It’s the 9th Annual World Choreography Awards (WCA) on Monday, November 11, 2019 at the Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211. That’s the time we celebrate the glorious “designers of dance” by honoring the outstanding work of global media choreographers. It salutes the future, celebrates the present and honors the past in dance.
From 1994-2004, the dance community had the good fortune of having the American Choreography Awards (ACA) co-created by Julie McDonald of MSA fame. In lieu of the Oscars, which did not recognize the “choreography” category, the ACA’s special event began years of recognition for our hard working dance artists and craftsmen, but ended in 2004.
2018 World Choreography Awards – Anita Mann – Photo by Susy Miller
Not until 2010, when dance and choreography could no longer be ignored, and was growing at such a frenzied pace, (thanks to “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing with the Stars”), did the World Choreography Awards throw down the gauntlet. The Producer and Director, Allen Walls with Cheryl Baxter insisted on creating the vehicle that recognized the incredible talent that was soon to become household names, not only in the dance world but the civilian world. They felt it was important to honor the work in all forms of media not only TV, Commercials, music video and motion pictures, but also adding Digital Content and Digital Content Independent. They’re feeling is, everyone is important and it is necessary that their work gets seen.
2018 World Choreography Awards – Anita Mann – Photo by Susy Miller
When asked about how long it takes to put on this extravaganza, Baxter and Walls indicated the timeline is approximately six months, starting with their Advisory Board. Then the submissions from choreographers; next step is the voting panels (done by seasoned judges) and the release of the nominees. And so it continues with decisions of how the show will come together, what hosts, presenters and what unique performances will be added to the excitement of the show. All of this work culminating into one glorious evening of recognition for those deserving artists.
This worldwide recognition does not happen by itself but with the help of many. Obviously, all of this costs money. And as Cheryl admitted, “the hardest part about keeping the show alive is keeping it funded.” So, many of the sponsors are in the dance world and around dance, often on a daily dedicated basis: Joe Tremaine Conventions & Competitions, Anita Mann Productions, Go 2 Talent Agency, BLOC Talent Agency, The Movement Talent Agency, Clear Talent Group, McDonald/Selznick Associates, Edge Performing Arts Center, Noho Arts District, and The Performing Arts Center. WCA also gets support through sponsorships and ticket sales which allows their legacy in dance to continue in important and specific ways. The Joe Tremaine Legacy Award and Anita Mann’s Emerging Choreographer Fund is giving valuable incentive to emerging artists, beside WCA honoring those who have gained reputation through time and hard work.
2018 World Choreography Awards – Tessandra Chavez number with Blake McGrath – Photo by Susy Miller
When asked what they see for the future of WCA. Baxter and Walls indicated that, indeed they are planning on Televising the show in the future, so that even if one does not see choreographers honored on the Oscars, those dance professionals who teach a star to be a hoofer, or calm the nerves of a fearful actor or actress who has to “move”, or stages casts of thousands to sell the newest hottest driverless car…just remember, it’s the choreographer (etymology: designer of dance), a psychologist, trainer, mentor, advisor, and yes, musician, soothsayer, wizard, whose making miracles out there on the set and eventually the screen no matter what size it is. So it’s time to support DANCE! See you at the Awards!!
To visit the World Choreography Awards website, click here.
