70 years of dance: Elsa Posey to receive Northport Icon Award

On Thursday, July 25, the Northport Historical Society will present Elsa Posey and the Posey School of Dance with the Northport Icon Award. Created in 2022 for the society’s “Icons of Northport” exhibit, the award recognizes the individuals and businesses who played a significant role in shaping the Village of Northport.

Posey began teaching ballet in 1953 at the age of 14 in a studio she rented on Scudder Avenue, while herself attending classes in New York City at the School of American Ballet. After she graduated from Northport High School in 1956, she rented an apartment in the city and commuted to Northport on the weekends to teach. In 1960, Posey married and moved back to Northport, opening a larger studio on the third floor of 57 Main Street. 

Posey has dedicated her life not only to teaching dance, but to promoting the art form on Long Island. She formed the Long Island Ballet, was a founder and president of the American Dance Guild, helped form the National Registry of Dance Educators, and brought the Nutcracker Ballet to Long Island. 

“Elsa and the Posey School of Dance have long had a reputation for being the finest school outside of New York City and have had a lasting impact on all their students,” reads a statement from the Northport Historical Society.

The Icon Award celebration will be held at the newly renovated La Porta Pizza restaurant, which shares the historic building of 57-61 Main Street. Pizza and a choice of wines will be served from 6 to 8pm. Purchase tickets to the event here. 

Stay tuned for information on more summer events from the Northport Historical Society, including on August 15, when the society will present the Century Award to the Northport Shipwreck Diner in honor of its 100th anniversary.