MARTHA HILL FUND

Review by Celia Ipiotis

A founding mother of modern dance educators and artists, Martha Hill headed the legendary  Bennington Summer Dance Program, and guided one of the country’s most prestigious dance departments for 35 years. Under her guidance at Juillard, some of the finest living choreographers and dancers taught waves of dancers who filled the ranks of major companies and academic staffs.

Every year, the Martha Hill Dance Fund pays tribute to the contributions of Ms. Hill with a gala that both honors outstanding dance professionals and underwrites much needed dance scholarships.

This year, the organization turned 25 and honored its past with Lifetime Achievement Awards to: Janet Eilber, Lar Lubovitch, and Mercedes Ellington. Guest host Nigel Campbell charmingly moved the proceedings along, which can be a challenge because the guests can’t submerge their delight at seeing and honoring one another.

Janet Eilber received her award from Peggy Lyman Hayes (former Graham member). In the mini video bio by Daniel Madoff, Eilber’s career was traced from her stint at Juilliard to a vaunted dance career with the Graham company where she assumed roles originated by Martha Graham. When Eilber retired from the company, she shifted into a career as a newscaster, TV and theater performer. But she was drawn back to dance, and took the reins of the Martha Graham Dance Company in 2005 re-envisioning a new future for the nation’s oldest continuous running dance company.  A natural educator, her pre curtain talks illuminate the company’s programs inviting the public into the art of dance.

Alvin Ailey Dance Company’s Matthew Rushing introduced Lar Lubovitch, who made quite a splash with his daredevil work, The Time Before The Time After for Ailey, and the groundbreaking male duet from Concerto Six Twenty Two created during the AIDS era. Known for his musically entwined lyrical works, Lubovitch moved through the ranks of Juilliard before initiating his choreographic career. An acclaimed choreographer, Lubovitch founded his company in 1968. His choreography has graced the repertories of modern, ballet and jazz companies plus ice dance works. Now 81 years old, Lar Lubovitch spoke about his love of the field, desire to continue creating work and embracing the community that nurtured him.

The irrepressible  granddaughter of Duke Ellington, Mercedes Ellington, reminisced about her days with the jazz greats surrounding her grandad and her pursuit of a dance and theater career after Juillard. Although not in physical attendance, the great Andre de Shields introduced and interviewed Mercedes on video. 

Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, another Juilliard and Ailey Company alum accepted the Mid-Career Award from the congenial dancer/choreographer/teacher Vincent Thomas. Her professional trajectory stretched from Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, to Ailey and back, and now, the extraordinarily poised Fisher-Harrell holds the position of Artistic Director of Hubbard Street,

Most importantly, this event draws together dancers from every corner of the community. It’s an annual gathering of young and old, mentors and mentees. The 25th anniversary is a testament to the courage and continuity of dance in the face of dwindling funds and overworked professionals.

Vernon Scott spoke of the ability of this dynamic community to support each other–and speaking of support, he thanked Jody and John Arhnold for their continued support as well as the assistance from Reggie Van Lee.

Survival is at the heart of the arts, but the evening also reminded everyone that the arts live as a result inspiration and friendship, trust and celebration.

EYE ON THE ARTS, NY — Celia Ipiotis