By admin 
The 2026 World Choreography Awards (WCA), the premier global platform celebrating innovative dance artistry, is set to honor the legendary Vincent Paterson with its prestigious Legacy Award. This esteemed recognition will be bestowed upon Paterson on November 8th, acknowledging his profound and multifaceted contributions to the world of choreography, a career marked by groundbreaking work across film, music, theater, and beyond. The World Choreography Awards, now in its 16th year, has consistently championed the visionaries who shape the visual and emotional landscape of performance through movement, and Paterson’s inclusion as a recipient of the Legacy Award is a testament to his indelible impact on the art form.
Vincent Paterson’s prolific career has spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on some of cinema’s most iconic musical and dance sequences. His directorial and choreographic vision has graced the silver screen in a remarkable array of films, including the grand spectacle of "Evita," where he orchestrated the elaborate musical numbers that defined Madonna’s star turn. He also brought his unique flair to the comedic energy of "The Birdcage," the intimate intensity of "Closer," and the visually striking world of Lars von Trier’s "Dancer in the Dark." Further cementing his cinematic legacy, Paterson’s choreography can be seen in the adventurous "Hook," the compelling "The Mighty Quinn," and the whimsical "Mannequin." These projects showcase his versatility, moving seamlessly from historical epics to contemporary dramas, always imbuing each scene with a distinct choreographic voice that elevates the narrative and captivates audiences. Beyond these notable film credits, Paterson’s artistic reach extends to music videos, where he collaborated with titans like Michael Jackson and Madonna, shaping the visual language of some of their most memorable hits. His influence is also evident in electrifying concert tours, innovative television productions, the grand stages of Broadway and opera, and the polished world of commercials, demonstrating a career defined by constant creative evolution and a mastery of diverse artistic mediums.
The 2026 WCA ceremony, scheduled to take place at the iconic Avalon Hollywood, promises to be a spectacular celebration of global dance talent. Returning to host this year’s event is the dynamic Kevin Stea, a choreographer and dancer himself, who will guide the audience through an evening of captivating performances across eight distinct categories: Motion Picture, Music Video, Television Reality/Variety Show, Television Award Show/Special, Television Episodic, Commercials, Digital Content, and Digital Content Independent. This comprehensive selection of categories underscores the WCA’s commitment to recognizing choreographic excellence in all its manifestations, from the grand cinematic canvas to the intimate digital screen.
Allen Walls, the visionary founder and producer of the World Choreography Awards, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, "This is an extraordinary one-night-only celebration bringing the world’s most exceptional dance talent together on one stage." This sentiment highlights the WCA’s core mission: to unite and showcase the pinnacle of choreographic achievement from around the globe, fostering a sense of community and inspiration among artists and enthusiasts alike. The event serves not only as an awards ceremony but as a vital platform for the dissemination of choreographic innovation and the celebration of the artists who push the boundaries of movement.
This year’s nominations reflect the breadth and depth of talent currently shaping the dance landscape. Among the distinguished nominees is Derek Hough, a household name and beloved judge on "Dancing With the Stars," whose nominations underscore his continued influence in both television and live performance choreography. The list of nominees also features a stellar lineup of choreographers whose work has illuminated recent projects. Aakomon Jones is recognized for his impactful choreography in "Sinners." The intricate and moving work for "Kiss of the Spider Woman" has earned nominations for Christopher Scott, Sergio Trujillo, Brandon Bieber, Morgan Marcel, and Chris Hernandez. Mandy Moore and Jonathan Redavid are nominated for their work on "The Life of Chuck," while Jamal Sims and Kai Martinez are recognized for "A Very Jonas Christmas Movie." The sheer diversity of projects and the collaborative nature of these nominations speak volumes about the evolving ecosystem of dance creation.
The live performances at the 16th WCA Awards will be a cornerstone of the evening, featuring an impressive roster of choreographers and dancers. Audiences can anticipate captivating displays of artistry from Chucky Klapow, Becca Sweitzer, Kevin Stea, Marie Poppins, Holden Maples, Erica Klein, and Kelly Sweeney, promising an evening filled with dynamic and diverse choreographic expressions. These performances will not only entertain but also serve as a visual showcase of the talent vying for awards across the various categories.
