(NEWTON, PA) --  The Dance Ground, a premier performing arts school based in Newtown, Bucks County, is proud to announce that its dance company —comprising 23 extraordinary dancers between the ages of 11 to 18 — has been invited to perform at the prestigious Chita Rivera Awards on Monday, May 19, 2025 at the NYU Skirball Center in New York City.

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. This 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 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 dancers were selected for their exceptional artistry, passion, and discipline, embodying the very future the Chita Rivera Awards seeks to uplift. In addition to their performance, these remarkable young artists have raised $30,000 in support of the NYC Dance Alliance Foundation, a 501(c)(3) 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 Pennsylvania 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 are available at www.chitariveraawards.com.

The Dance Ground, located in Newtown, PA, is a training ground and artistic home for young dancers pursuing excellence in technique, performance, and personal growth. With a focus on community, collaboration, and creative expression, The Dance Ground nurtures the next generation of performing artists.

The NYC Dance Alliance Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides college scholarships to gifted young dancers across the country, helping bridge the gap between training and higher education.