Alvin Ailey founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958 and served as its artistic director until his death in 1989.

The American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School is one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the United States and has produced many notable dancers, including Misty Copeland.

Janet Eilber is the current artistic director of the Martha Graham Dance Company, having succeeded Yuriko Kimura in 2005.

New York University Tisch School of the Arts is located in New York City and is known for its contemporary dance program.

Lou Conte founded the Hubbard Street Dance Chicago in 1977 and served as its artistic director until 2005.

LINES Ballet is located in San Francisco and is known for its modern dance program.

Moses Pendleton is the founder and artistic director of the Pilobolus Dance Theatre.

Millennium Dance Complex is located in Los Angeles and is known for its jazz dance program.

Alonzo King is the founder and artistic director of the Alonzo King LINES Ballet.

Chicago Tap Theatre is located in Chicago and is known for its tap dance program.

Paul Taylor is the founder and artistic director of the Paul Taylor Dance Company.

The University of the Arts is located in Philadelphia and is known for its modern dance program.

Merce Cunningham is the founder and artistic director of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company.

Cornish College of the Arts is located in Seattle and is known for its contemporary dance program.

Twyla Tharp is the founder and artistic director of the Twyla Tharp Dance Company.