The full list of nominees for the 2026 World Choreography Awards paints a comprehensive picture of the year’s most outstanding choreographic achievements:
MOTION PICTURE
- Aakomon Jones – "Sinners"
- Christopher Scott – "Kiss Of The Spider Woman," "Gimme Love"
- Mandy Moore, Associate Jonathan Redavid – "The Life of Chuck"
- Jamal Sims, Associate Kai Martinez – "A Very Jonas Christmas Movie"
- Sergio Trujillo, Co-Choreographer Brandon Bieber, Associates Morgan Marcel, Chris Hernandez – "Kiss Of The Spider Woman"
DIGITAL CONTENT
- Robert Roldan – USC
- JA Collective – "Robot Club"
- Mark Ballas – "I Did It My Way"
- Fatima Robinson – "Vogue World: Hollywood"
- Christopher Scott – "Wicked: For Good" At Target
TELEVISION AWARD SHOW / SPECIAL
- Christopher Scott – "Wicked: One Wonderful Night"
- Robbie Blue, Associate Ashley Kole – 67th Grammys, Doechii
- Mandy Moore, Associates Robert Roldan, Martha Nichols – 97th Academy Awards
- Jamal Sims, Associates Kai Martinez, Will B. Bell – "The Lion King" At The Hollywood Bowl
- Robbie Blue, Associates Lucas DeBiasi, Marie Spieldenner – Video Music Awards, Tate McRae
DIGITAL CONTENT INDEPENDENT
- Malou Linders – "Adele"
- Sergio Ries – "Bittersuite"
- Paris Cavanagh – "Purple Lace Bra"
- Erica Klein – "Standing on the Horizon"
- Ricky Ubeda, Associate Bella Tagle – "It’s Not That Serious"
TELEVISION EPISODIC
- Corey Baker – "Wednesday"
- Marguerite Derricks – "Étoile"
- Brooke Lipton – "Palm Royale"
- Lance Guillermo & Danielle Sten – "Will Trent"
- Paul Becker & Ryan Maw – "A Week Away"
COMMERCIALS
- Noelle Marsh – DSW
- Sadie Wilking – GAP, Feels Like Gap
- Tanisha Scott – Apple
- Dez Soliven x Gab Robert – Redken
- Robbie Blue, Associates Lucas DeBiasi, Marie Spieldenner – Gap, Better in Denim
MUSIC VIDEO
- Shay Latukolan – Jungle, "Keep Me Satisfied"
- Vata, Ingyoo Kim, Silverspoon – Jennie, "Like Jennie"
- Lindsey Blaufarb, Craig Hollamon – Scott Hoying, "Pray"
- Robbie Blue, Associate Marie Spieldenner – Doechii, "Anxiety"
- Mandy Moore, Associate Amanda Balen – Taylor Swift, "The Fate of Ophelia"
TELEVISION REALITY / VARIETY SHOW
- Parris Goebel – "Saturday Night Live," Lady Gaga
- Jason Gilkison – "Strictly Come Dancing," Tango Takeover
- Robbie Blue, Associate Bailey Holt – "Saturday Night Live," Tate McRae
- Jason Gilkison & Ashley Banjo – "Strictly Come Dancing," "Where Is My Husband!"
- Derek Hough, Associates Hayley Erbert, Chase Haley Bowden – "Dancing With The Stars," 20th Birthday Party Night
The World Choreography Awards, through its dedication to recognizing artists like Vincent Paterson and celebrating emerging talent, plays a crucial role in elevating the status of choreography as a vital and influential art form. The 2026 ceremony promises to be a significant event, not only for the honorees and nominees but for the entire global dance community, reinforcing the power of movement to inspire, connect, and transform. Paterson’s Legacy Award is a fitting tribute to a career that has consistently demonstrated unparalleled creativity, technical brilliance, and a profound understanding of the emotional resonance of dance.
