DANCE MASTERS OF AMERICA
Recognitions
The Recognitions section celebrates the individuals and chapters that define the excellence of our organization. We honor recipients of the DMA Annual Award, President’s Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Member of the Year, Z. Brown Memorial Award, and Chapter of the Year.
We also recognize our National Past Presidents and celebrate members marking 25 and 50 years of dedication. Each recognition reflects a legacy of leadership, commitment, and passion that continues to shape the future of DMA.
2026 Honoree
Rhonda Miller
Choreographer/Dance Educator/Director
An original founder and co-owner of L.A.’s premier dance studio, The Edge, she was the leader for many years of its successful convention business, L.A. Dance Force. After relocating to New York, Rhonda’s work caught the eye of Broadway director-choreographer Jerry Mitchell, who included her on his team for the renowned Broadway Bares.
She has choreographed over 30 musicals: A few of her stage credits include: Hello Dolly, All Shook Up, Chicago, Sister Act Maine State Music Theatre Mary Poppins for Arkansas Repertory Theatre, and On Your Feet. Among many of her Television credits include Younger for TV Land, American Film Institute Awards with Catherine Zeta Jones, General Hospital, The Boys for HBO and It’s Garry Shandling’s Show for HBO.
Her work has also been seen in commercials and industrials for such Fortune 500 companies as Chrysler, Toys R Us, Warner Brothers, USPS and Exxon-Mobil Corporation. Recently she has created MOMENTUM a Commercial Dance Training program in Los Angeles, CA. The premise is to train dancers in all styles of dance to reach the next level in the professional dance world. Students will also train in Dance on Camera, Acting and Vocal Work. Inner workings of the entertainment industry and business information, a vital component for success is also provided. This program provides students with the opportunity to create a network with working choreographers, educators, producers, directors and agents who spend “one on one” class time with you. To name a few: Marguerite Derricks (Film and TV Choreographer of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Etoile and many films), Brian Nicholson, (Ariana Grande’s Tour choreographer), Elaine Hendrix (Film and TV star most recently on Dancing with the Stars), Jon Rua (Broadway Choreographer,) Chris Scott (Choreographer of the movie Wicked), Dance Agencies: BLOC, CLEAR, GO2 and MSA, Casting agents from CIRQUE, Cruise Lines and more. The program culminates with an industry showcase to highlight the students to the entertainment industry.
Rhonda is proud to have been inducted into the Oklahoma City University Hall of Honor, received the Dance Teacher Magazine award for Higher Education, for creating, writing and serving as the Director/Program Head of the BFA Commercial Dance program at Sands College of Performing Arts Pace University, and earned a Lifetime Achievement award from Dance Educators of America. She holds her BFA from the University of Utah: Ballet/Musical Theater emphasis and her
MPA from Oklahoma City University: Vocal Performance/Directing.
Past Winners
1963 – Ernest Platt
1964 – Matt Mattox
1965 – Robert Joffrey &
Eleanor Powell
1966 – Gwen Verdon
1967 – George Hamid, Sr.
