American Female Dancers

Vote for Your Favourite American Female Dancers

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 1 
Misty Copeland
(The First African-American Woman to Serve as the 'American Ballet Theatre' Company's Principal Dancer)
Misty Copeland
27
Birthdate: 1982
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Ballet dancer Misty Copeland is known for her association with American Ballet Theatre and is the first Black woman to become the principal dancer there. She also gained fame as a public speaker and stage performer. Named to Time 100, she has also written a memoir and narrated a documentary.
 2 
Isadora Duncan
(American Dancer and Choreographer)
Isadora Duncan
7
Birthdate: May 26, 1877
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: San Francisco, California, United States
Died: September 14, 1927

Isadora Duncan was a dancer acclaimed in USA, Europe, and the Soviet Union. Raised by a single mother, she grew up in poverty and started teaching dance to children to earn some money. She later joined Augustin Daly's theater company. Eventually, she opened her own dance schools to teach her unique philosophy and techniques to her students. 

 3 
Julianne Hough
(Judge on Dancing with the Stars)
Julianne Hough
16
Birthdate: July 20, 1988
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Orem, Utah, United States
Julianne Hough shot to fame with Dancing with the Stars, in 2007, and eventually won two seasons and returned as a judge. Fans also remember her as Sandy from Grease Live! She aced the U.S. Country charts with her debut album and was also a judge on America's Got Talent.
 4 
Dita Von Teese
(Dancer, Actress)
Dita Von Teese
4
Birthdate: September 28, 1972
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Rochester, Michigan, United States
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 5 
Lisa Niemi
(Writer, Director and Lead Actress of the Film 'One Last Dance')
Lisa Niemi
4
Birthdate: May 26, 1956
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Houston, Texas, United States
Lisa Niemi is known for her appearance in Steel Dawn and One Last Dance, with her former husband Patrick Swayze. She also released memoirs, both New York Times bestsellers and one of them co-written by Swayze. Swayze’s death due to pancreatic cancer led her to spread awareness about the ailment.
 6 
Abby Lee Miller
(Dancer, Choreographer and Founder of ‘Abby Lee Dance Company’)
Abby Lee Miller
16
Birthdate: September 21, 1965
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Abby Lee Miller is a choreographer, dance instructor, and reality TV personality. She is credited with founding the Abby Lee Dance Company where the popular TV series Dance Moms was filmed. The series follows the training of children in dance under the tutelage of Miller. In 2018, Miller was diagnosed with a type of cancer that has left her wheelchair-bound.

 7 
Mackenzie Ziegler
(American Dancer, Singer and Internet Personality)
Mackenzie Ziegler
4
Birthdate: June 4, 2004
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Mackenzie Ziegler initially gained fame with the reality show Dance Moms, where she appeared with her older sister, Maddie Ziegler. Mackenzie then plunged into music and toured with singers such as Johnny Orlando. She also competed on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors. She is extemely popular on social-media platforms, too.

 8 
Allison Holker
(American Dancer, Choreographer, and Actress Known for Her TV Dance Competition ‘So You Think You Can Dance’)
Allison Holker
6
Birthdate: February 6, 1988
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Anoka County, Minnesota, United States

Allison Holker is an American dancer known for appearing in the reality TV dance competition show, So You Think You Can Dance. She has also worked in several concert tours, films, and television series. In 2007, she was adjudged the National Senior Dancer of the Year. In 2013, she received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination under the Outstanding Choreography category.

 9 
Leslie Caron
(Actress & Dancer Known for Her Films: 'Lili' and 'The L-Shaped Room')
Leslie Caron
4
Birthdate: July 1, 1931
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Boulogne-sur-Seine, Paris, France
French-American actor Leslie Caron is best known for her BAFTA-winning roles in The L-Shaped Room and Lili. She has also won a Golden Globe and an Emmy. A seasoned actor, she began her career as a ballerina. She has also been a jury member at various international film festivals.
 10 
Martha Graham
(Modern Dancer and Choreographer Known for Her 'Graham Technique' Style)
Martha Graham
4
Birthdate: May 11, 1894
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Allegheny, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: April 1, 1991

Martha Graham was a modern dancer and choreographer who revolutionized American dance. She developed what later became known as the Graham technique, a modern dance movement style and pedagogy. She had an extensive career spanning over 70 years. The Martha Graham School, founded in 1926, is the oldest school of dance in USA.  

