[2] Lawrence Rhodes became a principal dancer with Joffrey Ballet, acclaimed for his performances in such works as Gerald Arpino's "Partita for Four" and "Ropes" and Brian MacDonald's "Time Out of Mind.
[2] Through the association with Harkness and her foundation, Joffrey Ballet gained national and international attention, performing at the White House and touring the Middle East and U.S.S.R.
Since Harkness' foundation was paying for every facet of the company's existence, Rebekah insisted on greater involvement in artistic decisions.
In February 1964, Harkness’ lawyers announced the name change and told the dancers they would be absorbed into the new company or could ask for release from their contracts.
[5] Rhodes and ten other dancers: Lone Isaksen, Brunilda Ruiz, Helgi Tómasson, Margaret Mercier, Marlene Rizzo, Finis Jhung, Felix Smith, Suzanne Hammons, Karina Rieger and Elizabeth Carroll, moved on to the Harkness Ballet.
He was lauded for performances in Stuart Hodes' "The Abyss", John Butler's "Sebastian" and "After Eden", and Rudy van Dantzig's "Monument for a Dead Boy.
[7] Reviewing "Sebastian," New York Times critic Don McDonagh wrote, "Mr. Rhodes' intensity is allowed full sway and he dominates the ballet.
[4] Beginning in 1974, Rhodes toured Italy with Carla Fracci, performing the role of Albrecht to her Giselle and dancing the part of Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet.
[2] During his time in Italy, Rhodes developed an interest in teaching and gave daily ballet classes to Fracci's dancers.
[2] Returning to the U.S., he worked at New York University for ten years, first as a faculty member and then as chairman of the dance department.
[2] Rhodes also revived the Second Avenue Dance Company (SADC), a Tisch School of the Arts' program that had lapsed in 1989, and made it mandatory for all students in their final year.
"[2] The New Dances initiative is an annual concert that features each class of students in a new work made especially for them by a prominent choreographer.
The Capezio Award is given to individuals, companies or institutions that show respectful dignity through the exhibition of dance qualities such as creation, innovation and imagination.