Here are the latest promotions, appointments, and departures, as well as notable awards and accomplishments, from February 2026.
Comings & Goings
American Ballet Theatre principal Cory Stearns will retire from the company at the end of this season. His final performance is scheduled for June 27.
At New York City Ballet, Ryan Tomash has been promoted to principal.
At Works & Process, Caleb Teicher has been named artist curator in residence for a two-year term, and Aria Roach has joined the organization as an associate producer, both effective this March.
Monica Steffey has been promoted to director of programming and operations at Dance/NYC.
Grand Rapids Ballet dismissed executive director Mary Jennings on January 30. The role will be eliminated and its responsibilities will become part of the CEO role, currently held by interim CEO Leah Voigt.
Awards & Honors
Hofesh Shechter was awarded the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture.
Bangarra Dance Theatre will receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in Dance at the Venice Biennale. Mamela Nyamza will receive the Silver Lion.
Recipients of Foundation for Contemporary Arts’ 2026 Grants to Artists, which include $45,000 unrestricted awards, included Maggie Cloud (Viola Farber Award), Benjamin Akio Kimitch, jaamil olawale kosoko (Robert Rauschenberg Award), Ogemdi Ude, and Anh Vo.
Shamel Pitts will receive the 2026 Jacob’s Pillow Men Dancers Award, which includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant.
Wayne McGregor will receive an Olivier Award for Outstanding Contribution to Dance.
Kayla Hamilton and Jordan Demetrius Lloyd are among the recipients of 2026–2028 Jerome@Camargo residencies.
Mark Bankin, Sophie Bortolussi, Liv Butowsky, Jessy Crist, Maya June Dwyer, Teresa Fellion, George Mechalke, Nicki Miller, Cat D. Olson, Kaley Pruitt, Kieron Dwayne Sargeant, and Mark Schmidt are the 2026 New York State Choreographers Initiative awardees. Each will receive a $2,500 stipend, mentorship access, and support for 20 hours of creative time.
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