When it came to dancing and choreography, Chita Rivera was a legend and an icon. Rivera died earlier this year at the age of 91.
The awards that honour the best on Broadway, now bear her name. The annual Chita Rivera Awards were presented on May 20 to honour the best in dance and choreography on Broadway and in film. Honouring the best in the past, present, and future; the Chita Rivera Awards also offers education programs and scholarships to the dancers of tomorrow.
Jared Grimes hosted the gala event at the Skirtball Center for the Performing Arts.
The night’s festivities included performances from the cast of “The Heart of Rock and Roll” and The Who’s “Tommy”. Other performers and presenters included Wayne Brady, Huey Lewis, Norm Lewis, Joe Morton, Debbie Allen, Shoshana Bean, Corbin Bleu, Kristin Chenoweth, Anthony Crivello, Bebe Neuwirth, Kenny Ortega, David Hyde Pierce, Brooke Shields, and Ben Vereen.
Original “Cabaret” cast member Joel Grey presented three time Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The duo shared the stage in the Broadway production of “George M”.
Recognizing their contributions outside of the original categories, Mayte Natalio was presented with the Douglas and Ethal Watt Critics Choice Award.
The Vanguard Award was presented to Phil LaDuca for his outstanding contributions to the international dance community.
Winners of the 2024 Chita Rivera Awards:
Outstanding Choreography in a Broadway Show: Camille A Brown for “Hell’s Kitchen” and Jesse Robb and Shana Carroll for “Water for Elephants”
Outstanding Dancer in a Broadway Show: Antoine Boissereau in “Water for Elephants” and Tilly Evans-Krueger in “The Outsiders”
Outstanding Ensemble in a Broadway Show: “Illinoise”
Outstanding Choreography in a Theatrical Release: Jennifer White in “Barbie”
Outstanding Direction of a Dance Documentary: David Petersen for “Lift”