 11 
Cheryl Burke
(American Dancer Who Became the First Female Professional to Win the TV Show 'Dancing with the Stars')
Cheryl Burke
4
Birthdate: May 3, 1984
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: San Francisco, California, United States

Cheryl Burke is an American dancer, TV host, and model. Best known for appearing as a professional dancer on the popular dance competition TV series Dancing with the Stars, Burke became the first professional to win two consecutive seasons. In 2008, she set up her dance studio and created her own line of sportswear in 2009.

 12 
Witney Carson
(Dancer. Choreographer)
Witney Carson
5
Birthdate: October 17, 1993
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: American Fork, Utah, United States
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 13 
Khandi Alexander
(Dancer, Actress)
Khandi Alexander
3
Birthdate: September 4, 1957
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Jacksonville, Florida, United States
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 14 
Meryl Davis
(Former Competitive American Ice Dancer and Figure Skater)
Meryl Davis
4
Birthdate: January 1, 1987
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Royal Oak, Michigan, United States
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 15 
Sofia Wylie
(American Actress, Dancer and Singer)
Sofia Wylie
3
Birthdate: January 7, 2004
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Scottsdale, Arizona, United States
 16 
Shura Baryshnikov
(Dancer, Choreographer, Actress)
Shura Baryshnikov
3
Birthdate: March 15, 1981
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Stillwater, Minnesota, United States
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 17 
Jaina Lee Ortiz
3
Birthdate: November 20, 1986
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Fort Ord National Monument, California, United States
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 18 
Sierra Deaton
(Winner of the 3rd Season of 'The X Factor US' Known for Her Album 'It's About Us')
Sierra Deaton
3
Birthdate: February 11, 1991
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
 19 
Ann Miller
(Actress, Singer)
Ann Miller
3
Birthdate: April 12, 1923
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Chireno, Texas, United States
Died: January 22, 2004
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 20 
Lindsay Arnold
(Professional Dancer)
Lindsay Arnold
3
Birthdate: January 11, 1994
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Provo, Utah, United States
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 21 
Lola Falana
(Singer)
Lola Falana
3
Birthdate: September 11, 1942
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Camden, New Jersey, United States
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 22 
LaWanda Page
(Actress)
LaWanda Page
3
Birthdate: October 19, 1920
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Died: September 14, 2002
 23 
Eleanor Powell
(Dancer, Actress)
Eleanor Powell
3
Birthdate: November 21, 1912
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Springfield, Massachusetts, United States
Died: February 11, 1982
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 24 
Simone Battle
(Actor, Singer, Television actor)
Simone Battle
3
Birthdate: June 17, 1989
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Los Angeles
Died: September 5, 2014
 25 
Twyla Tharp
(Dancer and Choreographer)
Twyla Tharp
3
Birthdate: July 1, 1941
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Portland

Twyla Tharp is an American dancer, author, and choreographer. She is credited with founding Twyla Tharp Dance, which she formed in 1966. In 1976, Twyla Tharp choreographed Push Comes to Shove, which is now regarded as the finest example of crossover ballet. Twyla Tharp has received several prestigious awards, including two Emmy Awards and the National Medal of the Arts.

 26 
Karina Smirnoff
(Ballroom dancer who won the 13th season of Dancing with the Stars)
Karina Smirnoff
3
Birthdate: January 2, 1978
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Kharkiv, Ukraine
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 27 
Paula Abdul
(Her Album 'Forever Your Girl' was One of The Most Successful Albums in 1988)
Paula Abdul
17
Birthdate: June 19, 1962
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: San Fernando, California, United States

Starting her career as a cheerleader, Paula Abdul went on to choreograph music videos for Janet Jackson. She then tried her hand at singing-songwriting and released a highly successful debut studio album. Also an award-winning actress, Paula was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She has also appeared in TV shows like American Idol.

 28 
Joey Heatherton
(Actress)
Joey Heatherton
3
Birthdate: September 14, 1944
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Rockville Centre, Long Island, New York, USA
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 29 
Sheree North
(Actress)
Sheree North
3
Birthdate: January 17, 1932
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Died: November 4, 2005
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 30 
Katherine Dunham
(One of the Most Successful Dancers of the 20th Century)
Katherine Dunham
3
Birthdate: June 22, 1909
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Glen Ellyn, Illinois, United States
Died: May 21, 2006

Dancer, choreographer, and social activist Katherine Dunham was also a qualified anthropologist. She experimented with various ritual dances, and her innovations included a ballet performance based on Caribbean dance. She also pioneered the Dunham Technique of dance pedagogy and used the pen-name Kaye Dunn to write several works.

