The Martha Hill Dance Fund has announced the honorees of the 2026 Martha Hill Awards to be presented at 6:00 P.M. on Monday, February 2 at Manhattan Penthouse, 80 Fifth Avenue in New York City. This year, dance industry leaders Joan Finkelstein and Phyllis Lamhut will receive the Fund’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Dante Puleio and David Hamilton Thomson will receive the Mid-Career Award. In addition, The Martha Hill Dance Fund has announced The MESH Fellowship, a new initiative for mentoring emerging choreographers and professional dancers.

The Martha Hill Dance Fund perpetuates the legacy of Martha Hill whose influence in the world of dance and performance is immeasurable. The Martha Hill Dance Fund ensures access to Hill’s work through published materials, film, digital archives, and other projects established in her name.

The 2026  Martha Hill Awards Gala will be hosted by dance world legend Virgina Johnson.