“The experience of a LIFETIME.”
That’s how Layla and her fellow dancers from The Dance Ground described closing the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards at the NYU Skirball Center — and truly, no words could capture the magic more perfectly.

On May 19, Layla took the stage alongside 22 other dancers to perform the final number of the evening: a bright, feel-good rendition of “Another Day of Sun,” choreographed by the incredible Priscilla Garner and Andreas Edward Jovovich. This wasn’t just another dance performance. This was Broadway’s biggest night for dance, where some of the world’s most celebrated performers and choreographers gather to honor the artform. And Layla closed it.

🌟 A Spotlight Moment

Performing at the Chita Rivera Awards is no small feat. Named after the legendary Chita Rivera herself, the awards are the only event solely dedicated to honoring dance and choreography in theater, film, and beyond. Layla and her teammates had the honor of representing The Dance Ground and the next generation of performers, helping to raise $35,000 for the NYC Dance Alliance Foundation, which supports scholarships for young dancers across the country.

The audience? Broadway royalty. The reaction? A standing ovation.

Imagine the power of that moment—23 young dancers pouring their hearts out, lights dazzling above, music swelling around them—and then, the room rising to their feet. Broadway stars applauding them. It was more than performance. It was validation, inspiration, and the kind of joy that sticks with you forever.

💃 Behind the Magic

This performance wasn’t built overnight. It was the result of two months of hard work, rehearsals, travel, and teamwork. The choreography by Garner and Jovovich was equal parts technical, emotional, and celebratory — perfectly matched to the spirit of “Another Day of Sun.” Under the creative direction and unwavering support of Liz Fitchett Jovovich, the project came together with grace and precision, all while balancing school schedules, community fundraising, and the typical chaos of teen life.

Layla shared that the entire journey—from first rehearsal to final bow—felt like a dream. It wasn’t just about steps and timing. It was about learning how to perform with intention, how to hold space on a professional stage, and how to trust the process (and your teammates) completely.

❤️ Gratitude and Growth

It takes a village to pull off a performance of this scale, and Layla’s heart is full of gratitude. To the families, friends, teachers, sponsors, and local businesses who supported the team along the way: thank you. Every donation, ride to rehearsal, late-night pep talk, and shared social post helped make this dream possible.

Most importantly, Layla walked away with something that can’t be measured in applause: confidence. The kind that grows when you know you’ve worked hard, stepped up, and delivered something unforgettable.

✨ What’s Next?

After experiencing the electric energy of a Broadway-caliber stage, Layla is more inspired than ever. Her performance at the Chita Rivera Awards was a defining moment — not just in her dance journey, but in her life. With new connections, new mentors, and a newfound sense of possibility, this is just the beginning.

As Layla said the next morning (with glitter still on her lashes):
“I’ve never felt more alive on stage. I want to keep chasing that feeling.”

Stay tuned for more exciting updates as Layla continues dancing, performing, and growing — one step, one spotlight, one standing ovation at a time.

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