1968 – Ted Mack
1969 – June Taylor
1970 – Ted Shaw
1971 – Leon Danielian &
Ruby Keeler
1972 – Jean Gordon
1973 – Jack Smith
1974 – Bobby Burgess &
Cissy King
1975 – Alvin Ailey
1976 – Gail Grant
1977 – Walter Terry
1978 – Gus Giordiano
1979 – Michael Bennett
1980 – Herbert Ross &
Nora Kaye
1981 – Amanda Mckerrow
1982 – Mary Day
1983 – David Howard
1984 – Violet Howard
1985 – Robert Barnett
1986 – Wiliam Como
1987 – Luigi
1988 – Gregory Hines
1989 – The Rockettes,
Charles Kelly,
Lynn Stanford, &
Paul Draper
1990 – Robert Hill,
Beverly Fletcher, &
Janet Jones
1991 – Tommy Tune &
Gene Nelson
1992 – Cris Chadman
1993 – Capezio Foundation
1994 – Gene Kelly
(presented by The Ivy Hall Foundation)
1995 – Sharon Dante
(presented by The Ivy Hall Foundation)
1996 – Tom Ralabate
(presented by The Ivy Hall Foundation)
1997 – Edward Villela
(presented by The Ivy Hall Foundation)
1998 – The Affiliated Chapters of
Dance Masters of America
1999 – Tina Landon
2000 – Leo’s Dancewear, Inc
2001 – Robert Hill
2002 – Walt Disney World
2003 – Dee Dee Wood
2004 – Rob Marshall
2005 – (no award presented)
2006 – Donald Mckayle
2007 – Jacque d’Amboise
2008 – Bruce Marks
2009 – The Kennedy Center
2010 – Tyce Diorio
2011 – David Parsons
2012 – Miriam Nelson
2013 – Christopher Gattelli
2014 – Martha Graham Dance Company
2015 – Generation IV,
Alison & Teddy Forrance2016 – (no award presented)
2017 – Charlotte d-Amboise &
Terrence Mann
2018 – Evan Ruggiero
2019 – Gregg Russell
2020 – (no award presented)
2021 – Syncopated Ladies
2022 – Laura Hausmann
2023 – Howard Weissman
2025 – Revolution
2026 Honoree
Keisha Lalama
Kiesha Lalama, interim Dean of Theatre, Film, and Animation at Point Park University and Executive Producer of the Pittsburgh Playhouse, is a celebrated leader, educator, and artist whose influence spans over 30 years in the performing arts industry. With a passion for bringing people together, Kiesha fosters collaboration, inspires innovation, and empowers communities through her multifaceted contributions.
As co-creator and choreographer of the Jimmy Awards® (Broadway), Kiesha has spent 15 years shaping the nationally recognized program that impacts more than 140,000 students annually. In her leadership role at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, she has driven exceptional growth by expanding organizational engagement by over 300% through the launch of annual fundraising exceeding $400,000, the establishment of eight new community partnerships, and the creation of five new arts education initiatives.
Under her leadership, the Playhouse also achieved a more than 200% increase in patrons, while adding 80 donors and 12 corporate sponsors. Her visionary approach continues through groundbreaking projects, including the upcoming world premiere of ASCEND. Kiesha’s choreography credits include feature films “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and “Sorority Row”, PBS documentary series “Broadway or Bust”, critically acclaimed television series “Outsiders” (WGN), and “American Rust” (Showtime). Her internationally recognized concert dance works, including Shed (DCDC), Catapult (Dance Kaleidoscope), and Alegria (Giordano Dance Chicago) have been performed across six countries in Europe and Asia. National choreography highlights include Kinex (Joyce Theater NYC), Aftermath (Dance Kaleidoscope), Wish (Missouri Contemporary Ballet), Jolt and Unsung Moment (Houston MET Dance Company), and Vicious Cycle (Eisenhower Dance Ensemble). Kiesha has also created three critically acclaimed full-length dance theater productions: The Bench: Journey into Love, HeartShakes, and Bound in Before. Her choreography work in regional theater includes All Shook Up (North Shore Music Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar (Kansas City Starlight Theatre), and Into the Woods (Arsht Center). Additional credits include Shrek, Big Fish, Sweeney Todd, and Ragtime (Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center), as well as Judge Jackie Justice, Ruthless! The Musical, First Date, and Grand Night for Singing (Pittsburgh CLO).
Kiesha’s creative direction and production expertise have elevated events such as the Pittsburgh Steelers Fashion Show, Children’s Hospital 125th Anniversary Gala, Shadyside Hospital 150th Anniversary Gala, the G20 Summit Colcom Celebration of Peace, the Gene Kelly Awards (18 years), Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens, Howard Hanna Real Estate, PNC Park SkyBlast events, and Violins of Hope project.
Her achievements have been recognized with numerous accolades, including awards from the Pittsburgh Business Times Women of Influence, Honorary Jimmy Award, Dance Masters of America President’s Award 2026, Jazz Dance World Congress, Youth America Grand Prix’s Top 12, Dance Magazine’s “Top 25 to Watch,” and the prestigious Edward Caton Award from Point Park University’s Dance Department. Kiesha’s influence extends through her guest artist residencies, teaching, and speaking engagements, which include TEDx Pittsburgh, the Broadway League Conference, Dance Masters of America, Dance Educators of America, APAP, Broadway Dance Center, and international programs such as In Motion (Bermuda).
