1960 - Received the Ford Foundation Scholarship for dance.
1969 - Married to Paul Mejia.
2003 - Recipient of a National Medal of Arts.
2005 - Recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors. Other recipients were Robert Redford, Tina Turner, Tony Bennett and Julie Harris.
- 54th Capezio Dance Award, for her contribution to dance in the United States
- She has also received the key to the city of Cincinnati; honorary degrees from Georgetown University, Fordham University, Yale University, Notre Dame University, and University of Cincinnati and other dance awards.