National Museum Of Dance And Hall Of Fame, Saratoga Springs

The National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame, located in the historic Washington Bath House within Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs, was established in 1986. As the only museum in the United States solely dedicated to the art of dance, it served as a vital center for dance history, education, and appreciation.

Founded by Marylou Whitney, the museum housed an extensive collection of photographs, videos, artifacts, costumes, and biographies, offering an immersive exploration of dance across genres and eras. Closely associated with the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the museum also facilitated dance education through the Lewis A. Swyer School for the Arts, which hosted the New York State Summer School of the Arts during July and August.

A cornerstone of the museum’s legacy is the Mr. & Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Hall of Fame, established in 1987. This prestigious institution annually inducted influential figures from the dance world, recognizing their contributions to the evolution of the art form. Over the decades, the museum curated a range of exhibitions, tracing dance’s rich history and cultural significance.

The museum's mission was to "cultivate, promote, foster, sponsor, and develop among its members and the community at large, the appreciation, understanding, taste, and love of the Musical Arts, especially the Dance." This commitment was reflected in its diverse programs, master classes, and historical displays, ensuring dance remained a celebrated and accessible art form.

The National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame stands as an important chapter in the preservation and celebration of dance history in the United States.