‘Schmigadoon!’ Sweeps the 2026 Chita Rivera Awards—Here’s Who Else Won

Julia Wagner · 2026-05-20

The 2026 Chita Rivera Awards have officially crowned their winners, and one show walked away with the lion’s share of the honors. If you follow Broadway closely, you already know the buzz around *Schmigadoon!*—and now it’s got the trophies to prove it. This year’s ceremony celebrated the best in dance and choreography across stage and screen, bringing together performers, choreographers, and fans for a night that felt more like a reunion than an awards show. The energy in the room was electric, and the winners list reflects a mix of expected triumphs and a few surprises. ### The Big Winner: *Schmigadoon!* The Apple TV+ series *Schmigadoon!* dominated the evening, picking up multiple awards for its clever, nostalgic take on classic musical theater. Choreographer Christopher Gattelli took home the prize for Outstanding Choreography in a Streaming or Television Musical, and the show also won for Outstanding Ensemble in a Streaming or Television Musical. It’s a well-deserved nod for a production that blends humor, heart, and some seriously impressive dance numbers. But *Schmigadoon!* wasn’t the only show making headlines. The stage production of *New York, New York* earned its own share of accolades, including Outstanding Choreography in a Broadway Musical for Susan Stroman. Her work on the show brings a vibrant, kinetic energy that feels both timeless and fresh. ### Other Notable Winners - **Outstanding Choreography in a Off-Broadway Musical**: Sonya Tayeh for *The Outsiders* — a raw, emotionally charged piece that pushes movement to tell a story. - **Outstanding Choreography in a Dance Production**: Camille A. Brown for *For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf* — a powerful, socially relevant work that continues to resonate. - **Lifetime Achievement Award**: Graciela Daniele — recognized for her decades of groundbreaking work as a choreographer and director. > "Dance is the hidden language of the soul," Martha Graham once said. And at this year’s Chita Rivera Awards, that language spoke loud and clear. ### Why This Matters for Dance Professionals If you’re a dance studio owner, choreographer, or dance class instructor, these awards aren’t just about Hollywood glamour. They reflect trends in choreography that can inspire your own work. The 2026 winners leaned heavily into storytelling through movement, with an emphasis on ensemble work and emotional authenticity. For studio owners, this is a reminder to invest in ensemble training and narrative-driven choreography. For choreographers, it’s a signal that audiences crave work that feels personal and connected to real human experiences. And for teachers, it’s a chance to introduce students to the styles and techniques that are shaping the current landscape. ### How to Bring Broadway Energy to Your Studio You don’t need a Broadway budget to capture that magic. Start by focusing on these three areas: - **Storytelling through movement**: Encourage your dancers to think about character and emotion, not just steps. Even a simple combination can become powerful when it’s grounded in intention. - **Ensemble cohesion**: The best shows make a group of dancers feel like one living organism. Practice unison work and spatial awareness exercises in class. - **Musicality and rhythm**: *Schmigadoon!* excels because it plays with musical genres. Expose your students to different styles—jazz, tap, contemporary, hip-hop—to build versatility. ### Final Thoughts The 2026 Chita Rivera Awards reminded us that dance is alive and evolving. Whether you’re working on a Broadway stage or in a local studio, the same principles apply: passion, precision, and connection. So take a page from the winners’ playbook—experiment, collaborate, and don’t be afraid to tell a story with every step. For more details on the full list of winners, check out the original coverage from Broadway News.