Kiesha is the visionary behind transformative educational initiatives at Point Park University. Her work includes the innovative three-year accelerated BFA in Performance and Creative Industries, the Choreography Collective, the MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts program, the Fall into Dance Festival, the Spring into Theatre Festival, the ARTfully UPlifting sensory-friendly project, and a newly established exchange partnership with the University of York in the UK. She holds an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts from Goddard College.
Above all, Kiesha cherishes the unconditional love and support of her two sons, Jacob and Jaxon, and her husband, Dr. David Schmidt, who inspire her every day.
Past Winners
1994 – Sherry Gold
1995 – Al Gilbert
1996 – Buster Cooper
1997 – Jules & Art Stone
1998 – The Stern Family
(Dance Magazine)
1999 – Jen & Jean Phifer
2000 – Christopher Davis
2000 – Keith Diorio
2000 – Scott Fowler
2000 – Mark Santoro
2001 – Robert Audy
2002 – Ronn Daniels
2003 – Roni Mahler
2004 – Francis J. Roach
2005 – Phil Black
2006 – Jo Rowan
2007 – Frank Hatchett
2008 – Dennis Nahat
2009 – DMA Past Presidents
2010 – Judy Ann Bassing
2011 – Joe Tremaine
2012 – Denise Wall
2013 – Alonzo King
2014 – Chet Walker
2015 – Densil Adams
2016 – Tom Ralabate
2017 – Lynn Kurdziel-Formato
2018 – (no award presented)
2019 – Germaine Salsburg
2020 – Noah R. Lands
2021 – due to the pandemic the 2020 recipient was awarded.
2022 – Ann Freeman
2023 – Barbara Denny
2024 – Shely Pack-Manning
2025 – Michael Lambert
2026 Honoree
Jean Wenzel
Past Winners
2003 – Henry Letang
2004 – Luigi
2005 – Danny Daniels
2010 – Marjorie Sellers
2012 – Debbie Allen
2013 – Lee Garrard
2014 – Glenda Moss
2015 – Larraine Susa
2016 – Charleen Locascio
2017 – Robert Mann
2018 – Keith Cliffton
2019 – Georgia Deane Young
2020 – Debbi Dee
2021 – due to pandemic the 2020 recipient was awarded.
2022 – Butch Theisen
2023 – Jodi Welch
2024 – Mim Costa-White
2025 – Mark Santoro
2025 Member of the Year Award
Sara Wardell
Chapter 13
Previous Winners
1980 – La Rue Hope
1981 – Edith Royal
1982 – Enid Ricardeau
1983 – Lee Garrard
1984 – Monroe Barden & William A. Royal
1985 – Jeanne Meixell & Florence Cowanova
1986 – Van Cummings
1987 – Richard Risley
1988 – Beth Gaynes
1989 – Ann B. Moise & Helen Wilson
1990 – Myldred Lyons
1991 – Bertha Carr
1992 – Margaret Powell
1993 – Zee Brown Ahearn
1994 – Mildred Franklin
1995 – Roseann Sayler
1996 – Wally Dashiell & Johann Meyer
1997 – Camille Sanfilippo
1998 – Marjorie Sellers & Robert Mann
1999 – Jeanne Cummings
2000 – Ann Spisak
2001 – Judy Pickhardt
2002 – Butch Theisen
2003 – Joanne Zavisa
2004 – Phyllis Guy
2005 – Paul Janusz
2006 – Cliff Rothenberger
2007 – Charlene Locascio
2008 – Larraine Susa
2009 – Tom Ralabate
2010 – April Spisak Nelson
2011 – Noreen Rhode
2012 – Amy Deloughy
2013 – Gayle Tabary
2014 – Marlene Merritt
2015 – Kathi Halbert
2016 – Madeline Graves
2017 – Jackie Olson
2018 – Colleen Rhode
2019 – Dody Flynn
2020 – (no award presented)
2021 – Erin Spriggs
2022 – Dawn Slemons
2023 – Michelle Soutier
2024 – Ann-Marie Carlomagno Wilson
