I'm taking a poll, which dancers/choreographers/musical artists have inspired you and/or the dance world?

Baryshnikov has been an inspiration to me since I was a little girl. So has Gelsey Kirkland. I've never really been inspired by a particular choreographer, and my list of musical inspirations could go on for pages and pages.

When I was young, the early choreographers that I grew up with were my inspiration, Robbins, Fosse, Pan, Astaire, Kelly. I still have a tendency, when given the opportunity, to use their styles. They are classic and my favorites.

Thanks! Anymore ladies???

Hermes Pan
Bob Fosse
Alvin Ailey
Fred Astaire
Judy Garland
Gene Kelly
Donald O'Conner (I used to know all the moves to Make'em Laugh when I was 8)
Ann Reinking
John Travolta
Ruby Keilor
Ray Bolger
Cyd Charisse
George Balanchine
Margo Fontaine
James Cagney
Busby Berkeley
Jaque D'Amboise
Ann Miller
Eleanor Powell
Jane Powell

In my ballet days, def. Baryshnikov and Kirkland and Pavlova.

I was raised on Hollywood musicals and stage musicals. My mom never danced or sang, but she was a fan. I cannot thank her enough for her influence. I remember watching Singing in the Rain with her for the first time when I was 4...and I was an addict.

Gene Kelly
Fred Astaire
Shirley Temple - She's the reason I started to dance
Gregory Hines
Linda Sohl-Ellison
Honi Coles
Heather Cornell

George Balanchine
Merce Cunningham
Twyla Tharp
Lew and William Christensen

But these are all people I never met. I was more inspired by fantastic teachers I had:

Sandra Emile
Maggi Moar
Fiona Reilly
Carolyn Gwyther
Linda Fenton
Jan Dijkwel
David Howard

Dancers: Baryshnikov; Martha Graham
Choreographers: Jiri Kylian; Martha Graham
Mentors: Twyla Tharp; Doris Humphrey