Bucks Co. Dancers To Perform At Chita Rivera Awards In New York

NEWTOWN, PA — The Dance Ground, a premier performing arts school based in Newtown, will be sending its youth dance company to New York City on Monday to perform at the prestigious Chita Rivera Awards at the New York University Skirball Center.

The Chita Rivera Awards, the only awards ceremony solely dedicated to honoring excellence in dance and choreography on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and in film, is a glittering celebration of the art form's past, present, and future.

The star-studded annual gala features show-stopping performances, iconic honorees, and celebrated presenters. 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.

Amidst Broadway legends and rising stars, The Dance Ground’s youth company — comprising 23 extraordinary dancers between the ages of 11 to 18 — will present a brand-new piece choreographed by the award-winning sibling duo and co-artistic directors André Jovovich and Priscilla Garner, known for their emotionally rich, visually arresting storytelling through movement.

(The Dance Ground)

The Dance Ground dancers were selected to perform at the ceremony based upon their exceptional artistry, passion, and discipline, embodying the very future the Chita Rivera Awards seeks to uplift.

In addition to their performance, the young artists have raised more than $30,000 in support of the NYC Dance Alliance Foundation, a nonprofit 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.”

With their upcoming performance, The Dance Ground dancers are not only stepping into the spotlight but also stepping into the legacy of dance in America, representing Bucks County on one of the most celebrated stages in the nation.

For the complete list of the 2025 award nominees and tickets to the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards and additional information, visit www.chitariveraawards.com.

(The Dance Ground)