 31 
Janette Manrara
(Choreographer and Dancer Known for Her Appearance in TV Show ‘So You Think You Can Dance’)
Janette Manrara
5
Birthdate: November 16, 1983
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Miami, Florida, United States
Miami-based Cuban dancer Janette Manrara is best known for her stint on the reality show Strictly Come Dancing. Fans have also loved her in Glee, Burn the Floor, and So You Think You Can Dance. She is married to her Strictly Come Dancing co-star Slovenian dancer Aljaž Škorjanec.
 32 
Michaela DePrince
(Sierra Leonean-American Ballet Dancer)
Michaela DePrince
4
Birthdate: January 6, 1995
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Kenema, Sierra Leone

Michaela DePrince is a Sierra Leonean-American ballerina and writer. She is credited with co-authoring a book titled Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina. Michaela DePrince achieved popularity in 2011 when she was featured in a documentary titled First Position, which follows her and other ballerinas as they prepare for the upcoming Youth America Grand Prix.

 33 
Chita Rivera
(American Actress and Singer)
Chita Rivera
3
Birthdate: January 23, 1933
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States
Died: January 30, 2024
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 34 
Jade Chynoweth
(American Actress and Dancer)
Jade Chynoweth
3
Birthdate: August 21, 1998
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Park City, Utah, United States
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 35 
Patsy Swayze
(Choreographer)
Patsy Swayze
3
Birthdate: February 7, 1927
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Harris County, Texas, United States
Died: September 16, 2013
 36 
Sophie Reynolds
3
Birthdate: April 2, 1999
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: California
Height: 5'0" (152 cm)
 37 
Melody Thornton
(Singer-songwriter)
Melody Thornton
3
Birthdate: September 28, 1984
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Phoenix, Arizona
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 38 
Melissa Rycroft
(Television personality)
Melissa Rycroft
3
Birthdate: March 11, 1983
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Dallas, Texas, United States
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 39 
Julia Goldani Telles
(Actress and Ballet Dancer)
Julia Goldani Telles
3
Birthdate: March 18, 1995
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

Julia Goldani Telles is an American ballet dancer and actress best known for portraying the role of Sasha Torres in a comedy-drama TV series titled Bunheads. Apart from playing prominent roles in films and TV series, Julia Goldani Telles has also appeared in a number of ballet performances, such as Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Don Quixote, and Sleeping Beauty.

 40 
Mayte Garcia
(Actress & Dancer Known as the World’s Youngest Professional Belly Dancer)
Mayte Garcia
4
Birthdate: November 12, 1973
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Fort Rucker, Alabama, United States

Mayte Garcia is an American dancer, singer, and actress. She has worked with popular artists like Britney Spears. Mayte Garcia was married to record producer and musician, Prince, from 1996 to 2000. Mayte Garcia has also written a book titled The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince which was published in 2017.

 41 
Loie Fuller
(Actor, Lighting designer, Choreographer, Artist, Dancer, Stage actor, Model)
Loie Fuller
3
Birthdate: January 15, 1862
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Illinois
Died: January 1, 1928
 42 
Michele Lee
(Actress)
Michele Lee
3
Birthdate: June 24, 1942
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 43 
Grace Phipps
(Actress)
Grace Phipps
3
Birthdate: May 4, 1992
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Austin, Texas
Height: 5'2" (157 cm)
 44 
Carmit Bachar
3
Birthdate: September 4, 1974
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 45 
Adele Astaire
(American Dancer, Actress and Singer)
Adele Astaire
3
Birthdate: September 10, 1896
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Died: January 25, 1981
 46 
Pamela Des Barres
(Musician)
Pamela Des Barres
3
Birthdate: September 9, 1948
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Reseda, California, USA
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 47 
Betty Garrett
(Actress)
Betty Garrett
3
Birthdate: May 23, 1919
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Saint Joseph, Missouri
Died: February 12, 2011
 48 
Maria Tallchief
(American Ballet Dancer)
Maria Tallchief
10
Birthdate: January 24, 1925
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Fairfax
Died: April 11, 2013

Maria Tallchief was an American ballet dancer. Widely regarded as America's first major prima ballerina, Tallchief is credited with revolutionizing ballet. A close associate of George Balanchine, Tallchief went on to become the first star in New York City Ballet, the company co-founded by Balanchine. A National Medal of Arts recipient, Tallchief also received other prestigious awards during her career.

 49 
Peta Murgatroyd
(Dancer)
Peta Murgatroyd
3
Birthdate: July 14, 1986
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 50 
Carrie Ann Inaba
(Television personality, dancer, choreographer best known for her work on ABC TV's Dancing with the Stars for which she has served as a judge since 2005)
Carrie Ann Inaba
0
Birthdate: January 5, 1968
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)