The 2026 A.C.E. Awards in NYC unveiled groundbreaking new works from 15 choreographers, pushing the boundaries of dance.
New York City once again solidified its status as a global dance capital on August 15, 2026, as the A.C.E. Awards, part of The DanceOne Summit, presented an electrifying evening of new choreographic works at the Hilton Midtown. Fifteen visionary choreographers, selected from hundreds of submissions, captivated audiences and a panel of esteemed judges with their innovative creations, vying for a substantial $15,000 production budget and other monetary prizes.
The event, keenly reported by Dance Informa, showcased an impressive breadth of styles and narratives, reflecting the vibrant evolution of contemporary dance. The evening commenced with a dynamic opening performance by Jason Williams, the 2025 A.C.E. Awards runner-up, setting a high bar for the competition with his versatile and engaging piece, "Legacy."
Throughout the night, each choreographer brought a distinct voice to the stage. Erik Sosa's "I Grieve These Memories You Haunt" transitioned from feminine grace to a haunting darkness, expertly utilizing lighting design. Brady Rowan's "Winter Fields" mesmerized with its understated beginning and rich musicality. Santiago Villarreal's "Somos Inmortales" impressed with its airy quality, featuring intricate lifts and partnering that highlighted profound trust between dancers.
The diversity continued with Leo Manzari's "Lucky Number 7," a standout tap routine that integrated rapping with crisp musicality, and Jessie James's "This Box Is Not a Gift," which cleverly incorporated a light-up prop briefcase. Isabella Lown's "I Am Running Out of Ideas" was a high-octane performance, earning her the "Spotlight Winner" invitation to reperform in London. Other notable works included Riley Roberts's Broadway-esque "Paraiso," Brennan Maniaci's dark "Scalpello," and Abigail McKinney's passionate "Dying 4 U." Brooke Gilmour's "If This Is All We Get" offered smooth, fluid partnering and seamless transitions.
The judging panel, comprising industry luminaries Tessandra Chavez, Liz Imperio, and JP Christensen, had the challenging task of evaluating these exceptional pieces. Ultimately, Santiago Villarreal, Jessie James, and Brooke Gilmour were celebrated for their outstanding contributions, receiving monetary winnings to fuel their future choreographic endeavors. The A.C.E. Awards not only recognize talent but also provide crucial support, with the top winner receiving a $15,000 production budget to bring a full-length show to life.
This year's A.C.E. Awards proved to be more than just a competition; it was a powerful affirmation of dance as an ever-evolving art form, brimming with creativity and daring innovation. The event underscored the importance of nurturing new choreographic voices and providing platforms for artists to push boundaries and inspire.
For aspiring dancers and choreographers, witnessing such groundbreaking work is a powerful reminder of the artistic heights achievable through dedication and expert training, much like that offered at GoDance.
The GoDance team crafts articles about dance, technique and inspiring stories from dancers.
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The A.C.E. (Artists Creating Entertainment) Awards are a prestigious annual competition that celebrates excellence in dance choreography, providing a platform for visionary artists to showcase their work and receive funding for future productions.
Santiago Villarreal, Jessie James, and Brooke Gilmour were among the top choreographers recognized at the 2026 A.C.E. Awards, receiving monetary winnings to support their future work.