2025 – Sara Wardell
2025 Zee Brown Memorial Award
Trish Thompson Creamer
Previous Winners
2001 – Marlene Merritt
2002 – Debbie Hennessy
2003 – Paul Janusz
2004 – Marcia Aller
2005 – Roseann Miranda
2006 – Noreen Rhode
2007 – Bonnie Cokinos
2008 – Roseann Miranda
2009 – Dody Flynn
2010 – Amy Denstedt
2011 – Ann Freeman
2012 – Jill Chase
2013 – Mara Merritt
2014 – Annette DuBose
2015 – Dee Buchanan
2016 – Shevawn Thull
2017 – Duanne Cazalot
2018 – Debra Huffman
2019 – Leslie Ingram
2020 – (no award presented)
2021 – Patricia Oplotnik
2022 – Charlene Hibbs
2023 – Cindy Larsen
2024 – Valerie Hamilton
2025 – Trish Thompson Creamer
2025 Chapter of the Year
Chapter 3 – South Texas Association of Dance Teachers
Previous Winners
FERGIE AWARD
1991 Chapter #43, Maple Leaf Chapter
CHAPTER OF THE YEAR AWARD
2004 – Chapter 40 – Blue Grass Chapter
2005 – Chapter 38 – Canadian Dance Masters of America
2006 – Chapter 33 – Chapter 33 in AL-GA
2007 – Chapter 34 – Dance Masters of Mid-America
2008 – Chapter 6 – Louisiana Association of Dance Masters
2009 – Chapter 5 – Dance Masters of New England
2010 – Chapter 10 – Dance Masters of Pennsylvania
2011 – Chapter 16 – Dance Masters of Ohio
2012 – Chapter 17 – Mid-Atlantic Dance Masters
2013 – Chapter 6 – Louisiana Association of Dance Masters
2015 – Chapter 5 – Dance Masters of New England
2019 – Chapter 3 – South Texas Association of Dance Teachers, Inc.
2020 – Chapter 40 – Dance Masters of the Bluegrass, Inc
2021 – Chapter 5 – Dance Masters of New England
2023 – Chapter 15 – Carolina Dance Masters, Inc.
2024 – Chapter 6 – Louisiana Association of Dance Masters
2025 – Chapter 3 – South Texas Association of Dance Teachers
50 Year Members – 2025 National Convention
CHAPTER 3: Carol Ashworth
CHAPTER 6: Rebecca Landry
CHAPTER 17: Patricia Kelbaugh
CHAPTER 18: Mark Simpson
CHAPTER 28: Deborah Davenport
CHAPTER 33: Tamara O’Neal Towns
CHAPTER 37: Donna Blanchard
25 Year Members – 2025 National Convention
CHAPTER 1: Lauren Wilkins
CHAPTER 4: Lidia Kelley
CHAPTER 5:
- Patricia Callahan
- Barbara Calusdian
- Carolyn Coskern
- Christine Desjarlais
CHAPTER 10:
- Robyn Hughes
- Erin Christine Miller
CHAPTER 13: Michelle McDonald
CHAPTER 16: Amy Reik
CHAPTER 17: Kelley Taylor
CHAPTER 40: Michael Thomas
CHAPTER 44: Brandy Miller
CHAPTER 46:
- Amy Denstedt
- Julie Knakal
- Shevawn Thull
50 Year Members – 2024 National Convention
CHAPTER 3
- Mary Lee Kennedy
- Deborah Sanford
CHAPTER 5
- Janice Jenkins
- Jean Wenzel
CHAPTER 8
- Tom Ralabate
CHAPTER 10
- Paula Scriva Jersey
CHAPTER 16
- Kathi Halbert
CHAPTER 17
- Susan Browney Dillon
CHAPTER 25
- Isobel Johnson
CHAPTER 40
- Lola Griffin
CHAPTER 44
- Rebecca Smitley
25 Year Members – 2024 National Convention
CHAPTER 2
- Annette Du Bose
CHAPTER 4
- Kimberly Messenger ILiff
- Jamie Rosemond Markos
CHAPTER 5
- Tammy Bolduc
- Lynda Cadarette
- Errica M De Varrenne
- Dawn Masse Gariepy
- Michelle Hayes
CHAPTER 6
- Duanne Cazalot
- Lori Rayborn
- Sharon Webre
- Christie Zimmerman
CHAPTER 8
- Jane Petti
CHAPTER 10
- Penny Koza-Lemansky
CHAPTER 13
- Sumiko Curtin
- Nicki Burns Day
- Roberta Madej
CHAPTER 16
- Tammy Lohn De Thomas
CHAPTER 25
- Rita Ogden