE COUNCIL OF AMERICA is proud to induct WILLIAM ‘Bill’ DAVIES into the United States DanceSport Hall of Fame.
This life achievement award is given in recognition of your outstanding contribution, devotion and dedication to ballroom dancing.
Your service to the NDCA as past president and delegate and your valuable input over the years as well as your achievements as a dancer, teacher, coach and judge have contributed greatly to the success we all enjoy today.
Thank you Bill for all you’ve done.
Brian & Kristi McDonald - January 2008
THE NATIONAL DANCE COUNCIL OF AMERICA is proud to induct BRIAN & KRISTI MCDONALD into the United States DanceSport Hall of Fame.
This life achievement award is given in recognition of your outstanding contribution, devotion and dedication to ballroom dancing in the United States and worldwide.
Your leadership and commitment to excellence in the field of ballroom dancing and dancesport is an inspiration to all and you have helped us to be prepared for the successes we enjoy today.
Thank you, Brian and Kristi.
Rickey Geiger - January 2008
The United States DanceSport Hall of Fame Award was presented to Rickey Geiger in recognition of her outstanding contribution, devotion and dedication to ballroom dancing.
Her service to the NDCA over the years through the offices of vice president and secretary, chairs of various committees and her overall guidance have contributed greatly to the success we all enjoy today.
Aid
John Lucchese - September 1999
The United States Dancesport Hall of Fame Award is given in recognition of his outstanding contribution, devotion and dedication to ballroom dancing in the United States.
Born in New York City in 1918, John’s early dance education encompassed ballet, jazz, tap and acrobatics. He went on to study ballroom and graduated college in 1941 with a BS in physical education. After serving in the US Army Air Corps in WWII as a First Lieutenant, John continued studying and received his Doctorate in Law in 1948. John’s contribution to dance include trainer and consultant for both Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire, author of two books on dance, Ballroom Director for Dance Educators of America for 30 years, National Dance Council of America representative for 20 years and 65 years of teaching, coaching, judging and promoting ballroom dancing. He is revered and respected by those of us who have known his work as a teacher and regarded him with great affection by those who have known the man.
John Kimmins - September 1998
The United States Dancesport Hall of Fame Award was given to John Kimmins in recognition of his outstanding contribution, devotion and dedication worldwide to ballroom dancing.
John’s study of ballroom dancing took him from his native Australia to England. As an amateur, he won all the major championships including the British Open, the German Open and the Australian Open.
His professional career has taken him from teacher to executive vice-president and member of the board of directors of Arthur Murray International. As president of American Ballroom Company from 1992 to 2004, John has organized many outstanding national and world championships. He has served on the National Dance Council of America since 1978 and on the executive board of the World Dance Council from 1984 to 2003. His leadership and ambassadorial skills coupled with his commitment to excellence have inspired the ballroom dance community to greater heights.
John is currently President of Arthur Murray International.
Dagmar Jarvel - August 1997
The United States Dancesport Hall of Fame Award was given to Dagmar Jarvel in recognition of her outstanding contribution, devotion and dedication worldwide to ballroom dancing.
Born in Estonia, Dagmar escaped to Germany where she performed as a theatrical stage dancer know as “Taboo” and came to the United States after the fall of Berlin in 1945. Dagmar has not only produced many national champions and trained many of our top coaches today but also headed the Committee that produced the original NDCA American Style Syllabus. From the original training class with Fred Astaire in the 1950’s, Dagmar has achieved the reputation of a leading judge and coach and served as a National Examiner for Fred Astaire Dance Studios and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.
Eleanor Rubino - June 1997
The United States Dancesport Hall of Fame Award was given to Eleanor Rubino in recognition of her devotion, dedication and unselfish pursuit to elevate the art of dance. Eleanor not only produced many professional dancers and teachers through her teaching but has served as an ambassador for dance throughout the world as Medal Test Chairman on behalf of the National Dance Council of America.
A former Performing Arts Director for the Council, Eleanor has proven herself a leader in our profession and a shining star to those who follow in her footsteps.
Julius Kaiser - April 1997
The United States DanceSport Hall of Fame Award was presented to Julius Kaiser in recognition of his outstanding contribution, devotion and dedication worldwide to ballroom dancing. Julius contributed a wealth of knowledge to our industry and his continuing support and education of our youth demonstrates his unending commitment to the gro