Frontmezzjunkies reports: Celebrating the artists who turned movement into some of the season’s most exhilarating storytelling
By Ross
Close to the heartbeat of theatre, the Chita Rivera Awards always seem to be one of the most joyous events of the year. While many honours celebrate acting, directing, or writing, these awards place the spotlight squarely on movement itself, on the dancers, choreographers, and ensembles who communicate character and emotion through the extraordinary language of the body. Looking over this year’s winners, I found myself smiling again at so many productions whose choreography did far more than decorate the stage. It helped define the very soul of the work.
Announced on May 18 at NYU Skirball, the 2026 Chita Rivera Awards recognized an exceptional season of dance on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and in film. The evening belonged in large part to Schmigadoon!, which emerged as the most celebrated production of the night. Christopher Gattelli’s dazzling choreography earned top honours, while Max Clayton and Isabelle McCalla were recognized for their outstanding dancing, alongside the show’s exuberant ensemble. It was a deeply satisfying result for a production whose infectious wit and Golden Age-inspired style transformed every dance number into an essential piece of its storytelling.
Other well-deserved honours rounded out a particularly strong field. Robert ‘Silk’ Mason was recognized for his thrilling work in CATS: The Jellicle Ball, while the Off-Broadway celebration of Broadway dance history Gotta Dance! received the Douglas and Ethel Watt Critics’ Choice Award. The evening also paid tribute to the legendary Ann-Margret, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting recognition for an artist whose extraordinary career has embodied charisma, versatility, and enduring star power.
Produced by Joe Lanteri and Patricia Watt, the Chita Rivera Awards continue to honour not only the finest dance achievements of the season but also the future of the art form itself. Proceeds support the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation and the Chita Rivera Training Grant, programs that have awarded more than $5.4 million in scholarships to hundreds of young dancers across the United States.
What I admire most about these awards is how clearly they recognize movement as one of theatre’s most expressive forces. This year’s winners feel especially inspired, celebrating artists who transformed choreography into narrative, emotion, and pure theatrical exhilaration. From the joyous precision of Schmigadoon! to the electrifying individuality of performers like Max Clayton, Isabelle McCalla, and Robert “Silk” Mason, the 2026 Chita Rivera Awards offer a vibrant reminder that sometimes the most unforgettable stories are told not through words alone, but through the movement of bodies in perfect harmony.
See the complete list of winners and nominees below:
OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY IN A BROADWAY SHOW
***WINNER – Christopher Gattelli, Schmigadoon!***
Lorin Latarro, Chess
Ellenore Scott, Ragtime
Ellenore Scott, Titaníque
Ani Taj, The Rocky Horror Show
Omari Wiles /Arturo Lyons, CATS: The Jellicle Ball
OUTSTANDING DANCER IN A BROADWAY SHOW (Three Winners)
Jonathan Burke, CATS: The Jellicle Ball
Baby Byrne, CATS: The Jellicle Ball
***Max Clayton, Schmigadoon!***WINNER***
Zachary Downer, Schmigadoon!
Sydney James Harcourt,CATS: The Jellicle Ball
Dava Huesca, CATS: The Jellicle Ball
***WINNER – Robert “Silk” Mason, CATS: The Jellicle Ball***
***WINNER – Isabelle McCalla, Schmigadoon!***
Sarah Meahl, Chess
Constantine Rousouli, Titaníque
Layton Williams, Titaníque
Lyrica Woodruff, Schmigadoon!
OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE IN A BROADWAY SHOW
***WINNER – Schmigadoon!***
FILM & DOCUMENTARY
OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY IN A FEATURE FILM
Kiss of The Spider Woman, Choreographers: Sergio Trujillo/Christopher Scott
Michael, Choreographers: Anthony Talauega/Richmond Talauega
***WINNER – Sinners, Choreographer: Aakomon Jones***
The Testament of Ann Lee, Choreographer: Celia Rowlson-Hall
Wicked, For Good, Choreographer: Christopher Scott
OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A DANCE DOCUMENTARY
***WINNER – Dick Van Dyke, 100th Celebration, Director: Steve Boettcher***
Martha Graham Dance Company: We Are Our Time, (Part I, “American Spirit”, Part II, “Athletes of God”, Directors: Peter Schnall/Cyndee Readdean
Playing The Palace, Director: Cody Williams
Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror, Director: Linus O’Brien
Tango My Passion, Director: Dr. Monika Krajewska
2025-2026 CHITA RIVERA AWARD NOMINATING COMMITTEES
Awarding Committee
Chair: Sylviane Gold, Gary Chryst, Peter Filichia, Robert LaFosse, Wendy Perron, Stephanie Pope, and Lee Roy Reams.
Broadway Nominating Committee
Caitlin Carter, Gary Chryst, Don Correia, Sandy Duncan, Peter Filichia, Dr. Louis Galli, Sylviane Gold, Jonathan Herzog, Robert La Fosse, Joe Lanteri, Michael Milton, Mary Beth O’Connor, Wendy Perron, Stephanie Pope, Lee Roy Reams, Andy Sandberg, and Randy Skinner
Film Nominating Committee
Chair: Jonathan C. Herzog, Steven Caras, Wilhelmina Frankfurt, Mary Beth O’Connor, and Andy Sandberg
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