Dance/NYC Honors CATS: The Jellicle Ball Choreographers
The organization presented its 2026 NEW YORKERS FOR DANCE Award to Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Dance
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Dance/NYC recognized Tony Award-winning choreographers Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles at its annual NEW YORKERS FOR DANCE celebration. The event highlighted their work in bringing ballroom culture to new audiences.
Why it matters
This award honors artists who successfully bridge traditional ballroom culture with mainstream Broadway audiences. The event also serves to foster collective investment in the New York City dance community.
Dance/NYC operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit and has launched a 5-year strategic plan titled Collective Motion. The organization supports the sector through research, advocacy, and regranting initiatives.
The players
Arturo Lyons
He is a Tony Award-winning co-choreographer of the Broadway production CATS: The Jellicle Ball.
Omari Wiles
He is a Tony Award-winning co-choreographer known for his contributions to the Broadway show CATS: The Jellicle Ball.
Dance/NYC
This is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides support to the dance field through research, advocacy, and regranting.
Raquel Du Toit
She currently serves as the Executive Director of Dance/NYC.
DJ Ali Coleman
He is a musician who provided the music for the NEW YORKERS FOR DANCE event.
The details
Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles were celebrated for their choreography on Broadway's CATS: The Jellicle Ball, which preserves the roots of ballroom culture while expanding its reach. DJ Ali Coleman provided music for the ceremony, which was hosted by Dance/NYC Executive Director Raquel Du Toit.
Timeline
The NEW YORKERS FOR DANCE event was held on October 21, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
Dance/NYC leverages its 501(c)(3) non-profit status to anchor its advocacy and regranting efforts within the competitive landscape of the arts. This strategic approach follows the precedents set by cultural organizations aiming to solidify long-term financial and community investment.
Fans of the award-winning choreography can track future performances and related ballroom-influenced shows through the organization's advocacy updates. These events also serve to highlight how audiences can engage with dance programming supported by city-wide regranting initiatives.
The takeaway
Recognizing choreographers like Lyons and Wiles underscores the importance of institutional support for niche performance cultures reaching Broadway. Supporting such arts organizations helps ensure that diverse creative traditions continue to receive professional recognition and resources.
Further reading
For more information on the local performance arts scene, visit the Dance section.
More information
To support the organization or learn more about its initiatives, visit the Dance/NYC donor contribution page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadway World.
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