Philly is headed to the Big Apple — 23 local dancers, ages 11 to 18, have been invited to perform at the Chita Rivera Awards.
Taking place on Monday, May 19, at the NYU Skirball Center in New York City, the event is the only awards show dedicated to honoring excellence in dance and choreography on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and in film.
Local group, The Dance Ground will be representing the Bucks County area at the occasion. While there, the youth company will present a brand-new piece choreographed by the award-winning sibling duo and co-artistic directors André Jovovich and Priscilla Garner. The creatives are known for their emotionally rich, visually arresting storytelling through movement.
As a release notes, in addition to their performance, the company has raised $30,000 in support of the NYC Dance Alliance Foundation, a public charity that provides college scholarships to talented teens pursuing dance. The foundation has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships and fostered the careers of industry luminaries such as Oscar-winner Ariana DeBose, New York City Ballet’s Tiler Peck, and Emmy Award-winning Derek Hough.
“This is a full-circle moment,” said Liz Jovovich, Managing Director of The Dance Ground. “To see our dancers not only take the stage at one of the most important nights in dance but also raise $30,000 for the NYCDA Foundation—an organization that directly fuels the dreams of young artists—is a testament to their talent, commitment, and heart. They aren’t just dancing for themselves. They’re dancing for every kid who dares to dream big in this art form.”
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Tony Award winner Ben Vereen, recognizing his profound and enduring contributions to dance in the theater. For the complete list of the 2025 award nominees, tickets and tables (various prices) to the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards and additional information, go to chitariveraawards.com
